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PICISOC BOARD Candidates for 2009 Elections

NameBio
Anju Mangal
It’s not always easy to write a bio. I am supposed to tell people something about myself and the work I’m currently doing. In other words I will have to write something fancy, and I’m not just fancy. I’ll try my best - I’ve been using a computer ever since I was 5 years old – kidding, I started using a computer when I was in high school and at that time, all I was good at was playing solitaire on the computer. My first impression of a computer was rather peculiar. I didn’t think it could do so much (back in primary school). Little did I know its wonders and how the computers changed the revolution of how we think, how we visualize things and how we can process visual information within minutes….i took an instant interest in computer science/information systems and decided to pursue my studies and career in this field. So here I am writing to you about myself, trying to convince you that I can make a difference if i get elected to the PICISOC board.Thanks to Sam Taufao and Phill Hardstaff, I was once nominated to the PICISOC board and thanks to PICISOC members, I was elected as a board member. I had a great experience working with my male colleagues in the PICISOC board and believe me it was tough J BUT I MANAGED J I still think that women are under-represented in the ICT community. Hence the need to start up the Women and ICT special working interest group….with the help of prominent and intelligent women and men, we managed to set up the WIT SIG – all thanks to Rajnesh (the success of WIT was all coz of Raj – it was his idea – still trying to figure out the reason, perhaps the love for wonderful women J Kidding) – hats off to them for doing a great job.Alisi Tuqa and I are coordinating the activities for PICISOC_WIT. We managed to secure funds from UNESCO Apia to carry out a project - http://www.picisoc.org/WIT - our recent activity was collaborating with the Asia Pacific Centre for Women and Technology …. A BIG THANKS to PICISOC board, WIT members, PICISOC members and WIT international gurus - without them we wouldn’t have been able to achieve a lot. I work for the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), providing support to the Land Resources Division and external stakeholders. My colleague (Makelesi who is also a PICISOC member) and I spearheaded the development and management of information, knowledge management (IKM) and we introduced web 2.0 technologies within LRD. I’ve been working on databases (PHP Ms Access, SQL), sharepoint portals, websites (Joomla/frontpage/dreamweaver etc), Moodle training system, GIS etc et... I’ve been involved with participatory approaches to support sustainable management of natural resources through participatory Geographical information systems (GIS) and continue to coordinate appropriate training to build capacity in ICTs using internet to access web-based information systems. Currently I am working on a project proposal that will povide ideas about sms platforms for market price information or disaster alerts or pest and disease advice etc….I am also a board member of the United Blind Persons of Fiji (UBP) and actively involved with the IGF Dynamic Coalition for Accessibility, youth and women special interest group…..I’ve provided support to a few NGOs in ICT policy writing on voluntary basis. Currently working with the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Geneva: http://www.intgovforum.org (and currently attending the IGF planning meeting)….I am always keen to work with others within PICISOC, development partners and stakeholders to contribute to the improvement in the livelihood of our people in the Pacific Island Countries.The information above should give you an idea of whether or not I can contribute towards PICISOC – "Like Obama", I need your support but it has to be based on merits – Like everyone else, I have a dream to see more Pacific islanders attending ICT, internet governance conference so that our voices can be heard. I would like to acknowledge the efforts of the current board, past year board members and members of PICISOC in moving the PICISOC objectives/goals forward J Whether or not I am elected to the board, I’m still going to make a difference as a PICISOC member. Thanks to Phill, Jim Tora, Rakesh and other members of PICISOC who have nominated me..….I very much appreciate your support…..
Aisake Kora
My name is Aisake Kora and I am 38 years of age. Originally from the Fiji Islands and currently working as a Senior Engineer NGN/IP Networks in the Next Generation Networks NGN Project for Telecom Fiji Ltd TFL.I have been in the Telecommunication Industry for 17 years.This is my second year with PICISOC with the first attendance in Cook Islands in 2008. During the conference in 2008, I was moved by the passion of members and presenters as they desire to have our Pacific Island community become well versed furthermore utilizing ICT in every aspects of their lives whether it be education, business or leisure. My career started in December 1992 as a Trainee Technical Officer for Fiji Post & Telecom Ltd now called Telecom Fiji Ltd. Worked in the Business Communication Sections (now Xceed Pasifika) from 1993 – 1995 for the service provision & restoration of PABXs. In 2002, transferred to the R&D for CDMA Networks as Engineer PABX & CDMA Integration for 2 years. Successfully integrated CDMA technology to the PABX enabling PABXs to have resilience as well as mobility for an office extension. In 2004, as Engineer VSAT for the installation & commissioning of TFLs first Satellite Hub located in Yaqara, Fiji. On February 2008, assigned as Senior Engineer NGN/IP Networks involved in TFL’s IP Backbone IP/MPLS as well as the Metropolitan Area Network or MEN Project. At present have been drafted into the implementation of the NGN infrastructure for TFL. Obtained Masters in Engineering and Postgraduate Certificate in Computer and Information Sciences from the Auckland University of Technology in 2008. Graduated with Bachelors in Electrical & Electronic Engineering Honours from James Cook University, Townsville, Australia in 2001. Developed software for my Thesis known as “Radio Propagation Prediction Software for Mobile Coverage”. The software predicted mobile coverage in North Queensland using 3D digital terrain data and could not use the software for TFL as there was no 3D data available in 2002 from FLIS, and TFL’s GIS Unit. Currently, a Board Member for a Christian School in Suva, Fiji. Voluntarily assisting in building the ICT infrastructure for Christian Mission Fellowship International located in Kinoya, Nasinu. Contributing to the involvement of young youths in Rugby as way to reduce Crime in Newtown, Nasinu, Suva
David Leeming
I am someone who works mainly in “ICT4D” but I also have a new business operating since early 2008. I came to the region in Feb 1996. My main work here since 1999 when I first came out of the bush (3 years 96-99 as a VSO teacher in two rural Solomons schools) has concerned rural communities and sustainable networking solutions that often are more about helping people to organise than the actual technology, and how ICT can empower people in various ways. I increasingly see ICT as “Innovation and Collaboration Technology” and have become very interested in how ICT can be used to build and empower communities of practice – educators, youths, women, farmers etc – to self-organise and drive their initiatives forward. I think that this more open, participatory approach to development is potentially very scalable and sustainable, and which is responsive to local and cultural factors. This interest leads from my work with Commonwealth of Learning and the SPC’s OLPC programme last year. My main work involves the projects below
People First Network PFnet www.peoplefirst.net.sb
Distance Learning Centres Project (Schoolnet/Community access project) as Manager 2004-2007 www.schoolnet.net.sb
OLPC pilots in Solomons, PNG, Nauru
Commonwealth of Learning’s Learning4Peace? Wikieducator and Open Educational Resources project
Community radio content and ODL projects ongoing , also Commonwealth of Learning http://isabel-youth.ning.com
National ICT strategy building, PNG and Solomons under UNDP. I suppose in PICISOC I would hope I can add to the body knowledge and help PICISOC be effective in sharing ideas, methods, and skills. More at my website (below) and http://wikieducator.org/User:Leeming. I live in Honiara with my Solomon Islands (Bellona) wife Brenda and family
Andrew Berquist
I am the IT Specialist for the American Samoa Department of Commerce, where I manage 55 end users and six servers for the department. In March of 2009, I was recruited by the American Samoa Economic Stimulus and Recovery Office to manage local ICT related projects for several Federally Funded (US) grants. I am currently attending Oregon State University via e-campus (online)courses, working towards a B.S. in Political Science with a Minor in Environmental Sciences.I first hope to improve the voice American Samoa has within PICISOC. I strongly believe we’re a very important and nearly missing voice from the shaping of information communications technology in the region. My initial goal is to make sure we’re there every step of the way. I also hope to gain insight on where I can push for improvements in the Territory. Secondly, I want to make an impact on the region. I feel as if I have a unique opportunity to share my opinions and thoughts about the shaping of ICT in the region. There is so much to be done in the region and in each specific country or territory, that the opportunities for innovation are endless. The development of new and creative tools for localizing ICT for each community is an amazing concept to me. I do want to make a note of the fact I’m significantly younger and probably unqualified by degree/certification standards. I do feel that my current positions within the American Samoa Government and my knowledge does give me leverage against my age. I was born in 1988, I’m currently 20, 21 in a few weeks. My fingers have been attached to a keyboard since birth; an internet connection was added in 1989. I’ve been fixing and tinkering with computers since 1999 and started doing it professionally in 2004. In closing, I hope to become less unknown in the coming months, with or without the selection of me being on this board. I look forward to any questions anyone may have.
Rakesh Chand
My interest has been in non-profit or non-governmental organisations. Since 1988. My first involvement was with Saint Vincent the Paul Society and was happy with such task as my service to the poverty strikened community was recognised. I was sent to Australia for the first time to understudy the different scenario's of poverty. In another colleague from Fiji attended 2 weeks conference and visited other parts of Australia to feel the different needs of different groups of people. Upon my return, members of the Association of the Blind approached me, for my services. It meant a lot to do something worthwhile for such a community which I was part-of and which had limited support from the general public and the government. After great deliberation, United Blind Person's of Fiji, (UBP) was borne with a different approach. I was elected the first President and served on the position for 2 consecutive terms of 4 years. Round about the same time birth was given to another regional organisation known as, the Pacific Islands Council for the Blind, (PIC). I was the first Vice-President? got the experience of chairing Executive Board Meetings, looking after senior staffs, helping in organising management training workshops and empowerment for PWD's etc etc. I also, filled-up In the absence of the President when he left for studies. In the year 1992 I represented PIC and UBP on a Senior Management Training Course on Non-profit Organisations The Training was done in Canada which was sponsored by CIDA, WBU and Hilton Perkins. Which covered organisation structure, culture, needs of People with Disabilities, Advocacy and fundraising. On that particular trip I also, managed to put my hands on Technology and that was my initial step forward to look at access issues for people with disabilities. Further training on JAWS and Computers groomed me to take part in another extensive training which was sponsored by JICA and constant support from UBP n Vision Pacific gave me greater horizon in ICT for People With Disabilities.If I was elected as the Board Member of PICISOC I'll try my extreme best to look at needs of the most marginalized group, work with relevant stake-holders to serve a community which has been forgotten again and again. I know PICISOc has a path that can help me to look at broader picture and in joining PICISOC as a Board Member will enable me to work closely with ISOC Australia & PDF to make Internet more user friendly and Universal for everyone especially the aging population and different disability groups... As I've already worked with UBP and Fiji Disable People's Association, which is an umbrella organisation for PWD's I've also served on FDPA's Board as a Secretary for 3 years. I've also had a great interest in serving youth and Women with Disabilities.As the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank is ready to commit towards development on ICT in the Pac countries I'd be happy to play a role in making needs of PWD's known and perhaps negotiate with relevant bodies to see everyone has a fair share of assistance regardless of gender, age or disability. I should be available for any questions and clarifications from any member, should the need arise. Looking forward to working with a very dynamic organisation and thanking you for your support.
Les Allinson
Les is the Director of Avon Solutions Ltd, a company run by Pacific Islanders that focuses on delivering MIS/GIS, advanced networking and FOSS solutions in the region, and he is the current Treasurer of the Pacific Islands Chapter of the Internet Society (PICISOC).Les was the ICT Manager of the Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC) an intergovernmental regional organisation based in Suva, Fiji from 1993 to 2004 and prior to that the IT Manager of the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) an intergovernmental regional organisation based in Honiara, Solomon Island from 1983 to 1992. During the 20 year period with regional organisations his focus was on technology transfer to Pacific Island Countries and human resource development in the ICT sector with an objective of creating a solid base of skilled Pacific Island nationals who can maintain and further develop this resource and ensure that new technologies are introduced and implemented when and where needed. His background is applied research and he was employed by several Research Schools at the Australian National University working on a variety of projects that included solar power stations, high energy physics, dating of minerals and fusion experiments. He specialised in interfacing mini computers and early board level PCs for measurement and control of various processes. He has a BSc in Applied Science (Computing).
Andrew Molivure
I have been a member of PICISOC since 2004 and have a great interest in ICT developments in the rural areas. In the same year a small group was also formed in Vanuatu to share information on ICT related issues. By 2006 I became the Interim Chair of this organisation that we now call Vanuatu Information Technology Users Soceity (VITUS) that was registered as a charitable association under the Vanuatu laws. Our membership has increased to over 200 this year and it has alot of impact ICT development in Vanuatu. In 2007 I was elected member of PICISOC board and in 2008 was appointed one of the two acting vice chairman. During my term, I assisted in organising a few events for PICISOC like the OneWebDay? initiative as well as PaciNet conferences. This year was my biggest challenge as I was mandated by the board to organise Pacinet 2009 and also chair to AGM at short notice. Despite a few hickups, we have managed to get the job done in PNG.I strongly believe that there is still room for improvement within PICISOC and so if I get elected again, I will dedicate time to support PICISOC to grow with new visions.
Jimmy Son
Allow me to introduce myself, I first came to Papua New Guinea in 1987 some 22 years ago. In total I have lived here for 12 years and has always been an active part of the ICT community from the side of the IT Vendor/Solutions Provider/Systems Integrator. More recently, I have been promoting adoption of open source solutions with a group of ICT Professionals/Enthusiasts called LinuxPNG. I have also been promoting web-based applications, ICT Outsourcing and Technical Training & Certifications. I have always been an advocate for emerging & alternative technologies both in PNG and the Philippines where I have for a total of 14 years professional experience in IT. My most notable accomplished in the Philippines were securing and managing the full outsource of the Bureau of Internal Revenue Electronic Filing & Payment System (EFPS Project), and participated in working committees of the Information Technology & Electronic Commerce Council (ITECC) as a Technical Resource for eGovernance and ICT Outsourcing. It is my intention to continue living in PNG and help develop the ICT community - private/public, professional/users, & vendors/customers with the aim to bring all stakeholders closer working together to make technology work for the country. If given the opportunity to serve as a Board Member PICISOC, I would like to develop a stronger PNG participant in PICISOC.
Maureen Hilyard
My involvement with IT in the Cook Islands has been through distance education and more recently with the eGovernment Project. I am a Cook Islander and have only been here for 6 years but prior to 2004 I was involved in distance education in NZ within an environment that developed and supported the use of online and offline resources to facilitate student learning – school-aged and adults. NZAid brought me to the Cook Islands to facilitate a similar learning model with the outer islands, but I was to find that blinkered bureaucracy stymied any real attempts to develop ICT in Education. I believe that the new Ministry of Education leadership will be more enabling. As more use is made of internet technology within schools and within the government sector (through eGovernment initiatives), an appropriate regulatory framework with guidelines and policies will develop out of need. There is a possible move towards opening up opportunities for ISPs other than Telecom which will necessitate new legislation. With Board representation from across the Pacific, it would enable members to tap into the shared knowledge and experience of what has already been trialled by other Pacific nations, not only to help each of us to make better decisions for our own countries but also to impart what we have learned to others. I don’t have a broad technical IT knowledge base but am more of an organizer/manager of ICT4D. If elected I can perhaps bring this perspective to the Board
Franck Martin
Franck Martin serves as Chief Technology Officer. He looks after the technical aspects of the company's operations and leads the technical support group. Franck is an ICT specialist with over 15 years experience on the many aspects of modern information systems, including database systems, network routing and protocols, software development and systems support. Prior to joining Avonsys, Franck worked for SOPAC, a Pacific-based regional inter-governmental organisation, where he led many projects and initiatives in Internet and technology development. During this time he established the operations of two ccTLDs (country code Top Level Domains) as well as an Internet Service Provider. Franck is also a regular contributor to the open source community, and the Internet community, where he served on the Board of Trustees of the Internet Society. Franck is a French national and a graduate of the École Centrale de Marseille. http://www.linkedin.com/in/franckmartin
William Tibben
My three main areas of interest that you may find useful on the PICISoc board are human capacity development, telecentres and ICT policy. I have been involved in human capacity development in the Pacific since 1990 mainly in broadcasting but also later in ICTs. My work and study at the university has been focused on telecentre developmen. Similarly my knowledge of ICT policy issues has also been assisted by work and study at the university. I don’t have any specific agenda in relation to these areas of interest. If elected to the board I would spend my initial time learning about the issues that affect members and seek to address these issues as best as I can. For more information about my background you can go to http://www.dsl.uow.edu.au/~wjt/







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Page last modified on Thursday 24 of September, 2009 17:31:31 PDT by zakaio1114 points .

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