I am pleased to witness that ITCN Asia is now in it's 5th year since its inception in 2001 when I was the Federal Minister for Science & Technology. I congratulate the Federal Minister for IT & Telecom, Federal Minister for Privatisation & Investment and Ecommerce Gateway for successfully holding this show with marked improvements every year.
Higher Education Commission is fully geared to improve quality of higher education, as well as, improve access to education, while laying the foundations of a strong knowledge-based economy, as we understand that a well-educated individual is the fundamental building block of such an economy.
Higher Education Commission has its prevailing focus in Faculty development, Higher education infrastructure development, Focus area support, Higher education sector reforms and towards establishing Industrial linkages. Events such as ITCN Asia further the government's efforts towards establishing strong industrial linkages as they serve as an ideal platform for the students who are seeking higher education to interact with the professionals from the industry.
Higher Education Commission for this reason has consented to establish an exclusive HEC Pavilion in ITCN Asia 2005 where various HEC member universities are setting up stalls to enlighten the visitors to the show their services and to fortify their relationships with the industry.
I wish ITCN Asia great success!