Intel Malaysia hopes for more programmes, incentives for digital literacy in Budget 2013

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KUCHING: With various progress seen in the digital environment in Malaysia, Intel Malaysia believes that Malaysia was well on its way to transforming itself into a high-income nation by 2020 and suggests several key recommendations for Budget 2013.

Intel country manager, sales and marketing, Prakash Mallya in a press release expressed his hopes that in Budget 2013, the government will provide allocations and incentives for organisations that introduce and implement community services and /or programmes that help improve digital literacy.

“We would like to see the strengthening of existing programs to universalize digital literacy in every household in the country, and hope to see the establishment of more community broadband centres (CBCs) in underserved communities,” he said.

“To cultivate the next generation of innovators who can support Malaysia’s national agenda of developing a knowledge-driven and high-income nation, Intel hopes that the government will continue to prioritise and channel allocations towards integrating technology in the entire education process.”

Prakash also highlighted for a strong commitment in Budget 2013 to support training in ICT-enabled education modules for teachers nationwide and provide them with the right tools and strategies (or pedagogy) to support a student-centric learning environment.

“We believe that one of the best methods to ensure students are well equipped with technology tools that enable effective learning is to adopt a one device per child policy in schools.

“For 2013, we hope that the government will allocate additional budget to implement e-Learning programmes, expand broadband penetration and equip students with these tools and with 21st century skills such as technology, media, computer and digital literacy, effective communication, critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration in all schools nationwide.”

The group also hoped to see continued commitment from the government in the Budget 2013 to support the growth of data centres in Malaysia.

“Intel recommends that the government looks into making IP and transit costs more competitive to accelerate Malaysia’s push in being a world-class data center hub.

“While we recognise that there are other priorities for the Malaysian government to ensure a balanced budget that achieves sustained economic growth, it is certainly our hope that the recommendations provided above be taken into due consideration. Intel is very encouraged by the path of transformation the government is leading the country through.

“By demonstrating the wisdom and will to make the right decisions at the right time, we are certain that Malaysia will be able to seize the significant opportunities present to truly usher the nation into a new era of sustained growth and economic prosperity.”