New Zealand addresses ICT skills shortage

The New Zealand Computer Society (NZCS) has established a working group to create and pilot ICT-Connect, the NZCS Professionals in Schools Programme, says Scoop.

The working group will pilot the ICT-Connect programme, which sees ICT professionals present to schools and students about the benefits of a career in ICT.

"A wider long-term objective is to help deal with the negative stereotypical perceptions of ICT, which is a major contributor to the ICT skills shortage," says NZCS CEO Paul Matthews.

Kenya's Information and Communication secretary, Dr Bitange Ndemo, has revealed his ministry is spearheading the drafting of a data protection Bill alongside the ICT and Freedom of Information Bills, reports The Standard.

Ndemo said the fast growing ICT industry requires a comprehensive policy on data protection to ensure regulated growth in the East African Community. Some of the critical issues to be addressed include the need for a single currency, political union and unified but workable policy framework.

He says the ICT Bill would have gone through a second reading in two to three weeks and parliament and stakeholders will be called upon to give further input.

Key players in the Philippine business process outsourcing (BPO) industry are pushing for a comprehensive and sustainable training programme that will develop human resources in ICT on Mindanao, the Phillipines second largest island, says GMA News.

The Web site says the Philippine ICT industry is growing by 30% to 35% annually and estimates that one million jobs will be generated by 2010.

Wit Holganza, president of ICT Davao, says: "We need to let the public know the positive economic impact the BPO sector has already gained, and the untapped opportunities that the ICT industry has to offer particularly in creating more jobs and ICT-related businesses."