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Choose local IT solutions, govt agencies told

* Berita ini terdapat dalam Bahasa Inggeris sahaja. PUTRAJAYA: All government agencies will soon be required to use local software and solutions whenever possible. The move is to give Malaysian ICT (information and communications technology) companies a chance to flourish in the local market and strengthen their products before pushing into global markets. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said a circular would be sent out, informing all government institutions to give preference to local software and solutions. He was speaking after officiating at the 21st MSC Malaysia Implementation Council Meeting (ICM) on Monday at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC). “At the meeting, I made an emphasis for ministries and government agencies to adopt local ICT solutions, provided these products are cost competitive and of high quality,” Najib said. The Prime Minister also called on the agencies to more extensively use electronic media to maintain contact with the public, such as e-mail, short message service, and even social networks like Twitter and Facebook. “For example, SMSes could be sent to warn the people of floods and potential landslides,” he said. Najib also said that Malaysia needs to work faster in creating an abundant supply of well-trained and multi-skilled ICT workers who are on par with their overseas counterparts. Reactions Pikom — the Association of the Computer and Multimedia Industry of Malaysia — welcomed the Prime Minister’s call. C.J. Ang, Pikom president, told In.Tech that the move is a boost for local industry players. “This is also definitely a plus for our enterprise-software companies — the Government is giving them more business,” he said. However, he cautioned that the “go local” plan if allowed to carry on for too long, could be construed by the foreign vendors as protectionism. “It could also put local vendors in a comfort zone that keeps them from striving to better their products to compete internationally,” Ang said. Microsoft Malaysia, local subsidiary of the US-based software giant, said the shift toward indigenous solutions will benefit its Malaysian partners. “Such encouragement from the Government, we hope, will result in more Made-in-Malaysia solutions, helping the nation to realise its high-value-economy aspirations and to nurture a culture of innovation amongst Malaysians,” said a spokesman for Microsoft Malaysia. He said the company has the largest ecosystem throughout the country — there are 5,000 partners nationwide, of which some 800 are independent software vendors. “Microsoft hopes the local software solutions industry will one day grow to be as big as what the manufacturing sector is to the Malaysian economy. “Along the way, we also hope that these Made-in-Malaysia solutions will elevate other existing economic sectors, such as agriculture, to a new level where the nation can compete even more efficiently with the rest of the world,” the spokesman said. The other meeting Tomorrow, the International Advisory Panel (IAP) will meet at the PICC. It will focus on how the MSC Malaysia initiative can assist the country’s economic recovery and create future prosperity via an innovation economy, develop world-class talents in Malaysians, and help attract investments. The panel, which includes international captains or industry, IT experts and academicians, helps guide the MSC Malaysia initiative. MSC Malaysia, conceptualised in 1996, is a government initiative to leapfrog the country’s knowledge-based economy and move the people into the Information Age. Foreign and home grown companies, numbering more than 900, are part of the initiative and are operating in high-tech areas nationwide. These businesses are involved in R&D work, multimedia products and services, as well as information and communications technology (ICT). By STEVEN PATRICK The Star

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13 Village Libraries In Sarawak Start Operation By Next Month

KUCHING, Nov 9 (Bernama) -- A total of 13 village libraries will be in operation by end of next month to act as knowledge and social centres for the local communities, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan said on Monday. He said that under the federal government funding, the projects included new buildings or renovations, furniture and fittings, information communication technology (ICT) components, library collections and two staff to manage the libraries. He added that 23 village libraries were established in Sarawak from 2005 to 2007, and they continuously received books from the National Library. "Under the federal development grant, 11 village libraries with ICT facilities were established together with three units of Multimedia Mobile Library for Kuching, Sarikei and Lawas," he said when tabling the Sarawak State Library (Amendment) Bill 2009 here at the state assembly here on Monday. He said that over a hundred village libraries had benefited from enhanced ICT facilities under a Universal Service Provision (USP) programme financed by the federal government to bridge the digital divide between the urban and non-urban areas. "The project was implemented in four phases, which began in 2003 until 2006. To date, there are 184 libraries in Sarawak which benefited from this programme." Dr Chan said that as of Dec 31 last year, Sarawak had 247 static and nine mobile libraries. He said that the Sarawak State Library (Amendment) Bill 2009 would further strengthen and upgrade the management of the Sarawak State Library in its function as a state library and state depository. It was deemed appropriate to amend the relevant provisions in the Sarawak State Library Ordinance 1999 to put in place specific procedures to ensure proper preservation of the archives, he said. The bill was later passed. -- BERNAMA

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Ministry to communicate with youth via Facebook

* Berita ini terdapat dalam Bahasa Inggeris sahaja. KUCHING: The Ministry of Social Development and Urbanisation (KPSU) will launch its Facebook next year and aims for a closer relation with the youth community via the website. KPSU permanent secretary Soedirman Aini said the page is to give opportunity for everyone to provide ideas and opinions on the progress of the nation’s youth. “Facebook will be a platform for youths in this country to exchange ideas while at the same time leading towards the development of the people, especially youths.” “Apart from that, Facebook aims to provide an opportunity for Malaysian youths to interact with outsiders, such as Indonesia, which in return would lead to better understanding of each other,” Soedirman said during a dinner with delegates from Komite Nasional Pemuda Indonesia (KNPI) on Friday night. The visit from KNPI of Kalimantan Barat was the first ever by the group. KNPI chief delegate Rifal SP said the visit intends to strengthen the relation between communities from both countries and understand their culture, especially in Kuching. “We hope similar visits will be done more often to improve ties between the people from both countries,” Rifal said. Sodirman said the visit opens path for better understanding as it provides factual information to visitors here. The visit is jointly organised by KPSU, Kuching City South Commission (DBKU), Yayasan Sarawak, Sarawak State Legislative Assembly, Saberkas and the Smart Community. The delegates comprising 40 persons are in Kuching on a four-day visit since Dec 17. source: The Borneo Post

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Keep up with changes and acquire ICT skills, community heads told

* Berita ini terdapat dalam Bahasa Inggeris sahaja. KUCHING: Community leaders, particularly ketua kampung or village chiefs, were yesterday asked to further improve themselves by participating in programmes offered by the government in areas of information and communication technology (ICT).Science, Technology and Innovation Deputy Minister Fadillah Yusof said times were changing and that in line with that change, one of the most important skills needed was ICT. He said this when officiating at the biennial general meeting of Kuching Division Malay Community Leaders Association at Yayasan Sarawak building here. In order to adapt to changing times, Fadillah said it was vital for community leaders to enhance their knowledge, skills and information through various programmes. “All community and village leaders must keep up with changes. “The government has provided a variety of courses and programmes for you (community leaders) in ICT as well as in areas of management and administration,” Fadillah added. He also said community leaders needed to have the skills to acquire information through the Internet. “You should not just learn how to use the computer, but also know how to acquire information through the Internet and how to communicate through it, especially with the younger generation. “You need to have information, facts and figures so that you can extend knowledge to those at the grassroots level,” the deputy minister stressed. “Even the prime minister is using Facebook and Twitter to communicate with the rakyat. I also use Facebook to communicate with the people. That is how we communicate now. Times have changed and we must adapt to it,” he reiterated. The Kuching Division Malay Community Leaders Association was established in 2007 with the objectives of uniting community leaders to improve understanding among each other and providing an avenue for community leaders to exchange views and input on issues concerning them. It was the association’s second meeting since its establishment and was attended by some 100 community leaders and ketua kampung. Fadillah also pledged a RM5,000 contribution to the association for its activities. source: The Borneo Post

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ICT, media network formation on the way

* Berita ini terdapat dalam Bahasa Inggeris sahaja. KUCHING: The formation of the state’s information and communication technology (ICT) and media network will be on its way in March this year.Angkatan Zaman Mansang (Azam), Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (Sains) and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) are planning to form a network bringing together stakeholders in the information industry, especially the media, to enhance access to information pertinent to ICT and reporting skills. “The ultimate goal is to improve the media’s ICT reporting skills in the state so they will be able to convey issues on ICT more effectively to the public. We are also building a network as a medium where the media and the sources of ICT development can communicate effectively,” said Azam general manager Rosalind Yang during a brainstorming session with representatives from the media, Sains and Unimas yesterday. The state feels it’s important to keep the public informed on current ICT issues to keep them ahead of other countries. “In depth knowledge on ICT development will help encourage positive things such as business competitiveness through ICT and help online entrepreneurs market their product. Therefore, it is hoped that through this network, the media can help disperse ICT matters to the public more effectively,” she said. Rosalind also encouraged members of the media who are interested in polishing their skills in ICT reporting to join the network this March. According to Sains head of business development and corporate communications Lucy Wong, Sains and Azam will set up a secretariat team to facilitate a page on Facebook that is set up to create a common venue for network participants. On measures taken by Sains in promoting ICT in the state, she said Sains is lobbying for more federal allocations to develop network infrastructure. Sains is also working with mobile operators to help set up Internet connections in rural areas. “Sarawak came in fourth in Malaysia for internet penetration. Geographically, we are quite secluded from the mainland and the internet highway can be used as a channel to get closer to the rest of Malaysia and truly embrace the spirit of 1Malaysia,” said Wong. by Zoee Hillson; The Borneo Post

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TM to up broadband penetration by 20 pct

* Berita ini terdapat dalam Bahasa Inggeris sahaja. KUCHING: Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) is targeting to increase its broadband penetration in Sarawak to at least 20 per cent by end of 2010. TM Sarawak general manager Omar Zaki Mustafa yesterday said the current broadband penetration of the company in the state is 17 per cent. He explained that TM had carried out several measures such as offering special Internet packages and increasing wireless points in order to increase its broadband penetration in the state. Such measures are in line with the government’s initiative to have 50 per cent broadband penetration throughout the nation by end of this year, said Omar. “The target of Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (SKMM) is 50 per cent by 2010. The target is not only for TM but for all operators including P1, Redtone, DiGi and Maxis. “TM is currently contributing around 17 per cent and we are targeting to increase that to over 20 per cent by end of 2010,” he told reporters after the launching of ‘SME Biz Net Seminar 2010’ at a hotel here. On the cost incurred, Omar explained that the cost would be mainly in the infrastructure such as putting up additional electronic components since the telecommunication company already had the network in residential areas. “Our line capacity in Sarawak is almost 600,000 fixed lines whilst our customers are only 260,000. Only 50 per cent is being utilised at the moment. So, if any of our customers want to subscribe the Streamyx, we can give them the services immediately,” he said. Omar pointed out that TM is also targeting to have around 1,000 wireless points throughout the state by 2010 from current ‘limited number of wireless points in Kuching and Miri’. The overall target throughout the nation is 10,000 wireless points, he said. “TM is pushing on our Streamyx services. We are offering many special packages to our customers. We are pushing new packages for students in particular university students where they could get a free netbook with the package,” he said. He added that the company also offered similar packages to their staff. Apart from that, TM is collaborating with SKMM to put up nine more Community Broadband Centres (CBC) in Sarawak, said Omar. “TM is one of the companies selected by SKMM to put up 18 CBCs for the whole Sarawak. Currently, we already have nine CBCs, of which the balance would be put up by end of this year,” he said. He pointed out that the CBCs provided by TM are equipped with 10 to 20 computers with high speed broadband service. The CBCs could be found, for instance, in Kota Samarahan, Julau, Darat and Simunjan, he said. The SME Biz Net 2010 was part of TM’s nationwide programmes for its small and medium enterprises (SMEs) customers. The main objective was to give awareness to SMEs on latest products, services and technology provided by the telco company to help SMEs in fulfilling their telecommunication needs. Some 200 attendees were briefed by TM on its products such as Internet Protocol Virtual Private Network (IPVPN), TM Direct Services, Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT), infoblast and many more. Earlier in his opening remarks, Omar said he was confident that TM could help their customers in facing the global challenges by offering products and services which are tailored and customised to their requirement. He pointed out that products and services provided by TM could help SMEs to achieve competitive performance with smaller budgets, to compete with larger businesses in an open market and to minimise IT complexity. “This is certainly a win win situation where TM offers effective and quality services at affordable prices to its customers which will result in greater sales and higher revenue for their company,” he said. by Lee Ya Yun; The Borneo Post

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Hoping for state-wide broadband coverage

* Berita ini terdapat dalam Bahasa Inggeris sahaja. KUCHING: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan yesterday expressed his hope for DiGi Telecommuni-cations Sdn Bhd (DiGi) to expand its Internet services throughout the state by end of 2010. He said aggressive efforts carried out by DiGi and other service providers were essential to help Sarawak to achieve its target of 50 per cent broadband penetration by this year. Dr Chan pointed out that with such broadband penetration combining with quality internet services, it would create a competitive environment for the state in particular for business and investment. “Information, communication and technology (ICT) is an important tool for us to be competitive and move forward in this globalisation era. “The good internet services not only benefit our own people, but also investors. One of the criteria for the state to be a good investment location is fast broadband services,” he said this during the launching of DiGi Internet service in Kuching at tHe Spring here. DiGi, which just launched its Internet services in Sarawak yesterday, is currently covering only Kuching. It is planning to expand its Internet services to Miri by the second half of this year. The Internet services of the company are also available in the Klang Valley, Penang, Perak and Kota Kinabalu. Also present at the launching were Deputy Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum, DiGi chief executive officer Johan Dennelind and head of Sarawak DiGi Benny Wee. Dr Chan, also the Tourism and Heritage Minister and Infrastructure Development Minister, said ICT had been increasingly embedded into the government’s day-to-day function. He pointed out that the Sarawak e-government portal which had been operating since 1995 was playing an important role as a bridge to link the people and businesses with the state government. “Today, we even have E-DUN (State Legislative Assembly). It is a web based electronic access system that allows the submission of questions and answers by members of DUN online. It further allows information regarding the assembly proceedings to be reviewed by Sarawakians online. “This helps to ensure the transparency and accountability,” he said, adding that the e-government portal had grown into a comprehensive one stop resource that offers everything from e-recruitment to e-payment of bills. by Lee Ya Yun, The Borneo Post

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PRS Balleh providing Internet facilities

* Berita ini terdapat dalam Bahasa Inggeris sahaja. KAPIT:  Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Balleh Service Centre is now providing Internet facilities to the people here, particularly those from the rural areas who do not have ICT facilities. PRS president, Land Development Minister Dato Sri Dr James Jemut Masing, launched the service centre located at the 2nd floor, Lot 546 Jalan Penghulu Nyanggau on Friday. Masing said the service is to assist the rural community, especially youths, to access the Internet to look for employment opportunities as well as apply on-line  to enter various institutions of higher learning. “We have three sets of computers connected to the Internet, in addition to a printer and a scanner for      the convenience of the Internet users, for use free of charge. “With such a service in place, it is hoped that the local community who have no Internet facilities would benefit from the programme,” he said. He added that the Internet service is for all in Kapit and not just PRS Balleh and Pelagus members. The centre is open on Mondays to Fridays from 8am to 5pm. Those who wish to use the service can contact officer in charge Tuai Rumah Gare Timbang. Masing, however, warned users not to abuse the Internet facility for purposes other than  those related to employment or  education. Among those present at the launching ceremony were a political secretary to the Chief Minister Wilson Nyabong, PRS  Pelagus Youth Wing chief Ellison Silo Bilun, Sarawak          Energy manager Stanley Unya, and PRS Balleh treasurer councillor Tan Kian Ho. PRS CLOSING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE: (Seated from right) Masing launches the PRS Internet centre witnessed by Wilson, Stanley and other PRS members. by The Borneo Post

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Use Internet to better convey government policies: Empiang

* Berita ini terdapat dalam Bahasa Inggeris sahaja. KUCHING: Popular new media such as blogs and social networking websites — facebook, youtube and twitter — must be fully utilised to better convey government policies to the public, said Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Womenís chief Senator Dato Sri Empiang Jabu. While encouraging her associates throughout the state to embrace the new media for enhancing closer rapport with youngsters, she said it is time for women to show their talents and take various challenges seriously besides being open minded to new ideas and approaches. “We shall also be innovative and creative in our undertakings. This includes being receptive to any feedback from the ground to improve our service delivery system,” she said before Chief Minister and PBB president Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud declared open the PBB Youth Women’s triennial general meeting (TGM) at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK). Empiang said it was imperative for women to constantly acquire the latest knowledge to stay competitive in any industries. They must also grab every opportunity, be it educational, economic, social or political offered by the government, she said. She recalled that in the 1960s, it was rare for women to be at the decision-making level, but things had changed over the decades. She was also pleased that women in the state were given a fair chance to participate in decision-making and some of them are already hold key positions in both the public and private sector. She then pointed to several national women leaders such as Senator Datuk Seri Shahrizat Jalil, Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz and Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen as well as state women leaders like the late Datuk Patinggi Puan Sri Laila Taib and Datuk Sharifah Mordiah Tuanku Fauzi as examples of role models for all women. Empiang requested the state government to increase womenís participation in decision-making to some 30 per cent as women had proved their capabilities. Under the 1Malaysia concept, she urged her wing to gather views from the general public as she believed that information could be useful for the government to provide what the people need. She conceded that infrastructure development in the state was still far behind compared to that in West Malaysia. Hence she called on the federal government to increase the number of facilities and amenities such as kindergartens, clinics, and training centres in the state. by The Borneo Post

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Dept entrusted to develop airborne monitoring system

* Berita ini terdapat dalam Bahasa Inggeris sahaja. LAMBIR: Sarawak Forestry Department was entrusted by the state government to develop an airborne monitoring system so as to further enhance surveillance and enforcement capacity.In this respect, the Forest Department is working with Spectral Imaging of Finland (Specim) to set up a fast response airborne hyper spectral sensing solution that could be mobilised in short notice. Department director Datu Len Talif Salleh yesterday disclosed, in the long run, the department would be thinking to further collaborate with both local and foreign institutions such as Carnegie  Institution of Science, University Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) and University Putra Malaysia (UPM) to further enhance the understanding in tropical rainforest ecosystem dynamics. Sarawak Forestry Department yesterday launched the International Collaboration for the Development of Mixed Dipterocarp Forest Spectral Database and Forest Department Sarawak Airborne Hyper Spectral Sensing Programme at Borneo Tropical Rainforest Resort in Lambir, Miri. Len  said the department would also be looking at the development of new applications that were associated with these parameters. “The collaboration efforts that we see today resembles the commitment by both Sarawak and Malaysian government in improving understanding on forest ecosystem functions and also in looking at ways to  effectively manage forest resources in a sustainable manner,” he said in a speech delivered by deputy director of Forests, Sarawak, Ali Yusop. Len is confident that with all the commitments from all parties, this International Collaboration for the Development of Spectral Database of Mixed Dipterocarp Forest at Lambir National Park and Airborne Hyper Spectral Sensing Programme would benefit not only the department but also the state. The Forest Department has taken a step further by establishing its own airborne sensing facility in 2009 to supplement satellite mission and at the same time promote the advancement of high technology such as hyper spectral sensing into research and development within the department. Over the first year, the department has successfully developed several end-user applications through its research and development activities. Although initially meant for in-house operations, the department has plans to further develop some of these applications for commercialisation and for use to other state agencies. One of such application is in mapping the health status of the planted forest stands, which could be extended for mapping nutrient and disease outbreak in large-scale agriculture plantations. Geospatial information and technologies are increasingly becoming effective tools to resolve issues faced by societies around the world. Geospatial technology has also been accepted as a key  operational tool for organisations working in environment. Amongst the technologies are global positioning systems (GPS), geographical information systems (GIS), remote sensing. These technologies have contributed immensely to addressing issues in natural resources management. “The state government is committed to resolving these issues and therefore supports the use and applications of geospatial information and technology in managing the natural resources in the state,” he added. Therefore, the state government is prepared to support initiative like this which is aimed at encouraging the personnel in the department to enhance their knowledge and capabilities in the use of these technologies. Sarawak Forest Depart-ment started using GIS in 1995 through a bilateral project with German government. Since then, the state in 1998 had approved for the procurement of GIS. The system’s overall objective is to establish an efficient and operational forest management information system using GIS as a tool to support and strengthen the department to carry out its mandate as the custodian of the state’s forest resources. “Contrary to most accusations on developed countries, the guiding principal behind the sustainable forest management model adopted particularly by the state and Malaysia in general takes into consideration all these factors, where forest resources are utilised at a rate that is able to support both economic and social development without impairing the permanent value of the forest,” he said. In this respect, the state has also realised the importance of good governance among regulatory agencies such as Sarawak Forest Department to ensure compliance to the various policies and regulations. A total of 50 scientists and researchers from Carnagie Airborne Observatory (CAO) University of Stanford USA, University Malaysia Sarawak, University Putra Malaysia and staff of the state Forest Department attended the workshop. source from : The Borneo Post