More M'sian states gearing for ICT-readiness

It seems to be the trend for normally backwater states to announce that they are going to be ICT-ready.

Look at two recent headlines: - Pahang gets RM76 million to promote hi-tech activities - Kedah wants to be 'info technology-ready' state

The Pahang state government has received 76 million ringgit under the 9th Malaysian Plan to promote activities relating to information communication technology, biotechnology and biodiversity.

This includes the development of Gambang Technology Park that involves the construction of the ICT buildings and biotechnology laboratories.

Meanwhile, in Kedah, there are plans to provide high-speed broadband of up to 100 Mbps and discussions are ongoing with several companies to use wireless optic fibres to provide voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) and video conferencing.

The state is also promoting its "Broadband in Every Household" campaign to increase the broadband usage from 5.1 percent to 70 percent of the 490,000 households in the state within the next three years.

Such pronouncements are great but with the mother-of-all ICT projects, Multimedia Super Corridor, still somewhat languishing, I can't help but wonder if any of these ICT initiatives will really spur ICT economic growth.

True, the MSC has had unexpected success with the outsourcing sector. But none of its other major initiatives have created any ripples. (In fact, it's interesting to note that outsourcing is not one of the original flagship initiatives).