TWO organisations namely the Asian-Oceanian Computing Industry Organisation (Asocio) and iTrain Kids Sdn Bhd are now the latest supporting partners of the World Congress on Information Technology 2022 (WCIT2022).
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony was held in Komtar today between Asocio, iTrain Kids and the National Tech Association of Malaysia (Pikom) as the organiser of the WCIT2022.
The MoU signing ceremony was witnessed by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Asocio was represented by its chairman David Wong, iTrain Kids by its executive director Datuk Eric Ku and Pikom was represented by its chairman Dr Sean Seah.
Besides Asocio and iTrain Kids, other supporting partners for WCIT2022 that have been announced previously are the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce (PCCC), the Scouts Association of Malaysia (Penang) and many others.
Chow is delighted that more partnerships are being inked, including with regional and global bodies.
“We are glad that with the heightened awareness, we are seeing an increased interest in WCIT2022.
“Today, I am pleased to welcome Asocio which will help drive participation from Asian countries to WCIT2022.
“Asocio was established in 1984 and is the regional grouping of technology associations that comprises over 25,000 tech companies under 24 member economies in the Asia and Oceania region.
“I am delighted that Asocio has signed an MoU with WCIT2022 and I look forward to welcoming a large delegation from the region.
“In addition to this, we have iTrain Kids, a tech-focused learning institution with us today, a new partner that will help drive the interest of WCIT2022 and Penang Techfest to the wider community, especially school-going children,” Chow told a press conference after the MoU signing ceremony in Komtar today.
The 26th edition of the WCIT will be held in Penang from Sept 13 to 15. It promises a power-packed three-day event showcasing the future of technology across various sectors including education, health and lifestyle, food, cybersecurity, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and others.
Another main feature of WCIT2022 is the 10-day Penang Techfest, which will be taking place from Sept 8 to 18. Penang Techfest will feature headlines that include a 5G zone with autonomous vehicle testing, street eSports, HealthTech, smart cities, SpaceTech, and the multiverse.
According to Chow, the planning stages for WCIT2022 are pretty much done, and it is now time for execution.
“While WCIT2022 is a business conference, the impact of technology cuts across all strata of society. More so, the younger generation. Hence, lets us all work together to make the WCIT2022 an impactful event for all,” he added.
Meanwhile, David said Asocio is happy with such collaboration to ensure the WCIT2022 event is a success.
“On behalf of Asocio, we are very happy with the partnership and pledge our full support to WCIT2022.
“We are also very impressed with the various efforts from the state government, its agencies, and organisations such as Pikom to ensure this event will be held smoothly and successfully,” he said.
Dr Sean said it was an honour and privilege to have Asocio and iTrain Kids on the board through this partnership.
“We are very excited to have the full support from both organisations.
“At the same time, we hope each Asocio delegate today will also help us to market this event in your respective association and to pass the invitation to the ministers of your respective country,” he said.
At the end of the programme, David announced that the Penang government is the winner of the Asocio Award 2021 under the Digital Government Award category.
Chow thanked Asocio for the special recognition.
Among those present during the MoU signing ceremony today were State Secretary Datuk Dr Ahmad Jailani Muhamed Yunus, Asocio vice-chairman Wong Wai Meng, Asocio immediate past chairman Bunrak Saraggandanda and Digital Penang chief executive officer Tony Yeoh.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud