APT Study Groups

INTRODUCTION

The Work of the APT Study Group (SG) is a major APT activity since the begining of the Telecommunity. It constitutes an important vehicle for the Asia Pacific ICT/Telecommunication industry. It provides a platform wherein change and the impact of technology can be discussed among all stakeholder in a fast paced industry.

In APT SG the studies are conducted on a voluntary basis. The study reports have served the members in handling many important issues of their concern. The studies have also been very useful in dissemination of information in raising awareness and technological advances, and in introduction of new policies and technologies in the region.

Study Group activities are carried on throughout the year and between Study Groups meetings. The work is mostly carried out by electronic means; especially, through the APT website and bulletin boards.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the APT Study Groups are:

To produce research and analysis based outputs that are pratical, focused and relevant to the needs of the members
To assist members, especially developing country members, to develop the skills in telecommunication and ICT by providing research and analysis based study results and surveys on key telecommunication/ICT area such as policy, regulation, infrastructure, service, application and etc.
To narrow the digital divide by sharing knowledge and experiences through the study of the various aspect of recent ICT trends
To assist members to overcome the adverse effects of information society and to extend the social benefit of using ICT through analyzing the effective solutions and applications on relevant matters
To conduct studies referred by other APT Work Programs and to provide results to the concerned Work Programs.

TERMS OF REFERENCES

The APT Study Grpups work under the following Terms of References:

Undertake studies and provide research and analysis based outputs on:

- Telecommunication/ICT strategies and policies
- Infrastructure & networks
- Application, operation and user issues
- Broadband and future technologies
- Emergency telecommunication and disaster management
Organize meetings to study, discuss, and share the knowledge and experience on the topics mentioned above
Work to support and supplement other APT activities
Prepare outputs in the form of guidelines, opinions, reports, recommendations, as the outputs of studies
Submit contributions to ITU SGs and other global events.

PRINCIPLES

The following principles are applied for deciding on the work of Study Groups:

The APT Study Group will conduct studies on the following strategic areas based on the “Strategic Plan of the APT 2006 – 2008” which was adopted by the 10th APT General Assembly:

- Policy and regulation
- Infrastructure development
- Development of e-applications for creation of information society
- Bridging digital divide
- Disaster management
- Operation and business
- Information sharing and data compilation

A study cycle of preferably one year will be maintained. Specific questions will be studied within a short and flexible time frame. Work must be completed in a maximum of a two year study cycle.
APT Study Groups must avoid duplication of the work done by other Work Programs of the APT; with the exception where further study is required to address the specific needs and interest of the Study Groups and the region. However, Study Groups will also undertake studies which are requested/referred by other APT Work Programs. Any SG outputs developed as a result of studies requested/referred by other APT Work Programs must only take the form of: Recommendations, Liaison, Contribution and Opinion.
The focus will be on practical questions that are of common concern and particular relevance to the Asia Pacific region
All outputs should be of practical use and should help in harmonizing the views of the region
The Study Group should also be utilized for providing input for preparation of APT policy documentation for the General Assembly
The Study Group will help in compilation of data which can be of practical use to the members
The Study Group will make appropriate recommendations to the Management Committee and General Assembly.

STRUCTURE

The APT Study Groups activities are implemented through a Chairperson, Vice-Chairpersons, Rapporteurs and Associate Rapporteurs who are experts with practical knowledge and experience of the concerned subject.

Chairperson: The Study Groups Chairperson shall be elected for a term of two years.
Vice-Chairpersons: Each Study Group will have a Vice-Chairperson. The term will be for two years.
Rapporteurs, Associate Rapporteurs: Each question will have a Rapporteur and Associate Rapporteur/s. The term will be for the duration of the Study Question.
Experts: APT members will also be requested to nominate experts to assist with the study of the questions.
National Study Groups Coordinator: For effective coordination of APT Study Groups activities, the administrations/organizations should nominate a National Coordinator for Study Groups.

Following individual Study Groups are working for the current cycle (2008 - 2009) of the APT Study Groups:

Please click on the above indivudual Study Groups for detail.

OFFICE BEARERS

The office bearers of the APT Study Groups are as follows:

Chairman	Dr. Seyed Mostafa Safavi Hemami (Islamic Rep. of Iran)
Vice Chairman SG 1	Mr. Joe Kim (Papua New Guniea)
Vice Chairman SG 2	Dr. Mohammed Yaseen (Pakistan)
Vice Chairman SG 3	Dr. Kyoung-Yong Jee (Rep. of Korea)
Vice Chairman SG 4	Mr. Wan Murdani Wan Mohamad (Malaysia)

MEETINGS

The 28th APT study Group Meeting (SG-28) (07 - 09 July 2007, Islamic Rep. of Iran)
The 27th APT Study Group Meeting (SG-27) (18 - 20 September 2007, Nepal)
The 26th APT Study Group Meeting (SG-26) (25 - 28 July 2006, Rep. of Korea)
The 25th APT Study Group Meeting (SG-25) (26 - 29 April 2005, Thailand)
The 24th APT Study Group Meeting (SG-24) (11 - 14 August, 2004, Thailand)

DOCUMENTS

FINAL REPORTS OF THE STUDY QUESTIONS

E-MAIL REFLECTORS