Doa Kesyukuran Ceremony Commemorates World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) 2024

To commemorate World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) 2024, the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) organised a Doa Kesyukuran ceremony today at the Az-Zakireen Mosque, Kg Meragang.

Present at the ceremony was Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha, Minister of Transport and Infocommunications as Chairman of AITI.

Also present was Yang Mulia Haji Hairul Mohd Daud bin Haji Abdul Karim, Acting Permanent Secretary, MTIC; Yang Mulia Awang Haji Mohammad Salihin Bin Haji Aspar, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Transport), MTIC; and Yang Mulia Awang Ir. Haji Jailani bin Haji Buntar, Chief Executive of AITI. Other invited guests included senior officials from MTIC as well as representatives from InfoCom Federation Brunei (IFB), telecoms service providers, and ICT industry players.

The ceremony began with mass Sunat Hajat prayers, the recital of Surah Yaasin, Tahlil and Doa Kesyukuran, followed by Fardhu Asar prayers led by Yang Mulia Imam Haji Nurhidayatullah bin Haji Zulkiflee.

WTISD is celebrated annually on May 17, to mark the founding of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) in 1865 when the first International Telegraph Convention was signed in Paris, France. The purpose of WTISD is to raise awareness on the possibilities that the use of the Internet and other ICTs can bring to societies and economies, as well as ways to bridge the digital divide.

This year is the 55th anniversary of WTISD since its first celebration in 1969. The theme for this year is “Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development”, which reflects the key role of innovative tech and ICT to help tackle the world’s most pressing challenges, from fighting climate change to eliminating hunger and poverty.

In alignment with our national vision, Wawasan Brunei 2035, the approach in digital innovation starts with connectivity. We have worked diligently to enhance our digital infrastructure, ensuring that every citizen and resident has access to reliable and attainable telecommunications and internet services. This connectivity is the backbone of our digital economy and a crucial enabler for inclusive growth.

The recent commissioning of mobile services in the rural Belait areas, for example, underscores our commitment to digital inclusivity, and bridging the digital divide, plus ensuring that the benefits of technological advancements reach every corner of our nation. Moreover, the innovative use of solarpowered base stations in these areas also reflects our dedication to sustainable and green energy practices.

Beyond connectivity, efforts in digital innovation also extends towards harnessing smart technologies in digitalizing public services, education, healthcare, retail and many more. These endeavours aim to leverage technology as a catalyst for sustainable development and enhance the welfare of our citizens. Also, through initiatives like Brunei ICT Awards (BICTA) and Startup673 programme, we are fostering a culture of innovation, supporting local entrepreneurs in developing digital businesses, thereby fueling economic diversification and technological advancement in various sectors.

In conjunction with WTISD celebration, AITI will also be organising the Digital Future Conference and Exhibition (DFCE) 2024 with topics focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cybersecurity following the WTISD theme.

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