On 28th November 2024, Prof. Tan Chong Eng, Director of the Institute of Social Informatics and Technological Innovations (ISITI), delivered an inspiring talk at the Putrajaya Festival of Ideas (FOI) Talks 2024. Held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) and hosted by the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia, the event featured five speakers from universities including UTM, UiTM, UMS, UKM, and UNIMAS, each sharing their experiences and ideas on building a better future.
Prof. Tan’s talk, titled “Empowering Youth: Bridging the Digital Divide for Rural Transformation,” took the audience on a journey through the eBario initiative, a project that connected remote rural communities to the digital world using ICT (Information and Communication Technology).
Sharing the eBario Story
Prof. Tan used storytelling to bring the eBario initiative to life. He shared real-life examples from the project, including the challenges faced while setting up the Long-Range Wireless Project that connected seven villages to the eBario Telecentre. The audience learned about the practical problems faced in bringing technology to rural areas and how these challenges were overcome through determination and teamwork.
Youth as Changemakers
A key message in Prof. Tan’s talk was the importance of young people in creating change. He emphasized that the energy, creativity, and technical skills of youth make them ideal for tackling big issues like the digital divide. By using their knowledge in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), young people can play a major role in transforming rural areas and improving the lives of communities.
A Platform for Inspiration The FOI Talks 2024 ended with Datuk Professor Dr. Azlinda Azman, Director-General of the Higher Education Department, presenting appreciation certificates to the speakers. The event provided an opportunity for leaders and young participants to share ideas, learn from each other, and find inspiration for making a difference in the world.
Prof. Tan’s talk showcased how projects like eBario can make a real impact on communities and highlighted UNIMAS’ commitment to empowering people through innovative research. It left the audience, especially the younger participants, motivated to take action and become part of the movement to connect and uplift rural communities.