Nation Building

Samsung’s DigitAll Hope Programme

Addressed by Tan Sri Lim at the Samsung's DigitAll Hope Programme
24 June 2003

First let me thank Samsung for this opportunity to be a part of the "DigitAll Hope" and to serve as one of the regional judges. I am pleased that Malaysia has been included and I hope Malaysian participants will make the best use of this opportunity.

There are three things that I find compelling in this programme. One is the emphasis on youth, second is the element of knowledge-driven creativity, and third is the use of technology. This is a perfect mix. You can′t do with one without the other two. The emphasis on youth is important and in tune with reality.

Korea in recent years has made tremendous progress and achieved much success in the global market through the designing and manufacturing of digital and technologically advanced products. I am glad that Samsung, being one of Korea′s leading companies, has chosen to launch this motivational programme which emphasises the use of digital technology.

As we know it, the majority of the world′s youth today live in developing or poor countries that suffer the most from the information gap that the digital divide creates. In organising and sponsoring DigitAll Hope, Samsung is making a meaningful effort to help address this unfortunate situation, and to raise its awareness.

I have read somewhere an astounding fact that will give you an indication of how huge this digital divide is. Do you know that there are 2 billion people on this planet who have never made a phone call? Never mind having access to a digital handphone.

This fact only should open our minds to the enormous disadvantages that many nations are suffering as a result of being left behind by the high speed advancement of technology.

In Malaysia, we have been fortunate. We have been able to somehow keep pace with the changes although we do need to increase the speed of our adaptability. We need to increase the speed in order to lead and not just to follow.

This mindset is the legacy our Prime Minister has given us in the two decades that he has led the country. The Prime Minister has spoken out on the need to bridge the digital divide for several years now and has taken several concrete steps to ensure that it is effectively addressed.

What Samsung is doing deserves the full support of all. I am hopeful that DigitAll Hope will motivate others in the private sector to respond with similar initiatives that will help youths, especially those in developing nations which are grappling with the complexities of new technology.

The grant of USD600,000 that Samsung will be disbursing is substantial enough to provide a motivating start for the region.

Being in education, I fully understand the challenges faced by youths in developing a future that they will be able to thrive in. For youths in disadvantaged countries, the challenge is even greater.

I am also aware of the enormous talent that can be found in Asia and am confident that we will all be stimulated by the ideas that will be received. These are ideas that we must take seriously as they come from young people who are the best people to tell us how and in what ways they want their environment to be improved.

I especially like the theme - Live your dreams. It is an inspiring line and will give direction and motivation for participants to channel their energy.

I hope all the Malaysian organisations invited to participate in this programme will put in their best efforts.

Lastly, I would like to request the media present here to give this project your fullest support.

This is one project that meaningfully promotes creativity, which is something we can never have enough of. In this case, it is all for the benefit of our next generation and that makes it even more meaningful.

So please do support DigitAll Hope. Help us make it a success for all.

Thank you very much for the opportunity.