Never too old to learn

By Fizah Yusof
Pictures by Ille Tugimin

Age is never a barrier to learning, said Datuk Dr. Yee Moh Chai, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Resource Development and Information technology at the Closing of Computer Camp for the G-oldies 2012 at the Beringgis Beach Resort Papar.

Referring to those who took part in the ICT learning course, Dr. Yee said “They are a  fine example of lifelong learning. It is very satisfying to see the participants being excited in gaining new knowledge,” he said.

He said the theme of the computer camp,  “Digital Edge- Mobile Computing” says a lot for the desire to learn.

“Being well versed in the use of ICT is a step towards enhancing  business networking as well as social interactions.Undoubtedly, ICT has brought all of us closer together,” he added.

The camp was organized with the support from the Ministry of Resource Development and Information Technology in conjunction with the State ICT Month. The 3 days and 2 nights camp was held from 16 to 18 November 2012, and attended by sixty participants, aged 55 and above.

Dr. Yee said that the program is part of his Ministry's effort to promote ICT awareness among a cross section of society in Sabah.

He acknowledged that the widespread use of ICT depends greatly on high broadband penetration in the country. He said the whole idea of increasing broadband penetration is to ensure that the whole country is internet-connected.

“We want to have high penetration, so we must have the facility in place,” he said. According to government sources currently the broadband penetration for Sabah is only 34 percent.

Touching on the obstacles to higher ICT penetration Dr. Yee expressed concern that many people still hold back from exposure to this new technology. Stressing that there must be a change of attitude, Dr. Yee  said,  “There is no point having the hardware and facilities if people don’t make use of these facilities,” he said.

There are bright sparks, however for Anne Wee, 78, a retired teacher, the computer camp is a godsend.

“It gives senior citizens like me a motivation to keep abreast of things and not to be left behind. I love to learn new things,” she said.

Anne who is in her 5th year joining the computer camp said she is amazed with the ICT technology. "iPad is a fantastic gadget," she said

“I’m used to using the desktop, but I find that iPad is a very portable and mobile gadget. It has many  useful applications,” she added.

Her team won the 1st prize award in the "i-Scavenger Hunt" where they had to use the tablet to create a slide show and tell a story using the features in the tablet. They won the RM200 Shopping voucher each. – Insight Sabah