INTRODUCTION

The Asia Pacific Telecommunity (APT) is the leading organization on telecommunication and information technology for the Asia Pacific region. APT was established by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific and the International Telecommunication Union in 1979 by an intergovernmental agreement. The APT works actively for accelerating the growth of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the Asia Pacific region.

In order to encourage young professional’s interest and in the field of ICT and to utilize their huge untapped enthusiasm and energy, the Telecommunity has established the APT Young Professionals and Students (APTYPS) Forum.

The APTYPS Forum will be a platform to discuss special issues and opportunity is opened for exposure to the developments in the region. The Forum will promote capacity building in various areas of telecom activities such as telecom policy, regulation, new technology, infrastructure development, digital divide and ICT promotion business development etc.

The success of the forthcoming Forum is depended on support and cooperation from APT member countries and on the young professionals and students from APT member countries.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the Forum are:

• To disseminate knowledge about developments in the ICT sector and to encourage young professionals and students to actively participate in promoting the application of ICT.
• To draw upon the enthusiasm and skill of young professionals and students for various activities concerning the development of ICT.
• To provide a platform to discuss special issues of interest to the young professionals and students.
• To raise awareness among the professionals and students from the Asia Pacific region about APT activities.
• To encourage them to make voluntary contributions to the APT activities such as the AIIS, Study Groups, Policy & Regulatory Forum, APTIF, APG, ASTAP, The APT Yearbook, other APT publications and other APT activities.
• To build up a future resource base for the benefit of APT members.

PROGRAMMES FOR THE YEAR 2008

APTYPS Forum on Telecenter

The APTYPS’ Forum on “Telecenter” successfully held on 4 August 2008, at the Main Conference Hall, APT Headquarters. The Forum was opened by Mr. Toshiyuki Yamada, Secretary General of the APT.

It was a great honor that Mr. Thaneerat Siriphachana, Inspector General of the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology gave a presentation on how important and useful Telecenter is for the community; and Mr. Kittipong Tameyapradit, Senior Executive Vice President, TOT Public Company Limited gave a presentation on Operation of the Telecenter.

Mr. Toshiyuki Yamada, Secretary General of the APT delivering welcome address	Mr. Thaneerat Siriphachana, Inspector General of the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology gave a presentation	Mr. Kittipong Tameyapradit, Senior Executive Vice President, TOT Public Company Limited presenting on Operation of the Telecenter

“Telecentre” is a project of TOT Public Company Limited (TOT), an affiliate member of the APT, provides knowledge and services of ICT to the community.
Objectives of the Telecenter
• To be an information center for people in each community particularly, the local wisdom, agriculture, developing jobs, exchanging experience and applying knowledge.
• To reduce the Digital Divide. People can access ICT and introduce appropriate use of ICT to promote good morals, ethics and culture for the youths including the way to access the e-service.

Goals
• To create 62 experts who have a knowledge and skill in ICT. The experts consist of 40 information administrators of the community and 22 people from One Temple One e-learning Center Project (OTEC).
• To conduct the training on the use of ICT for the people from several careers and background in 20 communities. (at least 100 people per community in total 2,000 people)
• To create community contents and transfer them to Thailand Knowledge Center Website. (20 contents)

Benefit for community
• Community has ICT Learning Community Center for accessing to various information and knowledge. In addition, the center would help the community exchanging their knowledge and experiences.
• The ICT Learning Community Center could give some advices for community such as about health, food, agriculture, and law.
• Community has a channel for selling local commodity including OTOP products and can exchange goods between community. It also creates new market channels.
• To be the governmental e-services centers serving a variety of services such as census information, health, other services that government has electronically developed for example, taxes payment, business registration.

Plan for set up ICT Learning Community Center
In 2550 having 20 ICT Learning Centers
In 2551 having 140 ICT Learning Centers
In 2552 having 100 ICT Learning Centers
In 2553 having 200 ICT Learning Centers
In 2554 having 340 ICT Learning Centers
Reaching 800 centers over Thailand

Total 75 students from the following schools and universities attended the Forum:
1. Chaopraya University
2. Dhurakij Pundit University
3. Khon Kaen University
4. Mahidol University
5. Mahidol University International College
6. Panyapiwant Institute of Technology
7. Saint Louis College
8. School of Information Technology, KMITT
9. School of Science, University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce
10. The University of Central Thailand
11. Triam Udom Suksa School
12. Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat

An essay competition on the following theme was also included in the program:

It is widely realized that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can contribute to the economic and social development of Thai society, especially, games on line is extremely attracted and addicted by young people. Some are useful, some are harmful. If you were the Prime Minister of Thailand, what policy would you have to cope effectively the problems and danger from games on line? What role would you have young people play to make their future and the development of Thailand a reality?

There were 10 competitors for essay competition. Seven competitors attended the APT Young Professionals and Students Forum and presented their essay on 4 August 2008.

The Consolation Prizes were also presented to:
1. Miss Uaiporn Phatai, The University of Central Thailand
2. Mr. Sirasith Suchartlikitwongse, Triam Udom Suksa School
3. Miss Waranthorn Wanichthaworn, Triam Udom Suksa School
4. Miss Puthita Anantavana, Saint Louis College

Seven finalist with APT Management Staff From left to right - Standing : Mr. Sirasith Suchartlikitwongse, Miss Tarinee Youkhaw, Miss Waranthorn Wanichthaworn, Miss Jirayu Anantawan, Miss Boosabong Chotikunchorn, Miss Uaiporn Phatai Sitting : Mrs. Lilian Zin, Associate HR and Administrative Officer, Mr. Toshiyuki Yamada, Secretary General, Mr. Kraisorn Pornsutee, Deputy Secretary General	First prize winner Miss Tarinee Youkhaw receiving award from Mr. Toshiyuki Yamada, Secretary General of APT

PROGRAMMES FOR THE YEAR 2007

Young Professionals and Students’ Involvement in ICT for Poverty Alleviation

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) hosted the 9th South Asian Telecommunication Regulator’s Council (SATRC) from 10th to 12th December, 2007 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This event organized by Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) also included ‘SATRC Workshop on Licensing for Convergence’ and ‘APT Youth Forum’ on the 13th and 14th of December.

This prestigious regional conference was attended by high profile Regulatory officials of 9 (nine) countries. As part of the conference, a competition for the young professionals will be held. Fifty senior students and young professionals (under 30 years) attended APTYPS program. The participants presented an original unpublished paper (maximum 3000 words) in the Forum on “Young Professionals and Students’ involvement in ICT for Poverty Alleviation”. The best 3 Papers and the presenters received Award (click here for the winners and their presentations). Certificates were also be awarded to all participants.

Connecting the Young: The Opportunities of ICT

17 May 2007 - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
In conjunction with the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD), the Honorable Minister of Energy, Water & Communications Malaysia (KTAK) introduced Malaysia’s ICT Programs for Youth with this year’s theme “Connecting the Young: The Opportunities of ICT” at the Westin Kuala Lumpur Hotel, Malaysia. This event is one of the programs hosted by KTAK-Maxis Cyberkids Camp.

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Key Executive from Maxis spoke about the program		The kids spoke about the program from their perspective
Y.B. Dato' Sri Dr. Lim Keng Yaik, Minister of Energy Water and Communications, Malaysia presented certificates to the participants at the WTISD.

Information Meet on Tele-medicine Applications

The Asia Pacific Telecommunity (APT) and the TOT Public Company Limited (TOT) in cooperation with the Collage of Arts, Media and Technology (CAMT) of Chiangmai University organized Information Meet on “Tele-medicine Applications” at Novotel Chiangmai Hotel, Thailand, on 5 February 2007. The event was organized on a day prior to the APT Workshop on Tele-medicine which was held from 6 to 9 February 2007.

The Information Meet was very useful for the telecommunication and ICT professionals associated with the application of e services, especially e health services. The experts provided practical information on the involvement of youth in telemedicine and e health services. Click for more details

PROGRAMMES FOR THE YEAR 2006

The APTYPS’ Forum was held in Thimphu, Bhutan, on September 13, 2006

Young ICT Professionals and Students Meet on the theme “ICT is a basic social service”

To celebrate APT Young Professionals and Students’ Forum, Department of Information Technology, Ministry of Information and Communications, Bhutan, hosted Young ICT Professionals and Students’ Meet on the theme “ICT is a basic social service” on 13 September 2006 in Thimphu.

Young ICT professionals and students will make presentations, present papers, or bring up issues for discussion and debate related to the chosen theme for the forum. ICT experts, international volunteers, decision makers, and ICT private sector representatives will also be invited to participate, observe, or make presentations.

The one day workshop was funded by UNDP. Click here for detail program

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TOT Public Company Limited (TOT) and the APT co-organized a program for the youth on “TOT IT School” in Nakornpathom, Thailand on 1 September. Click here for Program Profile (in Thai).

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The Asia Pacific Telecommunity is organizing the Elocution Competition on ICT - Regarding which hosted by Department of Telecommunications, Government of India in association with Anna University, Chennai on 9 July 2006, in Chennai, India.

PROGRAMMES FOR THE YEAR 2005

The APT Young Professionals and Students' Forum in Thailand (APTYPSF-3):
Essay competition on "Impact of ICT on Thai Society"

The Asia Pacific Telecommunity (APT) and TOT Public Company Limited (TOT) co-organized an essay competition on "Impact of ICT on Thai Society" on 1st July 2005 - 26th Anniversary of the APT - at the APT Headquarters, Bangkok.

Mr. Chamras Tantrisukorn, Senior Executive Vice President of TOT Public Company Limited presented the First prize and certificate to Mr. Rathapon Saruthirathanaworakun. (Photo) The Second and Third prizes went to Ms. Supannabul Suwannakij and Mr. Vishnu Pratim Goswami.

The APT Young Professionals and Students' Forum in Thailand (APTYPSF-4):
Quiz Program on 4 July 2005, at Dusit Island Resort, Chiangrai

 The Asia Pacific Telecommunity (APT) and TOT Public Company Limited (TOT) co-organized the APTYPS Forum on 4 July 2004, at Dusit Island Resort, in Chiangrai, Thailand. At the Forum, Quiz Program on General Knowledge of Telecommunication Technologies and Round Table discussion were conducted which provides an opportunity to the young professional and students to express their abilities and to share their views on enhancing the ICT applications for the benefit of the common citizen.

The first, second and third prizes were awarded to Mr. Yuttawan Eamkhusonlakit, Mr. Wisarut Wanchaitamawong and Miss Atchana Tantipuwanard from Samakkhi Witthayakhom School, Chiangrai by Mr. Amarendra Narayan, Executive Director of the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity. Mr. R.B. Kumarapathirana, Director Project Development, presented the certificates to all candidates. (Above Photos)

PROGRAMMES FOR THE YEAR 2004

The “APTYPS Forum” was held at Hyderabad, India on 1 August 2004. A “Speech Competition” on:

• ICT for infrastructure development

• ICT application in information society

• ICT for bridging digital divide

• ICT for rural development

• and the “Quiz Program” were conducted.

The Forum is hosted by IETE, BSNL and DOT, Hyderabad, India. Click here for more information.

At the “APTYPS Forum” was held in Chiangmai, Thailand, on 10 August 2004, a Speech Competition on “Hi-tech really makes our life better?” and a “Quiz Program” were conducted.

The Forum is hosted by TOT Public Company Limited, Thailand. Click here for more information.

The “APTYPS Forum” was conducted in September 2004 by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority

ITU-APT Foundation of India is planning to organize the APTYPS Forum in New Delhi, India in November 2004. Details will be announced.TRIAL PROGRAMMES FOR THE YEAR 2003

The APTYPS was launched on June 3, 2003 in Male’, the Republic of Maldives [Click here for more information]. The programme was inaugurated by a dignitary during which the objectives of the Forum will be explained. Selected young ICT professionals and students from Maldives were invited to participate in a debate on “Promoting ICT applications for raising the quality of life of the people in Maldives.” [Click here for Brochure]

Click here for Message by His Excellency Mr. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom President of the Republic of Maldives On the Launching of the APTYPS Forum

This was followed by an APTYPS programme on 1 July 2003, the APT Day in Bangkok. July 1, 2003 marks the 24th anniversary of the APT. Click here for more information.

A competition on “ICT Innovation by Young ICT Professionals and Students” in which the competitors from Thailand were invited to demonstrate their best innovation promoting ICT applications for alleviating rural poverty. The entries were evaluated by a Panel of Judges and the selected entries was awarded prizes on the APT Day. [Click here for Brochure]

Another programme under APTYPS was organized on July 20 in Bangalore, India. During this programme selected young professionals and students from Bangalore were invited to present their best innovation on ICT applications for alleviating rural poverty. A panel of judges selected three best entries for reward. [Click here for Brochure]

Based upon the experience gained during the three programmes, a proposal for organizing the next year’s - 2004 programme was presented to the 27th session of the APT Management Committee for its consideration.

The essay competition on ICT for all Middle and Higher Secondary Schools was conducted by Bhutan Communications Authority (BCA) and Department of Information Technology (DIT) to launch the Asia Pacific Telecommunity Young Professionals and Students (APTYPS) Forum in Bhutan. It was targeted to create awareness and also to find out the knowledge of ICT among young students in Bhutan. It was also to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of APT. [Click here for details]

Click here for Members of APT Young Professionals and Students who have been registered with APT Secretariat.

HOW TO JOIN APTYPS

The APTYPS Programme are being iimplemented mainly through electronic means. Young Professionals and Students willing to join the programme are required to fill up an enrollment form and send it to the APT secretariat. After processing their applications, the APT secretariat will get in touch with the selected professionals and students and provide them the necessary guidance to participate in the APT activities.

CONTACT US

APT Young Professionals & Students Forum
APT Secretariat
12/49, Soi 5, Chaengwattana Road
Bangkok 10210, Thailand
Tel. +662 5730044
Fax.+66 2 5737479
E-Mail aptyps@aptsec.org