8
framework for the utilisation of information and communication technology (ICT) to transform
Malaysia into a developed nation in accordance to Vision 2020
3
. NITA will unfold the utilisation
of ICT to transform Malaysian society in 3 stages – first into an information society, second,
knowledge society and third, values-based knowledge society. The thrust of its strategic agenda
is a strategy for Malaysia's migration to the E-World
4
. The agenda states that this will start from
an orderly transformation from the current governance structure to a more participatory one
involving active tripartite partnership between the public, private and community-interest
sectors.
Out of NITA, the National IT Framework (NITF) was formulated where three key
elements (people, infrastructure and applications) were identified as crucial to the transformation
of Malaysian society into a value base knowledge society (Figure 3). Surrounding this three
elements are three key issues of access and equity, creating value and qualitative transformation
which need to be properly addressed in order for NITF to succeed ( National IT Council (NITC),
“About National IT Agenda – NITA”
http://www.nitc.org.my/nita/index.shtml
) .
The second major ICT initiative by Malaysia is the Multimedia Super Corridor(MSC), launched
in 1996. It was the earliest strategic initiative of the NITC of creating a “ripple” into a tidal
wave
5
“The intent behind Malaysia's Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) has been to create a
3
In 1991, Malaysia’s then Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad
unveiled Vision 2020 which sets targets and
objectives for Malaysia to be a fully developed country by 2020. It is envisioned that by 2020, Malaysia can be a
united nation, with a confident Malaysian society, infused by strong moral and ethical values, living in a society that
is democratic, liberal and tolerant, caring, economically just and equitable, progressive and prosperous, and in full
possession of an economy that is competitive, dynamic, robust and resilient.
4
E-World consist of E-Community, E-Public Services, E-Learning, E-Economy and E-Sovereignty.
5
NITA’s theme of “Turning Ripples into Tidal Waves” is indicative of the way Malaysia expects the ICT
transformation to occur. The "ripples" are focused initiatives by the government to create the necessary environment
Convention