Brunei joins Asean at Bangkok ICT EXPO
July 13, 2004 (Tuesday)

Thailand's Deputy Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Information & Communication Technology, Kraisorn Pornsutee (L), at the press conference on his country's ongoing commitment to become ASEAN's next ICT hub yesterday.

Thailand's Deputy Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Information & Communication Technology, Kraisorn Pornsutee, held a press conference on his country's ongoing commitment to become ASEAN's next ICT hub, at the Tungku Lounge of the Empire Hotel & Country Club yesterday. The press conference also provided a short brief to the upcoming Bangkok International ICT EXPO.

Mr. Pornsutee stated in his address that Brunei would also be taking part at the expo. The Authority for Info-Communications Technology Industry (AiTi) of Brunei Darussalam shall represent the sultanate together with its neighbours in the ASEAN pavilion, showcasing the latest technologies and solutions in addition to potential business opportunities the region has to offer.

In addition to Brunei and the other ASEAN member countries, the deputy permanent secretary stressed that some of the biggest names in information communications & technology arena would be present at the event such as IBM, Intel, Microsoft, Cisco Systems, Motorola, Nokia, Siemens, Samsung and NEC, just some of the few who will be displaying the latest in the innovations and advancements within the industry.

Mr. Pornsutee also highlighted the numerous events that would be taking place concurrently at the Impact Exhibition & Convention Centre when ICT ministers, trade delegates and commissioners from ASEAN as well as India, China, South Korea and Japan meet for the 4th & 5th ASEAN Telecommunications & Information Technology Ministers Meeting (TELMIN) and ASEAN Telecommunications & Information Technology Senior Officials Meeting (TELSOM) respectively, as well as the 3rd ASEAN-China ICT Corporation Seminar, the ICT CEO forum and the GCIO forum.

By bringing in the different parties and hosting the forums, conferences and seminars, Thailand would further underline its intent of becoming the next ICT hub for ASEAN, with preparations for the event taking place as early as December 2003. 100,000 visitors are expected to attend the 5-day event between August 4-8, with Thai Airways assisting the Ministry of Information and Communication of Thailand in offering an airfare-and-accommodation package for those interested in coming. They should contact Thai Airways or Anthony Travel for more information on the package deal.

Also present at press conference yesterday was Thailand Ambassador to Brunei His Excellency Sunthon Niyomyath; the Minister Counsellor at the Royal Thai Embassy M.L Suparat Devakul; the General Manager of Thai Airways Brunei Darussalam Korakot Chatasingha; and Vice-President of Reed Tradex, event managers for the Bangkok International Expo Nattha Chaowawanich.