Development Objectives

The ultimate development objective is to bridge the digital divide, in terms of knowledge and opportunities, among communities in Malaysia through the provision of ICT tools and training required to effectively utilize educational and development-related information to participate in the K-economy for social and economic betterment.

At the project level, the objective of this pilot initiative is to find more effective and sustainable approaches to bridge the digital divide with a view to inform Government policies and future programmes/projects.  Specifically, it is hoped this pilot will produce a working model that will help the Ministry to improve or expand the current STIC project “Schools as Centres of ICT for the Community” or to add the community element to other school and ICT projects.

Strategies for Reaching the Development Objectives

The Community Portal is similar to the School Portal except that, in addition to educational information, it would also deliver information on social services, economic opportunities, government programmes, and so forth.  As many government forms and services are now provided on-line, including university application, users would be able to download and, where possible, electronically submit forms; thus avoid mail delay, long queues, and special trips into town. As with the School Portal, the Community Portal can include a database of development-related information to deepen awareness of social, environmental, and other important issues.  The database can also provide locally relevant information such as best agricultural practices, soil and crop classification, family health, education, and so forth.

In building the capacity of teachers, students, and community members, the project seeks to encourage maximum beneficiary participation as a way to foster a sense of local ownership among the stakeholders.  The Headmistress/master, School and Community E-learning Committees, computer clubs, Parent Teacher Associations, and other  community organizations all have important roles to play in contributing to the sustainability of the school/community ICT hub   

It is proposed that the project operate on a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model which may include strong and sustained private sector support.  After an initial demonstration period of operation and training, not exceeding 18 months from the signing of the project, it is proposed that ownership of the school/community ICT hub be transferred to the Schools Division of the Ministry.