DILI, 07 july 2021 (TATOLI) – The Government of Timor-Leste (TL), through MAPCOMS and SECOMS, realize an international seminar on the development of global digitalization and its impact on Timor-Leste.
The realization of the international seminar aims to discuss and share information from the national and international speakers on the progress of digital platforms in the modern era and their impacts on the society of Timor-Leste. The discussion will be focusing on how to sensitize society on how to use digital platforms properly.
In his opening remarks, the Secretary of State for Social Communications, Merício Juvenal dos Reis ‘Akara said that there are advantages and disadvantages of digital platforms for users to utilize as a communication method for the interest of the individual, group, and state or government. In this case, society must have good knowledge to use the platforms for positive things.
“Timor-Leste, as an independent country, should have programs and plans in raising awareness of the digital platforms in positive ways such as for educational, innovative, and family income generation purposes,” said Akara.
He said SECOMS has an important role in facilitating the flow of information among the people concerning the implementation of government programs, budget execution, and policy implementation. Therefore, it is important to conduct an international seminar to share experiences and insights from national and international perspectives in the area of digital platforms.
“We need to have sufficient knowledge, capacity, and intelligence before using digital platforms,” Akara made the comments during his presentation entitled ‘Timor-Leste Context In Digital Era, in Suai Room at Timor-Plaza, in Dili, today.
In addition, the former President of the Republic, Jose Ramos Horta, one of the speakers at the seminar said that many young Timorese people have mobile phones, saying they are bombarded with information on Facebook.
“Social Media could be used by certain people to destabilize society. On social media, including myself, I share information on Covid-19 and Vaccines to help Timorese people understand the importance of vaccines. But, you know some other people are using social media to spread fake information about the covid-19 and the vaccine. It is important to be aware that there are both good and bad people using new technologies, and bad people could use social media in an organized way to create destabilization in the society,” said Horta.
Akara said in Timor-Leste, of the 1.3 million people, there are 599.700 internet users, with 440.000 actively using social media, saying the number of internet users increased by 16 percent every year.
“In Timor-Leste, we have approximately 420.000 Facebook users, Instagram is 83.000, Linkedin is 26.000, and 3.150 Twitter users,” said Akara.
Participating in the international seminar, Miguel Goncalves, a lecturer of the Social Communication Department of the National University of Timor-Leste (UNTL) said that the seminar was important to sensitize the citizens to use the internet, and social media appropriately.
Goncalves said as a lecturer, he would motivate the students on how to utilize social media properly and create positive contents that can benefit society.
“As intellectuals, it is important for students and lecturers to know how to be responsible social media users,” said Goncalves.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Rafy Belo
