Malaysian pilot project bridges rural-urban digital gap

A pilot project aimed at bridging the digital divide between rural and urban areas is showing positive results. Since the "infosti@mosti" centre was opened in February, 800 people had been taught basic computer skills and 2,000 registered as regular users.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili said: "If the pilot project proves successful, the ministry will roll out more centres under the 10th Malaysia Plan."

Ongkili said this after attending a briefing at the centre on Saturday where he stressed that Infosti@mosti was content and application-driven, allowing the community to access and understand the potential of technologies, products and services available from the government, industries and the world market.

"Besides providing access to government online services, Infosti@mosti is also an online advisory centre for information on new technologies such as agricultural, industrial, e-commerce and e-services."

Ongkili, however, lamented the poor Internet connectivity in rural districts as a major hindrance in efforts to bridge the digital gap.

Read full article

See Train the Trainers Programme - Photo Gallery