Summary Report by the Chairman, Working Group of the ASEAN Information Infrastructure (WGAII)

Transcription

1 Summary Report by the Chairman, Working Group of the ASEAN Information Infrastructure (WGAII) o n t h e F e a s i b i l i t y S t u d y o f t h e A I I. A S E A N I n f o r m a t i o n I n f r a s t r u c t u r e ( A I I )

2 Preamble 1. The following is a summary of the recommendations of the Working Group on the ASEAN Information Infrastructure (WGAII) for Leaders adoption as general guidelines for ASEAN s strategy in the electronic space. 2. The chair expresses his gratitude to the members of the working group for their commitment and contribution to the proceedings and to the consultant for their work. On behalf of the WGAII, the chair thanks Japan for its contributions, including the co-financing of the feasibility study and many helpful suggestions, and look forward to Japan s continued support encompassing national information infrastructure development (NII), human resource capability development and IT and EC policy co-ordination. Introduction 3. WGAII was set up to conceptualize the implementation of the AII as outlined in the Hanoi Plan of Action. This was a follow-up on the suggestion by the Prime Minister of Singapore that the connectivity and compatibility of ASEAN member countries information infrastructures would be a strong competitive advantage as well as to promote a stronger inter-asean communication and interaction. To this end, a feasibility study was proposed to recommend ways to link the various systems in ASEAN countries under the AII. 4. WGAII commissioned the feasibility study to SCS Pte Ltd. After a closed tender process. The cost of the feasibility study was co-financed by Singapore and Japan. 5. WGAII met five times from June to October An interim progress report was presented to the 31 st AEM in Singapore, which recommended to expand the scope of the AII into a more holistic vision called e-asean. As announced in the 31 st AEM Press Statement, the AEM agreed to set up a high level public-private task force to develop a broad-based and comprehensive action plan, covering the necessary physical, legal, logistical, social, and economic infrastructure needed, with the objective of evolving ASEAN e-space, in the world of Information Communication Technology (ICT), and to develop competencies within ASEAN to compete in the global market. This initiative will be called-e-asean and will be presented for consideration of the Leaders at the Informal ASEAN Summit in Manila. 6. Given the call by the AEM to collaborate with the private sector, the WGAII invited representatives from the Private Sector Core Group for AII Dialogue during the 5 th WGAII meeting held on 28 October 1999 for consultation.

3 Recommendation of the WGAII The e-asean Concept 7. The e-asean initiative is envisioned as a holistic electronic action plan based on existing work in ASEAN, especially the AII, Electronic Commerce, Telecommunications, and other relevant sectors such as Trade, Tourism, Science and Technology. The e-asean aims to tie up all these separate initiatives into a comprehensive plan fir greater synergy. It would make great contributions towards revealing the ASEAN Vision 2020, though the development of a strong ICT infrastructure, vibrant electronic services and a dynamic ICT sector. 8. e-asean shall embrace openness and be an integral part of other major ICT efforts around the world, such as the Asia-Pacific Information Infrastructure (APII) and the Global Information Infrastructure (GII). It will synchronize and build upon the ICT plans of individual ASEAN member countries, such as the Brunei Darussalam s RaGAM 21, Indonesia s Nusantara 21, Malaysia s Multimedia Super Corridior, IT21 from the Philippines and IT2000 from Singapore. The e-asean will integrate member countries NIIs, into a larger unified framework with common infrastructure, services and brand recognition. It shall serve as a common platform for ASEAN to speak as one voice and project a common branding in terms of marketing, infrastructure and standards harmonization in the global electronic space. 9. e-asean shall be government-led but private sector driven, in that it will be a model of public-private sector collaboration. 10. The conceptual pillars of e-asean are (see Figure 1): Branding: e-asean will capture the global ICT mind-share by creating a single, common and well-known brand name; Connectivity: e-asean proposes a next generation, highly resilient and highspeed AII backbone connecting ASEAN and key economies globally. The new AII backbone is needed in anticipation of the increased intra-asean data traffic resulting from e-commerce and other applications deployed under e-asean. The high-speed AII backbone will support broadband and multimedia content delivery, and designed to support the next generation Internet applications; ICT Environment: e-asean represents a collective and conducive environment in ASEAN for the development of ICT. This will include ICT talent development and an environment designed to be the most supportive of e-business activities.

4 Investment Attraction: e-asean will be positioned to attract foreign investment into ASEAN economies in the fields of ICT. e-asean will establish investment programs and awareness campaigns to promote the collective ASEAN ICT capabilities; Flagship Electronic Projects: e-asean will emphasize rapid deployment of flagship electronic projects to demonstrate to the world the capability and dynamism of the ASEAN ICT environment. Proposed application areas for further study include: i. ASEAN Tourism Portal: one stop center for consumers and a virtual marketplace for service providers to review and offer the best tourism products and services in ASEAN respectively. The Private Sector Core Group on AII has also recommended the implementation of an electronic ASEAN Mall; ii. iii. iv. ASEAN Trade Link: a common entry point for buyers and sellers which provide a suite of services including a repository of information on ASEAN economic, trade statistics and regulatory policies, online clearance of trade documents and other electronic transactions; ASEAN Education Collaboration: a community to exchange teaching and learning experiences; ASEAN Education Network promotes e- learning and ASEAN Library Services provide linkages of digital libraries; ASEAN ICT Job Bank: an ASEAN repository of information on ICT career opportunities, scholarships, training, and exchange programs. Harmonization of Policies, Regulations and Standards: To push for interoperable technical standards, policies and legislation in the development of ICT within ASEAN so that they are consistent, conducive and well understood to foreign investors and the global community; and Human Resource Capabilities and Development: ASEAN countries will assist each other to grow quickly in terms of ICT development. Support in terms of technical and human resource development will be needed to bring ASEAN on par with one another and the world.

5 Figure1: Conceptual Pillars of e-asean BRANDING Legal, Fiscal & Regulatory Policies Technical Interoperability Standards ASEAN Tourism In Flagship Electronic Projects Etc... In Tech Environment Connectivity Country NIIs... Etc... Manpower Development Adoption & Promotion Prerequisites for a successful implementation of e-asean 11. To successfully embark upon the implementation of the e-asean Initiative all member countries will need to focus on the following: Commitment by member countries (a) Commitment by individual ASEAN member countries to actively participate in the e-asean Initiative, paced at their respective levels of e-readiness. This would include a commitment to develop NIIs so to maximize the benefits of e-asean; Realization through collective efforts (b) e-asean is a collaborative effort to be evolved with needs. Hence, it is necessary for bilateral and multilateral initiatives in the e-space among ASEAN countries and between ASEAN countries and the world be established quickly in order to realize e-asean; Commitment (c) Commitment to enhance intra-asean data and voice communications capability through greater intra-asean connectivity and the establishment of a high-speed AII backbone, with the target to provide connectivity that is easy, affordable and ubiquitous, similar to the experience of making a local phone call;

6 Increase in ICT capability (d) Concerted effort at increasing ICT capability through the development of skilled human resources and match-making services to assist SMEs and commercial / business start-ups gain access to the e-spaces in both ASEAN and non-asean markets In this regard, joint efforts are required, and more e-ready ASEAN member countries to extend technical assistance; Active efforts in harmonization (e) Concerted efforts towards the harmonization of relevant technical standards, policies and rules in the development of ICT and NIIs, with the aim of creating a common branding and interoperability; Engagement of dialogues with the external world (f) Concerted effort to actively engage key trading partners in the push for greater electronic information exchanges, the harmonization of e- commerce policies and regulations and a common code of conduct for e-business and e-commerce transactions, including mutual recognition of trust marks, IPRs and digital certificates; and Demonstration of flagship application projects (g) Commitment to co-operate in the provision of electronic applications and services through some flagship projects with the active participation of the private sector. Core Recommendations / Specific Targets 12. The detailed recommendations are captured in the Feasibility Study Report as annexed. An aggressive schedule of deliverables for the e-asean initiative is proposed but will need to be further studied for its visibility. (see Figure 2 for timeline) Figure 2: Timeline of e-asean development End 2000 End 2001 End 2002 End 2003 End 2004 End 2005 ASEAN Portal: Establish a wellknown brand portal to link to various ASEAN info sources Connectivity: Forge agreements on design, standardization interconnection & inter-operability Flagship Applications: Demonstrate key flagship applications E-commerce Code of Practice: Establish a common code of practice for E-commerce Commercial Applications: Thriving environment for cross ASEAN commercial applications Harmonisation: Harmonized relevant policies, regulation standards a) Positioning 13. ASEAN to project e-asean as the common brand name, p[resenting a united front in terms of marketing, infrastructure and standards in harmonization in the electronic-space (e-space);

7 14. ASEAN shall stake a claim in the e-space, by being a global pacesetter to adopt and exploit ICT and EC technologies and new e-business paradigms. ASEAN shall lead in harmonization among themselves, and with key trading partners; b) Institutional Mechanisms 15. The 31 st AEM has mandated the setup of a high-level public-private task force e- ASEAN Task Force (EATF) to provide the lead and direction in the implementation of the e-asean Initiative. (See Figure 3 for Proposed e-asean Organization Structure) To assist and co-ordinate these efforts, it is recommended that either a working group on the e-asean Initiative (Working Group on e- ASEAN) be formed or existing bodies such as CCEC (Co-ordinating Committee on e-commerce) to assist the EATF in the implementation. See Annex 1 and 2 for the terms of reference for the e-asean Task Force (EATF) and the e-asean Working Group respectively (EAWG); Figure 3: Proposed e-asean Organization Structure Provide mandate to represent ASEAN Advises on e-asean matters ASEAN s e-envoy e-envoy is part of e-asean Task Force AEM / Leader e-asean Task Force (high-level public-private sector advisory committee) Set directions & Provide Guidance Provide mandate & directions Reports progress to Reports progress to SEOM e-asean Working Group (working group to implement e-asean recommendations) Other working groups, committees, private sector initiatives 16. An essential element of the e-asean Initiative is the branding and promotion. In this regard, it is recommended that an ASEAN e-envoy be appointed to promote the e-asean Initiative, not only within ASEAN but also to ASEAN s key economic partners. See Annex 3 for the Terms of reference; 17. In terms of concrete applications, it is recommended that an ASEAN Portal be created to provide a window to specific information on ASEAN and as a key link to information sources in ASEAN countries. Based on discussions in the WGAII, information to promote the tourism industry in ASEAN has been identified as a priority area. This could be targeted for implementation by end 2000.

8 c) Network Infrastructure 18. In terms of network connectivity, ASEAN Member Countries should start establishing interconnections among countries with the view to evolving this interconnection into an AII backbone. To this end, member countries should forge agreements on the design, standardization, interconnection and inter-operability of ICT systems by end 2001; d) Flagship Applications 19. Applications in tourism, trade, e-commerce, education and community development have been identified for possible flagship applications. These should be deployed by end For these to initialize, there need to be lead countries for each application. Initial participation and implementation could be on a 10-X basis although in principle, all member countries are strongly encouraged to participate; e) Regulatory Framework 20. Recognizing the need to institute suitable regulations for governing activities and transactions in electronic space, it is recommended that ASEAN targets the establishment of a common legal framework in e-space and an Electronic Commerce Code of Practice by end 2003; and harmonization within ASEAN of relevant policies and regulations relating to the e-space by end 2005; and f) Commercial Applications 21. By 2004, e-asean is expected to be a thriving environment of private-sector driven cross ASEAN applications. Possible Immediate Actions for Next Year 22. The following are possible immediate actions for year 2000: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) Setting op of the ASEAN Portal. Strengthen intra-asean connectivity. Establishing bilateral & multilateral ICT MoUs. Establishing 2 to 3 flagship applications (e.g. ANALIS ASEAN Libraries Information System) Exploring the mutual recognition of certificates of ICT professionals CREATING of an ASEAN online job databank. Extending funding to train ICT professionals to strengthen HR capability development. Conclusion 23. The AEM may wish to endorse the above specific recommendations as a starting point for implementation, and to task the EATF to look into these recommendations as a matter of priority, and to co-ordinate with the other sectors in the implementation of the recommendations.

9 TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE e-asean TASK FORCE (EATF) 1. Objectives and Scope of Activities The objective of the e-asean Task Force (EATF) is to oversee the implementation of the recommendations submitted by the Working Group on the e-asean initiative and improvements required through a report table by the 32 nd or 33 rd AEM. 2. Functions The EATF shall undertake the following functions: (a) Suggest priorities and review the recommendations from the Working Group on ASEAN Information Infrastructure; (b) Provide guidance and recommendations to the to be established e-asean Working Group; (c) Co-ordinate and monitor progress of the e-asean initiative; (d) Advise and assist the AEM in all matters relating to the implementation of the e- ASEAN initiative as well as recommended new suggestions to expedite or improve the e-asean initiative; (e) Consider any other matters relating to the e-asean initiative in the ICT development of the ASEAN region; (f) Responsible to the ASEAN Economic Ministers and to submit thereto reports on its activities.

10 TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE e-asean WORKING GROUP (EAWG) 1. Objectives and Scope of Activities The objective of the EAWG is to implement the recommendations on e-asean, taking directions from the e-asean Task Force (EATF) 2. Functions The EAWG shall undertake the following functions: (a) Operationalise projects listed in the recommendations and as directed by the EATF; (b) Co-ordinate and work with relevant organizations within ASEAN member countries to implement the recommendations; (c) Co-ordinate and monitor progress of the e-asean initiative; (d) Ensure that the targets set by the recommendation for the blue print for e- ASEAN will be completed as scheduled; (e) Advise feedback and assist the EATF in all matters relating to the implementation of the e-asean initiative as well as recommended new suggestions to expedite or improve the e-asean initiative; (f) Responsible to SEOM and provide progress to the EATF via SEOM.

11 1. Objectives and Scope of Activities TERM OF REFERENCE FOR THE e-asean ENVOY The ASEAN e-envoy will be appointed by the ASEAN Leaders on a 2-year term basis. 2. Functions The e-envoy shall take the following functions: (a) A full member of the e-asean Task Force (EATF); (b) Be the official spokesman on e-asean strategy and promote the e-asean concept within ASEAN to the world; (c) Liaise and act on behalf of ASEAN countries for policies and cross-border issues at other regional or international for as such as APEC, ITU, OECD and WTO etc.

12 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

13 WORKING GROUP ON ASEAN INFORMATION INFRASTRUCTURE Chairman: Michael Yap Chief Executive National Computer Board, Singapore Members: BRUNEI Song Kin Koi Senior Special Duties Officer Ministry of Communications Ismail Ahmad Head of Multimedia Insfracture Section Ministry of Communication Hj. Mahmud Hj. Mohd Daud Head of Development Services Information Technology Department Rachy Rachmat Third Secretary (Economics) Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia Abdul Mutalib Yusof Manager, International Relations & Trade Department (ITRD) Ministry of Industry & Primary Resources Wallace Koh Senior Manager Management Information Services Jabatan Telekom Brunei CAMBODIA Phu Leewood Assistant to H.E. Mr. Sokan Office of the Council Minister INDONESIA Trijono Marjono Minister Counsellor (Economic) Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia Ir. Marthius. L. Irdus Assistant Communications Attache Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia Lao PDR Phonethip Viravongsa Third Secretary, Consulate Embassy of the Lao PDR Souknivone Phommasone Cabinet Chief of Computer Center Phonpassit Phissamay Head of Computer Center STENO Somlith Khantivong First Secretary, Deputy Head of Mission Embassy of the Lao PDR

14 MALAYSIA Abd Kadir Yakub Principal Assistant Secretary Communications and Multimedia Ministry of Energy MYANMAR Dr. Pyke Tin Professor Computational Mathematics Institute of Computer and Technology Tan Wee Chiew Assistant Director, Technology Planning National Computer Board Lai Fook Ngian Assistant Director Ministry of Trade and Industry Augustine Chan Assistant Director Ministry of Trade and Industry PHILIPPINES Aurora A. Rubio Chief, Telecom Planning Division Department of Transportation and Communications Rogelia V. Cabana Supervising Communications Devt Officer Department of Transportation and Communications Nitin N. Pai Manager, International Connectivity Telecommunication Authority of Singapore THAILAND Dr Danai Milindavanij Lab Director, Network Technology Laboratory NECTEC Jose A.P. Ampeso First Secretary and Consul of the Philippines Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines Sakarn Saensopha Department of Business Economics Ministry of Commerce SINGAPORE LTC (NS) Foo Jong Ai Director, Development Directorate Telecommunications Authority of Singapore Ling Keok Tong Assistant Director Telecommunications Authority of Singapore Krisda Piampongsant Department of Business Economics Ministry of Commerce Dr. Krisorn Jittorntrum Chiang Mai University Kitima Veerachatkul Department of Business Economics Ministry of Commerce

15 Dr. Junavit Chalidahongse NECTEC VIETNAM Nguyen Thanh Hung Deputy General Director General Department of Post & Telecommunications Nguyen Than Phuc Manager General Department of Post and Telecommunication Pebble Teo Assistant Director, International Talents Manpower Development National Computer Board, Singapore PRIVATE SECTOR CORE GROUP Roberto Romulo Chair, Private Sector Core Group Dr. Emmanuel Lallana VP of the Foundation for IT and Education Development Do Chi Dzung IT Expert Planning Department Ministry of Trade Vu Xuan Truong Deputy Chief of Mission Embassy of Vietnam Le Thi Ngoc Mo Telecoms Manager General Department of Post and Telecommunication ASEAN SECRETARIAT Lim Hong Hin Assistant Director Bureau of Trade, Industry and Services ASEAN MITI-CONSULTATION Yoshiaki Ohisa Deputy Director Ministry of International Trade and Industry Hiroyuku Uemura Assistant Chief International Policy Office Shizuya Haru Southeast Asia-P acific Division International Trade Policy Bureau Tohio Kosuge Technical Co-operation Division International Policy Bureau Nora ln Ali Senior Officer Bureau of Trade, Industry and Services Hiroki Isobe Regional Policy Division Asian Affairs Bureau WGAII SECRETARIAT Dr. Chee Yeow Meng Deputy Director, Internationalisation Office National Computer Board, Singapore Masaki Komurasaki Managing Director CICC Singapore Hidehiro Yokoo Executive Director Jetro Industrial Research