Asian countries have greatly contributed in the
development of Information and Communications Technology (ICT). It has
become an important tool in enabling social, economic and political growth
in the region. However, changes in its applications require a transformation
of processes to adopt and respond to new technologies. The rapid technological
changes call for a new breed of knowledge necessary in carrying out effective
service delivery. Each country has adopted different methods in retooling
and harnessing their IT manpower. Some of these methods were effective
while some were largely slow and inefficient in responding to the changing
environment of ICT. A call for cooperation is needed to duplicate best
practices.
The
Organizers
The
Asian Forum for Information Technology (AFIT) was established by the Center
of the International Cooperation for Computerization (CICC), a public-interest
organization based in Japan which assists developing countries in their
computerization. CICC has been taking initiatives to narrow the digital
divide by amplifying the IT infrastructure, promoting IT-related industries,
training and utilizing personnel. CICC has been involved in support programs
like training programs on human resources, joint development programs
for the solution of technical challenges common among developing countries,
standardization promotion programs and support program for information
exchange.
This
year, the Philippines was given the privilege to host the 4th AFIT. As
the lead agencies for ICT, the Commission on Information and Communications Technology
(CICT) together with the NCC was tasked to
organize the event. The CICT is the primary policy, planning, coordinating, implementing, regulating,
and administrative entity of the executive branch of Government that promotes,
develops, and regulates integrated and strategic ICT systems and reliable
and cost-efficient communication facilities and services together. An
organization under CICT, the National Computer Center (NCC) is in charge
of directing and promoting ICT use for national development and rationalizing
computerization in the government.
The
Forum
CICC
established the AFIT with the
objective of promoting active information exchange in the region. It is
composed of government IT organizations from nineteen (19) Asian countries.
The
4th AFIT is not just a local event benefiting the country but an international
event that will ultimately redound to the good of the entire Asian ICT
industry. Slated on October 19 to 21, 2005 at the Plantation Bay Resort
and Spa, Mactan, Cebu, the event will bring together senior officials
in the field of ICT from different Asian countries to share technological
advances in ICT.
This
year’s forum carries the theme “ IT Professional Human Resource
Development and National IT Promotion Status”. The discussion will
focus on the qualification and technical ability of IT professionals.
IT professionals from different Asian countries are expected to share
their countries’ experiences, trends, problems encountered and best
practices. By exchanging information, the forum aims to present ways and
alternatives of addressing current problems and duplicating best practices.
Who will Attend
The
event will bring together ICT professionals from governmental organizations
related to Information Technology to share experiences and latest trends
in human resource development. These are representatives from the following countries:
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