ICT in development programmer

E-Bario




As a key component of the Malaysian Government’s vision for modernization, the e-Bario development project utilizes computers, telephones, and VSATs to connect villagers in the remote village of Bario to the Internet. This highland settlement of about 1,000 people has so far been shielded from the modern world by the jungle and mountains that cover the interior of the East Malaysian state of Sarawak, Borneo. E-Bario is breaking the isolation, harnessing the power of ICTs to help the district develop socially, culturally and economically. Initially, two computer labs in local schools were set up, as well as a publicly accessible telecentre.



By systematically introducing computers into society, project administrators Universiti of Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) hoped to improve information flows to and from Bario, thus helping to better the living conditions of the entire community. Connected via four VSATs provided by Telekom Malaysia powered by diesel fuel and solar power, e-Bario has allowed hundreds of Malaysians to learn how to use ICTs to better their socio-economic position. Even at this early stage, the project has been deemed such a success that the United Nations and the Malaysian government are planning to replicate it elsewhere. Indeed, E-Bario serves as a model of best practice for sustainable ICT-focused development, demonstrating how ICTs need to be accompanied by training and education for a project to be successful and sustainable.