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<strong>Contents</strong> 3 & 4 - <strong>Connect</strong>ions 63 - Last Words 64 - Reply Card 6 Global development ICTs–Developing the human potential by Ambassador Dr Makarim Wibisono, Republic of Indonesia; Member of the UN-ICT Task Force; Former President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council ICTs boost economic and social development, help combat poverty and promote equality and gender empowerment. Developing countries trying to implement ICTs have often failed due to the quality of the available human resources. To foster sustainable human development, a concerted effort is needed to integrate ICTs into educational programmes and to promote learning as a basic human right. 26 Developing regions and technology <strong>Connect</strong>ing people—new technologies, new hope by Bill Owens, President and CEO, Nortel Networks For many of the worlds inhabitants telephone service is still a luxury. Half of Africas 800 million people and 75 per cent of China's 1.3 billion inhabitants have never made a phone call. Converged networks, using packet technologies, can make communication affordable and revolutionize the lives of such peoplehow they work, learn, receive medical services, travel and entertain. 11 14 National development Pervasive connectivity—towards building a knowledge society in Malaysia by The Honourable Dato’ Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik, Minister of Energy, Water and Communications, Malaysia Malaysia needs to build its ICT infrastructure and increase the effective use of information technology to make the transition from a low technology, labour-intensive economy, to a high value-added economy. It is extending access to all segments of society by providing access in government departments, schools, research institutions, hospitals, libraries and community centres. Digital television broadcasting in Australia by Lyn Maddock, Acting Chair, Australian Broadcasting Authority Digital television broadcasting is now available to more than 90 per cent of Australias population. The Australian Broadcasting Authority (ABA) has taken care to protect the rights of consumers, create a competitive market place, and foster the development of new broadcasting and data services during the transition to digital. 29 33 Business development Asian tigers in a global market—technology implications for smaller organisations by Derek Williams, Executive Vice-President, Oracle Corporation, Asia Pacific Division Most large enterprises and governments across Asia Pacific have embraced Internet-based business processes and application. Behind these large organisations, a network of small and midsize enterprises dominates Asia Pacifics business and is the backbone of the global commerce value chain. Asia Pacifics smaller organisations can become more competitive in the global value chain through strategic adoption of IT. Mobility and small business Mobile enterprise: big opportunities for smaller firms by Mats Victorin, Regional Head, Asia Pacific, Ericsson Enterprise 19 Implementing policy to bridge Korea’s digital divide by Dr Yeon-Gi Son, President/CEO, Korea Agency for Digital Opportunity and Promotion. As the business world becomes more global, enterprises, especially smaller one need to be more responsive, more available, more flexible and more efficient than ever Mobile enterprise solutions and services can play a key role in leveling the playing field for SMEs. For operators, this represents a great competitive opportunity to address the valuable enterprise segment. Korea, an information society leader, has the worlds highest broadband Internet penetration. The governments policies aim at promoting the digital inclusion of Korean society as a whole. The government provides many with subsidised or free equipment and Internet access. Now its focus is shifting towards promoting the more effective use of IT. Regional development–wireless broadband 22 Tax Office tip: to try technology; talk to taxpayers by Bill Gibson, Chief Information Officer, Australian Taxation Office 36 Broadband wireless, people and the economy by Guy J. Kelnhofer III, President and CEO, NextNet Wireless, Inc. Australias Tax Office has been working to make it easier and cheaper for people to comply with their tax obligations. Its Listening to the community programme and Simulation Centre allow designers and users of the tax system to share experiences. As a result, a series of on-line systems now provide businesses and tax agents with higher quality, more timely information. Asias Internet driven integration into the global economy has fuelled job creation. Workers migrating to regions with essential services and jobs bring crowding and overload the service in these regions. These jobs are terrific for economies and people, but threaten traditional family structures and debilitate regions left behind. Wireless broadband can inexpensively connect these regions and help reverse this decline. All articles are available online at: www.connect-world.com 1