Brunei Darussalam hosted the ASEAN Cyberkids Camp for the first time from 4 to 6 September 2018. The Cyberkids Camp Programme, introduced in 2008 initiated by Malaysia, has spread across the ASEAN countries.
The programme adopted the 21st Century learning objectives by developing computer animations, interactive stories, or applications. This event is developed to enhance the students' skills in adaptability, creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, working in a team, ability to use ICT creatively as well as encouraging awareness of cross-cultural issues. The programme also aims at promoting regional cooperation and integration among ASEAN member states. The participating countries in this year's programme were Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The participants comprised school children aged between 7 and 12. A total of 20 students with their tutors from the 10 ASEAN member states 'camped' at The Rizqun International Hotel.
Brunei Darussalam was represented by Binturan Primary School, Tutong, the winning team from Cyber Kids Camp held earlier in March 2018.
Organised by AITI, the programme kicked off on with a series of energising activities as an icebreaker to create a vibrant, dynamic and energetic environment for the young students gearing up for the preceding activities. The programme continued with a Computer Creativity Competition where students worked on a creative multimedia programming project using the Scratch software. This year's topic revolved around the theme 'Smart City'.
The team of young cyberkids from Vietnam emerged as the Gold Award recipient with their project 'Vietnam's Smart City' followed by Indonesia as the Silver Award recipient with their project 'Security System'. Participants from other ASEAN member states were presented with the Bronze Awards.
Deputy Minister of Energy, Manpower and Industry and Chairman of AITI, Yang Mulia Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Matsatejo bin Sokiaw presented the prizes to the winners.
Prior to the award presentation, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications Yang Mulia Haji Azhar bin Haji Ahmad highlighted that early introduction of ICT to young students can bring wealth through innovation in science and technology. Yang Mulia Haji Azhar, who was also the ASEAN Telecommunications and Information Technology Senior Officials Meeting (TELSOM) Leader for Brunei Darussalam further encouraged educators and tutors to build platforms for young students to create innovative products so that they can become technopreneurs who play a major role in the economic growth in the future.
