A very good morning to all, Ms Malika Ibrahim from the Ministry of Science and Technology (Head of Delegation), Ms. Lucia Moosa from the Ministry of Planning, Mr. Ibrahim Shafiu from Maldives Customs Service, and Mr. Hassan Sujau of the Public Service Division. We (UNDP Malaysia) and APDIP work closely together and are very proud to host your team here today. We hope you will find KL quite comfortable, and with a wealth of information and resources to gather during your stay.
In many ways I think Malaysia and Maldives have a lot to share. This is especially true as it concerns the challenges of bridging the digital divide (over islands and the sea) for Maldives, and, (over roads and villages) for Malaysia. From a global perspective, there is an estimated 429 million people online, but even this staggering number is small when considered in context. For example, of those 429 million, 41% are in North America. And, 429 million represents only 6% of the world's entire population! Other facts:

When assessed by region,

• 41% of the global online population is in the United States & Canada
• 27% of the online population lives in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, (25% of European Households are online)
• But only 20% of the online population logs on from Asia Pacific

Useful examples can be drawn from the Malaysian experience since it has progressed in the many areas related to ICTs. For example, in 1997 Malaysia enacted the Telemedicine Act, Digital Signature Act, and Computer Crimes Act, and in 1998, the Communication and Multimedia Act - which is a truly integrated response to a coverging media and ICT environment. In 1999, APDIP, the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) and MIMOS initiated a project entitled the "Mobile Internet Unit," which achieved much international success and response in terms of bringing information communication technologies (ICTs) to rural areas in Malaysia.

We should aim for the Maldives and other developing countries to achieve their own goals and targets in accordance with strategies identified nationally. Vision 2020 of the Maldives sets an important target to move it into one of the top-ranking nations amongst middle-income developing countries. This vision envisages moving the country into a knowledge-based economy via her educated, knowledgeable, and competent citizenry. A draft of the Maldives Policy document is now created and should be fine-tuned to fit the practical implications. The Policy document has identified four pillars, namely, ICT for Bridging the Digital Divide, ICT for Employment Creation, ICT for Human Resource, and ICT for Good Governance. These are important and attainable goals for the Maldives.

UNDP Malaysia and APDIP will, of course, be your partner and resource in terms of shaping this policy document and realizing the practical implications. I believe the agenda planned by APDIP will suitably accommodate some of your concerns and issues, and address other questions you might have. It should be an informal and open session over the week, to maximize the exchange of ideas and information. UNDP and APDIP have implemented many similar seminars and will draw on best practices from around the world to address your needs.

The challenge for you will be to bring this knowledge and expertise of the Malaysian experience back to the Maldives. Your choices along the way will be of utmost importance to piece together a solid ICT Policy environment deserving of a great country. It is not too late for the Maldives to take advantage of digital opportunities, and it will require strong leadership, vision, and practical tools to realize these goals.

I leave you now in good hands, to Mr. Shahid Akhtar and his team to share ideas with you. I would like to extend our best wishes and express fervent hope for success in your quest to reap the knowledge of the Malaysian experience, and for Maldives, to bridge the digital divide and the benefits of the information economy.