Power of Online Social Networking

This article in The New York Times is an interesting read:

"The Media Equation: 
HOW OBAMA TAPPED INTO SOCIAL NETWORKS' POWER"

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/10/business/media/10carr.html?scp=1&sq=the%20media%20equation&st=cse

Many of us are familiar with some of the popular social networks like Facebook, Friendster and Geni. Many local communities and interest groups in Malaysia have also developed their own online social networks. In "Bridging the Digital Divide" initiatives by the Government - the pilot projects as described in posts on this blog, namely Taninet, Infodesa and e-Wargakota , the initial promoters had initiated and demonstrated the benefits of social networking which could be promoted among the marginalised sections of our society. Unfortunately, these efforts were not continued nor further developed by the powers that be who are responsible for the continuation or roll-out of the projects. 

Development of Telecentres in Malaysia

There are numerous telecentres, totaling more than 1500 telecentres throughout Malaysia, some being developed by the government, others by NGOs and private ventures. The Federal and some State Governments have and will continue spending big sums of money in setting up community telecentres, some costing up to more than RM300,000.00 each. These monies are well spent if the telecentres are being optimally utilised by the people and bring in development for members and the communities at large.

Unfortunately, independent studies and even cursory evaluation when one visits some of the telecentres show that many such centres are not properly or optimally being used by the communities they are supposed to cater for. There are solutions to this issue, but it needs concerted effort and serious commitment from the powers that be.

The above chart illustrates what can be achieved by proper planning and action on telecentre development. 

For detailed discussion please contact this writer.

Also refer to: A Framework for Designing Telecentres

ICT Applications: Simple Solutions to Complex Problems

Many organisations, in both government/public sector and commerce/private sectors are not aware or do not understand that there are many simpler solutions to some of their more complex problems in their day-to-day business processes with the use of ICTs. Thus, large sums of monies are spent on underutilised hardwares and softwares, resulting in inefficiencies and waste of resources.

Reference to the Malaysian experience, often there are mismatch between users and technology solution providers. Some leaders and personnel of organisations are unaware of local expertise in the country that can provide relatively inexpensive solutions; and on the other hand many technology solution providers lack the particular knowledge or experience to fully understand specific needs and requirements of organisations. Much needs to be done by all relevant parties to address this.

Malaysian Government and business corporations need to have more faith and provide opportunities and support to Malaysian ICT SMEs. There will be a win-all situation, and this will be in line with the Government's efforts for home grown ICT SMEs to expand locally and globaly.

Some experience and research done pertaining to this issue by this writer may be shared with interested parties.

Power of ICTs

The recent general elections in Malaysia demonstrated the power of using ICTs. Post elections the Prime Minister acknowledged that among the reasons his political coalition "Barisan Nasional" suffered substantial losses was the lack of use of ICTs by members of his party.