9W2WOC: ITU Asia-Pacific Centres of Excellence Training Workshop on Effective Use of Telecommunications/ICT in Response to Disasters: Reports

This what we called a "Ham Radio"...

A radio communications service for the purpose of self-training, intercommunication, and technical investigations carried out by amateurs, that is, duly authorized persons interested in radio technique solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest.

Ham radio is an international fraternity that transcends the barriers of nationality, race, age, sex, and class. Whenever you take to the air as a ham, you never know who you might find to talk to. It might be an old friend you've known for years; it might be a new friend you haven't met before. Why not join the millions around the world who already have their ham license? They would all like to say hello to you!

Sintok, Kedah, Malaysia

24-28, November 2008.

Over 100 participants including country delegates, speakers, and local participants attended the Training Workshop. Of the total number, 31 international participants were from 22 countries while 62 local participants were from Malaysia.

The Training Workshop focused on concepts and hands-on training on various technologies and applications such as satellite communications, radio communication, Internet-base applications and etc. which are applicable and suitable for deployment aiming at facilitating rescue and relief operations in emergencies and especially in the aftermath of disasters. The Training Workshop aimed at:

Making awareness and demonstrate telecommunication technology options, facilities and services applicable for use in response to disasters or emergencies especially in disaster relief operations;
Providing practical experience to participants in using the telecommunication/ICT facilities and services for disaster relief operations;
Strengthening partnerships in disaster relief among international agencies/organizations, NGOs, Industry, and governments as well as encourage roles of public sector or NGOs e.g. radio amateurs, volunteers, etc.; and,
Identifying issues, gaps in countries in order to find ways for improvements or overcoming the issues or challenges.

During the hands-on training, system demonstrations were made to the participants who were also given opportunities to try out voice and data communications over the satellite and radiocommunication as well as through the Internet. In addition, a group of amateur radio voluntarily coming from different places of Malaysia helped demonstrate set up of various types of radio equipment such as HF, VHF, UHF and applications over the radio links.

1. Certificate of Participant Awarded to 9W2WOC.