AIC to beef up Asia’s ICT lead

CEBU, Philippines - The Asian Information and Communications Technology Council (AIC) is moving towards identifying the ICT strength of its member countries to further strengthen the lead of Asia in technology and communication development.

AIC chairman Gwo Jiunn Huang said in an interview that every country in Asia has a different role in reinforcing its strength in the ICT sector. The Philippines, for instance, should focus on improving its capability in outsourcing and IT-enabled services.

He said Taiwan, which used to be known for its manufacturing skill, is now moving to lead in the service-driven ICT capabilities.

Huang, together with other officials in the AIC, was in Cebu to meet with the members of the council in the recently concluded 27th Confederation of Asia Pacific Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) Conference.

While the Philippines has gotten global attention as top 8 emerging outsourcing investment destination in the world, it could improve its rank if proper development is implemented by both private sector and government players, he said.

He cited that for the Philippines to rise in the ICT and outsourcing map, emphasis should be placed on developing IT awareness for the public, on improving its e-infra and on its readiness for industry, technology and society for the mega-trend of ICT in the world.

He said good and updated infrastructure plays a very important role in sustaining the Philippines’ standing or even in moving it up to a higher ranking.

There is also a need for the Philippine government and the private sector players to overcome the digital divide by deploying massive awareness on technology in every part of the country.

He pointed out that technology development should not only be introduced in the highly urbanized cities but also in the rural areas, and people should also be involved as e-awareness campaign is very important to break or minimize the digital divide.

In fact, the AIC has started its initiative in arresting the digital divide problem among Asian countries through the establishment of APEC Digital Opportunity Center (ADOC), of which the Philippines is one of the beneficiaries.

This program, he said, will help the under privileged people to get access to the Internet and enjoy the current technology.

AIC is heavily involved in the deployment of ADOC program in the Philippines, he said.

He emphasized that the ADOC initiative utilizes the advantages of Taiwan’s ICT industry and its experience in developing an e-society to help APEC member economies like the Philippines upgrade their ICT application capabilities.

Hence, ADOC increases the digital opportunities available to vulnerable segments within the APEC community.

He said aside from reinforcing the strength in ICT of APEC member economies, developing technology-literate societies within the region is very important in order to make Asia the leading ICT player in the world.

The current ADOC’s partner member economies include Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Chile, Russia and Mexico. /JMD (FREEMAN)