Asia ICT

The Philippines is very gradually edging closer to the establishment of a dedicated government department charged with promoting and supporting the information and communications technology (ICT) sector, though it would take some time before the new agency can achieve its supporters’ lofty ambitions.

Faced with an increasingly saturated market and crowded playing field, Indonesia’s telecoms operators are investing in data-based services such as 3G and smartphone apps to gain the competitive edge. However, delays to a fibre-optic project that aims to spread faster internet access throughout eastern Indonesia could impact on those plans.

The telecoms industry in Thailand has a new regulator, one the sector hopes will move quickly to speed up the processes required for launching latest-generation platforms and develop a master plan to manage frequencies and licensing, though there are lingering concerns over whether the new regulator itself is properly constituted.

Brunei Darussalam’s information and communications technology (ICT) sector has been given a significant boost with the launch of a new programme that will provide budding entrepreneurs in the field with access to funding, technical support and mentoring, and help meet the objective of developing the Sultanate into a knowledge-based economy.

Indonesia is attracting increasing attention from the international communications sector, both as a market for advanced products and due to its burgeoning profile as a centre of development and innovation.

The Malaysian government is calling on the private sector to speed up the roll out of new information and communication technology (ICT) services, a move that will support the state’s long-term strategy of promoting a knowledge-based economy.