South Korea gives R8m for ICT centre
30 September 2008
South Korea is to contribute R8-million over three years toward the establishment of information communication technology (ICT) cooperation centre, which will be used promote the exchange of experiences in the field between the two countries.
This follows a visit last week by South Korean assistant minister for government administration Nam-Joon Chung, during which he signed a memorandum of understanding with South African deputy communications minister Roy Padayachie.
The contribution toward the development of the centre is being channelled through the Korean Agency for Digital Opportunity and Promotion, a specialised government entity that is dedicated to providing support in closing the digital divide, both domestically and abroad.
According to a statement by the Department of Communication last week, South Africa's Meraka e-Skills Institute will have the responsibility for the project identification and design.
The two countries aim to cooperate in various areas, including the operation of an e-skills training centre, the implementation of e-government and the development of e-government related skills, the development of projects to proactively identify ICT skills needs in the country, to provide consultation and advice on national ICT development, and to build mutually cooperative relationships between the ICT sectors of the two countries.
Developing e-skills
An e-skill is defined as the ability to develop and use ICTs within the context of a knowledge environment and associated competencies, such as technology, business, and functional aptitude.
"The project is in line with the general objectives of the Meraka e-Skills Institute that will be operational by the beginning of the 2009 academic year," said Meraka e-Skills Institute acting CEO Dr Harold Wesso.
The institute will focus on e-skills development in both the public and private sectors and society generally, enabling the individual to participate in a world in which the development and use of ICT is a requirement to advance business, government and civil society.
South Korea leads the world in many respects as far as ICT is concerned, and a partnership with KADO is seen as a major boost for the Meraka e-Skills Institute, both in terms of knowledge production and human resources.
