Ict Working Group Identifies Strategic Projects For Bimp-Eaga

KOTA KINABALU (Sabah, Malaysia), Feb 6 (Bernama) -- The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Working Group for the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines–East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) has identified three major projects to be included in the BIMP-EAGA Implementation Blueprint for 2012-2016. They are the ICT Rural Outreach Programme (iROP), BIMP-EAGA Rink (Submarine Cable) and Intelligent Clearance Identification (iClid), a statement issued by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) said today. These projects, anchored on technological advancements, were highlighted during the Strategic Planning for 2012, chaired by Hajah Airah Haji Abdullah, Acting Director of Communications, Ministry of Communications, Brunei Darussalam, held in Manila recently. "These technological advancements in BIMP-EAGA are very promising. World-class infrastructure, knowledge and ICT systems will soon be within our reach, enabling us to tap its potentials to benefit the people of Mindanao,” said Luwalhati R. Antonino, Chairperson of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the Philippine-EAGA Signing Minister. The iROP and iCLID secured funding support and have qualified to be listed for the two-year rolling plan for 2012-2013. BIMP-EAGA Rink will be carried forward to the next rolling plan for 2013-2014. The iROP is a BIMP-EAGA outreach programme to improve ICT literacy among the rural communities through construction of computer telecentres, with e-Learning models and mobile applications. The Philippines has identified 30 pilot sites for the computer telecentres in the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Each pilot site is expected to have 20 computers. Brunei has successfully implemented the programme's first phase which includes training courses on e-commerce and the establishment of ICT centres equipped with Internet broadband and related applications. Meanwhile, E.A. Trilink Inc, the Philippines' private sector leader of the programme, is investing US$33 million for the installation of around 2,000 telecentres in the ARMM. The iCLID project uses a combination of radio-frequency identification and web technology to facilitate cross-border movement of goods and vehicles within the BIMP-EAGA sub-region. Brunei has already implemented the first phase of the project in Sungai Tujoh and Kuala Lurah and will extend it to Sabah and Sarawak border checkpoints under the second phase. The cost for each checkpoint is estimated at around US$1.5 million. Another multi-million dollar ICT project incorporated in the BIMP-EAGA Implementation Blueprint is the BIMP-EAGA Rink or Submarine Cable intended to transform the BIMP-EAGA area into a new hub and an investment centre using a hybrid communications platform which utilises sea cables and satellites or terrestrial systems. -- BERNAMA