Bridging the digital divide: Best practices at the Balik Pulau Telecenter

• Main Authors: Ahmad, Azizah, Rahmat, Abdul Razak, Abd Razak, Rafidah, Md Dahalin, Zulkhairi
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English
• Published: 2010
• Subjects: HD28 Management. Industrial Management
• Online Access: http://repo.uum.edu.my/11096/1/PG01_06.pdf; http://repo.uum.edu.my/11096/; http://www.kmice.uum.edu.my

In today’s competitive era, knowledge is one of the most important assets in the development of nations.Digital divide can hinder the advancement of knowledge in society. Digital divide is complex as it intertwines with social, culture, economics, politics and other factors which are unique to particular communities. Bridging the digital divide among the different communities is a challenging task.An example of an organization that has excelled in bridging the digital divide among its community is the Balik Pulau Telecenter (PID).The center has successfully reduced the digital gap between its rural and urban communities, provided information and communications technology (ICT) knowledge especially to the under-served communities, created e-communities environment in order to spread information to the local communities, and created awareness of the importance of using ICTs among local communities in this borderless world.The center has also moved one level higher by successfully transforming their initial objectives to reduce the digital gap to the generation of economic and social development through ICT. The structures and processes used by the Balik Pulau Telecenter for bridging the digital divide represent best practices for other telecenters to follow.For researchers, the experience at the Balik Pulau Telecenter support and add to the body of knowledge about bridging the digital divide.