OPENING
ADDRESS BY
ABDUL MUTALIB PEHIN DATO
YUSOF
PERMANENT
SECRETARY
MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS
NEGARA BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
ON
MONDAY,
8TH SEPTEMBER 2014
AT
APT DEVELOPMENT FORUM (ADF)
AT
INDERA
SAMUDERA
EMPIRE HOTEL AND COUNTRY CLUB JERUDONG
NEGARA BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
Mr. Toshiyuki Yamada, Secretary General, Asia-Pacific Telecommunity,
Mr Takamichi Kajiwara, Vice Chairman of the ADF,
Your Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen,
Assalamualaikum warrahmatullahi wabarakatuh and a very Good Morning to all of you.
1.
First of all, on behalf of the Government of His Majesty the Sultan
and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, I would like to extend a very
warm welcome to all delegates to the Asia Pacific Telecommunity
Development Forum (ADF).
2. Brunei
Darussalam is pleased to host the Asia Pacific Telecommunity Development
Forum (ADF) and the Asia-Pacific ICT Ministerial Meeting.
3.
Through the ADF and the upcoming Ministerial Meeting, we come together
to address and draw up strategic directions for the APT, towards a
sustainable ICT industry in the Asia Pacific region.
4. Through
this opportunity, we firmly believe that the cooperation among us can be
further developed in the many years to come. We certainly look forward
to enhancing our networking and knowledge sharing amongst the APT
circle for the benefit of all members and representatives of the region.
Excellencies, Distinguished delegates, Ladies and gentlemen,
5.
As you are aware, ICT has become an integral part of society. ICT has
become a facet to both our professional and personal lives. For
something that is able to influence the way we work, live and play, ICT
is certainly an enabler for growth in various sectors of the economy.
6.
This observation is accurately captured in the draft Brunei Darussalam
Statement of the Asia-Pacific ICT Ministers on "Building Smart Digital
Economy through ICT".
7. For the meeting over the next two days,
I observed with interest that the Ministerial Statement will be further
deliberated for recommendation to our Ministers at the Ministerial
Meeting.
8. I also understand that the document has gone
through a number of versions with the coordination of the Correspondence
Group led by Brunei Darussalam. Through such coordination, the
Ministerial Statement has been incorporated with invaluable and
analytical inputs from APT Members.
9. Your respective efforts
in ensuring the Ministerial Statement is a thorough and comprehensive
document are well and truly commended.
10. In fact, it is not
just a document. It outlines policy and regulatory guidelines, areas
for collaboration and harmonization of standards that are pre-requisites
to realize the theme of "Building Smart Digital Economy through ICT".
11. The Ministerial Statement
further reflects the importance we attach to entrepreneurship, human
capacity building as well as ensuring the safety and welfare of our
users.
Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen,
12.
Brunei Darussalam views our involvement in regional and international
organisations like the APT and International Telecommunications Union
(ITU) with great significance.
13.
It is through such avenues that we learn from best practices to be
emulated and adopted to our national perspective. We are also able to
tap into professional and technical expertise to assist in our policy
formulation and implementation. An example is the Brunei Darussalam
National Broadband Policy, which was formulated by our Ministry of
Communications and AITI, in collaboration with the ITU.
14.
Since becoming a member of the APT in 1986, Brunei Darussalam has gained
substantially in various areas of ICT development. Opportunities in
human capacity building, training and expert advice, among others, have
helped us to shape our national policies and regulations in ICT.
15.
Another good example to share is that Brunei Darussalam is one of the
committing parties in aligning with the APT 700MHz band plan. In this
regard, the APT has given us the opportunity to gain better
understanding in addressing current issues pertaining to this band plan.
In short, we have always been supportive and participative in the
initiatives organized by the APT.
Excellencies, delegates, Ladies and gentlemen,
16.
I am also pleased to note that there will be a session on programmes
for ICT Pilot Projects in Rural Areas. This is one topic that is very
close to our hearts, as the Brunei Darussalam National Broadband Policy
aims to, among others, address accessibility and affordability of ICT
services in rural areas.
17. With
this in mind, I am confident that despite the differences in culture,
economies and level of development, we all share the same vision towards
a smart digital economy through ICT.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
18.
In this opportunity, I wish you a fruitful discussion and may we
strengthen our cooperation in ICT so as to gain the desired outcomes
that we are all hoping for.
19.
Once again, I would also like to express my sincere gratitude and
appreciation to all of you, for participating in the Asia-Pacific
Telecommunication and ICT Development Forum (ADF).
20.
Lastly, please do have some time to visit some of the interesting
places in Brunei Darussalam. The organizers have arranged a special
program for you to enjoy some of the places of interest and the
wonderful scenery of Brunei Darussalam.
Thank you and I wish you all a pleasant and enjoyable stay in Brunei Darussalam.
Wabillahi Taufik Walhidayah, Wassalamu'alaikum Warrahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.
