Azlan Othman
Brunei Darussalam recognises the importance of a well-connected nation. “Our commitment to expanding access to telecommunications and information services has been unwavering,” Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha said.
The minister said this in commemoration of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) themed, ‘Empowering the Least Developed Countries through Information and Communication Technologies.’
WTISD is celebrated every May 17 to increase awareness on the tremendous possibilities that information and communication technologies (ICT) and the Internet can bring to the societies and economies globally.
The minister said, “It resonates strongly with our shared vision of a world where everyone has access and can benefit from the transformative power of information and communication technologies (ICTs).
“In an increasingly interconnected world, access to telecommunications and information has become an essential tool for social and economic development.
“It crosses geographical boundaries, connects people from different cultures, and provides individuals with knowledge and opportunities. It drives inclusive growth and a mean to build resilient societies. We will continue our efforts to ensure that our citizens can enjoy and benefit from the digital services and infrastructure provided by our service providers by focussing on continuously improving the availability, affordability, and reliability of our digital infrastructure.
“Investment in network infrastructure expansion and innovative solutions will continue to enable our citizens to communicate, access online services, and participate in the global digital economy activities and events regardless of their locations.
“As we celebrate WTISD today, we reaffirm our commitment to leave no one behind. Bridging the digital divide is a strategic investment in our country’s future. I am pleased to share that the progress of fixed broadband development, and the fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) network has now expanded to a total of 88 per cent of the population in the first quarter of 2023.
“This is in line with our efforts to increase the rate of Bruneians with access to broadband as a basic utility. We shall continue to invest in network infrastructure expansion and innovative solutions to also connect the rural and remote areas. Digital literacy and skill development is also a key to empower the citizens. Under our Digital Economy Masterplan 2025, we are gearing towards a digital and future ready society.
“In order to achieve this, we must equip our people with the knowledge and skills necessary to leverage technology effectively. We will continue to invest in programmes that promote digital literacy, improve IT education, and provide opportunities for our workforce to be trained to adapt to the changing digital landscape.
“The “Digital for All” conducted by Authority for Info-Communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) since January 2020 is an initiative introduced to help develop digital competencies for everyone including senior citizens.
“This initiative is supported by the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the private sector.
“This programme has since helped over 100 senior citizens to be part of a digital ready society by providing basic ICT skills training including e-commerce, online banking and cybersecurity.
In terms of cybersecurity, the relevant agencies in Brunei Darussalam will also continue to educate people from all walks of life to be more aware and agile to cyber security threats.
“Brunei Darussalam is also encouraging micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) to take up digitalisation and online businesses. Among these initiatives include the efforts by AITI to offer joint funding scheme called, “The Productivity and Efficiency Joint-Funding for Digital Adoption (PENJANA)” for businesses to take up digital solutions to enhance their productivity.
As we commemorate WTISD 2023, let us renew our commitment to the vision of a connected and inclusive world. Let us harness the power of technology to make a brighter future.
“We can work together to create a society in which no one is left behind, in which every individual has the opportunity to thrive, and in which the benefits of the digital revolution are shared by all.”
