Hi everyone,

I'd like to inform you that a new Center for Advanced Studies on ICT&Society (ICT&S Center) has been newly established in Salzburg, Austria.

If you're interested in doing research on this topic in one of the nicest spots in Europe ("the city of Mozart"), please check out the center's website:
http://www.icts.sbg.ac.at

Austria has elected an new President: Dr. Heinz Fischer

One of his first projects he announced to set up after his appointment at July 8th, is the "Digital Hofburg" (where Hofburg is the name of the President's residence at the Palace of Vienna). With the initiative he wants to increase digital communication, civic engagement and public information.

This finally gives hope for further long awaited e-society/e-democracy commitment from public bodies.

Yes, that's really something to celebrate!

While I'm writing this update I'm at an Internet cafe in Bangkok, Thailand. The connection at this cafe is rather quick compared to other places, maybe because it's located at the FAO and international people area of the city.

The reason for me being here is that I'm doing a trip through some countries of the region to learn more about the strategic use of ICTs, especially for development. This will be part of my doctoral thesis that I'm working on at my university in Austria. Thanks to the generous support of my supervisor I can dp research within Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan.

Since cultures and therefore behaviour, beliefs, dogmas, tabus and moral values differ it will give me the opportunity to have a look behind the fence, related to doing research from the desk.

Whoever would like to share his/her experiences or interests with me, you're welcome!

More will appear on my private updates.

Sawadee krap,
Laurent

Did this really happen?

http://www.ericblumrich.com/rm/shoot_pc.ram (real video)

I´ve seen this today, it´s Christmas time .... :(

this message is so motivating that i´d like to share it with you. maybe some have seen it already...

http://www.digitalpartners.org/home.html -> listen to Jose-Maria Figueres, former President of Costa Rica, on the importance of DP to help youth.

ICT is about Empowerment!