Australia, Broadband, and the Digital Economy
MELBOURNE, March 10, 2011 - Broadband internet has tremendous potential as an economic and social enabler in the Asia Pacific region, said Senator Stephen Conroy, Federal Minister for Broadband, Communications, and the Digital Economy, at the inaugural Asialink – Asia Society AustralAsia Centre National ICT Forum.
"Within international organisations, including APEC, broadband and ICT is acknowledged as a crucial element to driving further development of a robust, global economy," Conroy said.
In the following video, he also highlights the achievements of the Asialink BRIDGE program, which uses digital technology to form international linkages.
Stephen Conroy: Broadband key for Asia linkages.
Australia’s largest telecommunications company has great ambitions for engagement with Asia, said Telstra CEO David Thodey, also speaking at the forum.
Thodey said that Telstra has changed the way it looks at the world, and while it is proud to be Australian, it no longer considers itself to be an Australia company.
"We think of ourselves within the Asian community because that’s where we must be," he said.
In the video below, Thodey also discusses Telstra's plans for operations and investment in China.
Telstra CEO: "Asia is where we must be."
The Forum provided updates and insights from Australia’s ICT leaders and international experts for the business community as the NBN rolls out.
2011 Advanced information and global communication technology is critical in the 21st century’s competitive economy.
Select any of the following speakers to hear full audio and view presentations, where available.
- Senator Stephen Conroy, Federal Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
- Mike Quigley, CEO, NBN Co
- David Thodey, CEO, Telstra
- Hiroki Kuriyama, Head of Corporate Strategy, NTT Japan
- Datuk Badlisham Ghazali, CEO, Multimedia Development Corporation, Malaysia
- Dr Tim Williams, Director of Consultancy, Publicani, UK - Connecting Communities Report
View biographies of all speakers