Girls in ICT Day Highlights Importance of Digital Skills for Life

In conjunction with International Girls in ICT Day 2023, the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) organised today a dialogue session following this year’s theme of “Digital Skills for Life” held at Progresif Sdn Bhd headquarters, Gadong. The event is supported by Google Developers Group Brunei, Women Techmakers and Progresif Sdn Bhd as event partners.

The event began with opening remarks by Marinna binti Haji Mahari, Chief Financial Officer of AITI. In her opening remarks, she acknowledged the critical role STEM education at a young age plays in promoting innovation by equipping students with the necessary skills, knowledge, mindset, which are crucial in shaping digital creators of the future.  She also emphasised the importance of the efforts to bridge the gender divide in the ICT sector and achieve women empowerment globally, while accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Moderated by Saedah Hasnal of Women Techmakers, panelists for the dialogue session were Yang Berhormat Queenie Chong, Member of Legislative Council and CEO of Memori, and Yang Mulia Hajah Nurul Haniah binti Haji Md Jaafar, CEO of Progresif Sdn Bhd. With the objective to encourage and inspire girls and young women to pursue ICT education and careers, the panelists discussed the nation’s contribution to implement digital skills for life, the alignment of ICT supply with industry demand, as well as the opportunities and challenges for girls and young women to enhance their ICT skills.

More than 80 participants attended the dialogue session, comprising students from primary and secondary schools, representatives from ICT companies and interested individuals.

The event concluded with a presentation of tokens of appreciation to the panelists followed by a mini showcase of micro:bit, a pocket-size computer designed to help kids learn how to code and create with technology by Future Champ, a local STEM facilitator.

“Girls in ICT Day” is an initiative backed by International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to create a global environment that empowers and encourages girls and young women to consider careers in the growing field of ICT. It is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of April annually and this year, the “Girls in ICT Day” is observed on 27 April 2023.