1 Fostering IT Schools for the Information Age Chinese Taipei Initiative Kristy Hsu Chinese Taipei APEC Study Center

2 Background of the Initiative (I) 2002 AELM: to triple the number of people with internet access by 2005 ABAC & CEO Summit: enhance business participation and promote public-private partnership

3 Background of the Initiative (II) Chinese Taipei Initiative: Transforming Digital Divide into a Digital Opportunity Phase I (2001): Conference Phase II (2002): Tailor made consultations and services Taiwan firms involvement in foreign communities

4 Goals of the Initiative Enhance business sector ’ s support for and relevance to APEC Establish replicable model for ICTs producers efforts in digital divide issues Find out regional implications – Asia & Latin America

5 Objectives of the Initiative To build a computer center in the selected schools and establish access to students and the community SET teaching: software/English/typing From students to parents, relatives and neighbors Multi-function of the IT Schools: e-commerce and internet villages

6 Participants of the Initiative Coordinator/Research: Chinese Taipei APEC Study Center/Chinese Taipei ABAC Secretariat Major Sponsors: ICTs producers Supporting Sponsors: Telecom company other ABAC/CEO Summit delegates

7 Working Schedule Proposal approved (SOMII, 2002) Teaching Materials completed Hardware/software testing undertaken Schools identified in Mexico & Thailand Coordinating Teams organized in participating Economies (Dec of 2002)

8 Factors for the Success Efficient, replicable and sustainable model Continuous support of the private sector (business & NGOs) Commitments of the governments INCREASE THE NUMBER of internet schools/villages

9 Thank You