PIP Report / PacINET 2008, Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Christina K Wini

INTRODUCTION  

PacINET 2008 was held at the National Auditorium in Rarotonga, Cook Islands from the 1st of September to the 5th of September 2008.

This was the 7th annual gathering of the Pacific Islands Chapter of the Internet Society (PICISOC). The conference was attended by local and overseas delegates from the Pacific Islands region. The conference was officially opened and closed by the Cook Islands Prime Minister, Hon Jim Marurai.

WORKSHOPS

1. Security issues as discussed by Chris H Thrasher  

Workshop Title: Internet security workshop  

Points of Interest

End users should take responsibility for security of information or Corporate Data by utilizing the security softwares available to them, e.g. Junk mail feature in Outlook.

IT department of any organization/company must ensure security and privacy using security software/firmware within their network. Eg firewall – where it is placed.

IT departments should understand and utilize the software/firmware at their disposal for their intended purpose. Eg. Monitoring tools are not preventative measures.

Employees of organizations should understand the different levels of security of information. Eg. Public information, details of employee records – private data, and corporate data and how both user and IT departments should respond to data leaks, breach of security or infrastructure.

2. Disability & Accessibility - Gunela Astbrink  

Presentation Title: Accessibility to the Internet for people with disabilities

If there can be an integration of the distant and flexible learning tools with the teaching methods for disabled persons this can heighten the learning capacity of distant and flexible learners.

Eg. If teaching methods used for dyslexia persons are integrated into the PRIDE project, children in the remote islands can have a greater understanding of the materials/concepts they are taught.

Increases their capacity to grasp concepts/understanding of ideas or circumstances they have not been exposed to.

3. World Summit Awards - Jan Bieringa  

Presentation Title: World Summit Awards

Jan Bieringa promoted the WSA and highlighted performances by entries from the Pacific Islands during last year’s awards.

Fiji ’s entry “Participatory 3D Modeling (P3DM) for Resource Use, Development Planning and Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage in Fiji” was highlighted as an example of how participation can gain international recognition.

4. Competition in telecommunications – Nathan Andy Kwasam  

Presentation Title: The politics of mobile phone competition in Papua New Guinea  

This presentation highlighted how much impact politics and politicians can have on some aspects of our lives in any country. The Digicel phenomena has had its share of tussle in Papua New Guinea.

For example, without access to an international gateway, Digicel continues to fight this issue in court. The incumbent has also made it impossible for calls to be made across the two carriers, resulting in the public opting to own two handsets, one for each carrier.

There was brief mention of how politicians have wielded their own interest and that of the incumbent ahead of those of customers. It was a good insight although not presented from an IT perspective.

5. Internet and its place within small Island societies – Jasmine Ali

Internet on Rotuma - Side discussion with other participants.

The Internet has reached Rotuma but educating people about the internet is as important as the use of it. And how to incorporate the Internet into small Island societies without changing the society too much.

How my PacINET08 experience will help the Solomon Islands.  

Firstly, I can start with my workplace and share what I’ve learned there and actively take interest in what kinds of security measures have been implemented and how these can be used or improved to ensure that our networks are free from abuse and employees and employers enjoy the kind of privacy they need while on the internet.

Secondly, the PacINET07 committee has a substantial amount of funds saved from hosting PacINET 2007 that can go towards setting up a ‘computer mania day’ where the public can come and access information shared at PacINET08, as well as allowing different persons or companies using ICT to demonstrate how they have used ICT to conduct their business. This view is also shared by other members of the committee.  

Conclusion  

Security measures in Organizations/Companies is very important for the purpose of protecting corporate data and information as well as the infrastructure.

Integration of existing learning tools for distant and flexible learners with specialized teaching methods has the possibility to increase learning capacity for remote learners.

Educating islanders whether from small or large island countries on issues affecting the Internet or its use continues to be as important as the tool itself.

PIP has once again allowed me to continue my participation in PacINET enabling me to keep up my interest in what is happening in ICT in the pacific. My contribution might be minimal but I hope I will continue to grow in my capacity as a female in the Solomon Islands ICT industry and also actively promote ICT.

Once again thank you Don Hollander and PIP for another successful round of PIP sponsorship.