AN ICT FIESTA FOR THE PEOPLE OF TUARAN

OPERATE....The Technorama-iT Fiesta crew showing Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor how to operate a toy-helicopter using the Ipad.

By : REBECCA CHONG

THE STATE level Technorama-iT Fiesta was held in SMK Tamparuli on 29th October 2012 until the 1st of November 2012. 12 primary and secondary schools from Tuaran district each sent 8 students to participate in this event.

The Technorama-iT Fiesta is a 4-day-workshop, which combines 3 programs, namely,  Technorama-iT, Techno-vision and Digital Story Telling (DST). The aim of this fiesta is to familiarise rural children with the latest technology and equipment

Students who participated in this workshop were introduced the new ICT skills which include producing a short digital film.

12-year-old Amanda Mellisa Azman, who was one of the participants from SK Tinambak Tamparuli, said that it was a wonderful experience learning ICT with her friends.

"It was fun learning how to make a short film by using a laptop and a video camera. I hope to attend more ICT courses and workshops in the future." she added.

"In line with the Government's aspiration, Sabahans should always try to find opportunity to attain ICT-related skills and knowledge," Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor said during the closing ceremony of the State level Technorama-iT Fiesta. Hajiji as the State Assemblyman of Sulaman, who is also the Minister of Local Government and Housing commented that ICT could enhance one's life to become more competitive and ready for future challenges.

Hajiji also pointed out that broadband penetration rate of Sabah is now at 34% and the Federal Government is still striving to increase this achievement so that the people of Sabah could keep up with the international standard of ICT technology. The giving out of 1Malaysia laptops for free to people from the low-income group is one of the Government's efforts in ensuring that our new generations will not be left behind in the pursuit of the ICT advancement.

Jerry Justin, a teacher from SK Tinambak Tamparuli said that the fiesta provides a platform for the students in rural areas to gain ICT knowledge, and at the same time, increase their interests in ICT-related skills. "The children are exposed to ICT like never before, and we see their interest grow. I strongly suggest that this fiesta should allow more participations in the following years," he added.

During the closing ceremony of the fiesta, Hajiji also announced that the Ministry of Resource Development and Information Technology has set up two e-Desa centres in Indai, Tuaran and Topokon, Tamparuli.

He further added, "I hope that the people in Tuaran and Tamparuli would fully utilise the facilities provided by the Government."

Hajiji also advised the youngsters to put their ICT skill to good use and  not to misuse the technology given by the Government. (Insight Sabah)