Realising the importance and significance of creating an Information Society, the National Summit of Information Society (NASIS) will be held on 07 - 08 September 2005 at the International Convention Centre, Berakas, Brunei Darussalam.

NATIONAL SUMMIT ON INFORMATION SOCIETY (NASIS)

NASIS is the first ever gathering of all stakeholders (government, non-government organizations, business entities, civil societies and the private sector), including students in Brunei Darussalam to discuss related issues on Information Society at the national level.  Among the issues to be discussed in the various sessions includes Bridging the Digital Divide, Ethical Dimensions of the Information Society, Human Resources Capacity Development and others.

• Background

NASIS is based on the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS), the first phase of which was held in Geneva from 10 - 12 December 2003.  Among the follow-up actions agreed following WSIS was to have a National Summit on INformation Society where important information on WSIS will be disseminated and specific action plans will be discussed to be implemented by all relevant sectors.  NASIS will be attended by all stakeholders from both the Government and private sector.

• Objective

The objectives of NASIS are:-

• To disseminate the necessary information on WSIS and the main points of both the WSISI Declaration of Principles and WSIS Plan of Action;
• To discuss several selectdd issues related to the establishment of an Information Society, their importance and how they shall be addressed in Brunei Darussalam context;
• To share among the participants of NASIS, the roles and activities of each stakeholder in the Information Society and the progress of their achievement;
• To agree on a national strategy paper towards the creation of an Information Society in Brunei Darussalam; and
• To agree on a set of specific realistic, achievable and sustainable targets and action lines on a national level.

• Deliverable

The deliverable of NASIS will be a national strategy paper towards the creation of an Information Society in Brunei Darussalam which will contain the fundamental principles of an Information Society in the context of Brunei Darussalam.

The National Action Plan will also be issued and it will contain activities to be implemented by the relevant stakeholders in order to create and Information Society.  Generally, NASIS is a forum of future directions.

• Program and Activities

NASIS will be held on 07 - 08 September 2005.  Several interesting issues will be discussed by various speakers in different sessions.

Public participation are highly welcomed for the conference with a registration fee of B$50.00 per delegate.

The completed registration form should be submitted to:-

NASIS Secretariat

2^nd Floor, Ministry of Communications

Jalan Menteri Besar

Bandar Seri Begawan BB3910

Brunei Darussalam

Fax No.: 2380389

e-Mail: rahemah.metali@mincom.gov.bn

e-APPLICATIONS EXPO

The e-Applications Expo will be held from 07 - 10 September 2005 at the Multi-Purpose Hall, International Convention Centre, Brunei Darussalam.  With no admission fee, the public is invited to visit the expo from 7^th - 10^th September 2005 from 10am to 6pm.

• Objective

This Expo will gather all stakeholders from both the Government and private sector to exhibit and share the ICT application(s) that each organisation has already deployed in operation and management services or has even extended to marketing and sales services within the organisation or in other organisation.  Among the e-Applications that will be exhibited are e-Goverment applications, e-Business and e-Banking.

• Participation

This expo will be participated by both the Government and private sector.  If your company has an e-Application to exhibit and would like to participate in this expo, the information you may need to know are as follows:-

• Floor Layout Plan

• Rental

Booth rental and charges - 3m x 3m at B$1,000.00 for 4 days

                                         3m x 4m at B$1,200.00 for 4 days

Raw Space - B$30.00 per sq. m

• Reservations

Reservations can be made with :

Cityneon Displays and Constructions Sdn Bhd

Lot 42, Beribi Light Industrial Estate, Phase II,

Gadong BE1118

Brunei Darussalam

Attn.: Mr. Jack Ting (8713596)

Reservations of booth spaces will be taken on first come first serve basis.

Information on World Summit on Information Society (WSIS)

(www.itu.int/wsis)

• Background of WSIS

The global information society is evolving at breakneck speed.  The accelerating convergence between telecommunications, broadcasting multimedia and information and communication technologies (ICTs) is driving new products and services, as well as ways of conducting business and commerce.  The modern world is undergoing a fundamental transformation as the industrial society that marked the 20^th century rapidly gives way to the information society of the 21^st century.  This dynamic process promises a fundamental change in all aspects of our lives, including knowledge dissemination, social interaction, economic and business practices, political engagement, media, education, health, leisure and entertainment.  We are indeed in the midst of a revolution, perhaps the greatest that humnity has ever experienced.  To benefit the world community, the successful and continued growth of this new dynamic requires global discussion and harmonisation in appropriate areas.

However, while the digital revoution has extended the frontiers of the global village, the vast majority of the wolrd remains unhooked from this unfolding phenomenon.  With the ever-widening gulf between knowledge and ignorance, the development gap between the rich and the poor among and within countries has also increased.  It has therefore become imperative for the world to bridge this digital divide.

• Creation and Role of WSIS

Thus the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) was created, whereby the framework was endorsed under the UN General Assembly Resolution 56/183.  WSIS will provide a unique opportunity for all key stakeholders to assemble at a high-level gathering and to develop a better understanding of this revolution and its impact on the international community.  It aims to bring together Heads of State, Executive Heads of United Nations agencies, industry leaders, non-governmental organisations, media representatives and civil society in a single high-level event.  The roles of the various partners (Member States, UN specialised agencies, private sector and civil society) in ensuring smooth coordination of the practical establishment of the information society around teh globe are at the heart of the Summit and its preparation.

WSIS is being held in two phases, the first of which was held in Geneva in December 2003, while the second phase will be held in Tunisia in November 2005

• Deliverables

The anticipated outcome of the Summit is to develop and foster a clear statement of political will and a concrete Plan of Action for achieving the goals of the Information Society, while fully reflecting all the different interests at stake.

From the 1^st phase of WSIS the Declaration of Principles and the Plan of Action were adopted.

The second phase of WSIS will be held in Tunisia in November 2005.

Related Sites:

Press Release on Information Society