(Borneo Post; June 9, 2009)

LUNDU: Nina Bobo Philip Bawel, 24, has set up a Rural ICT Guided Home-based Technopreneur (RIGHT) Internet and Services Centre here.

Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS) yesterday donated six re-conditioned computers to Nina for her ICT operations.

It was an income-generating opportunity for Nina, the first female participant of the RIGHT programme to set up such a centre.

"I would like to encourage more candidates, especially female participants, to come forward to take the challenge of being ICT 'anchors' in their rural communities," SAINS Chief Executive Officer Teo Tien Hiong said when visiting Nina's RIGHT Internet and Services Centre on Monday.

Teo said RIGHT programme, which started in a rather small way, had grown from strength to strength over the years. The programme started in 2005 in line with the State Government's goal of bridging the rural-urban digital divide.

Candidates for the programme were chosen from the rural areas of Sarawak. They were given six months training by SAINS experts before being exposed to various aspects of ICT operations.

Teo hoped that other government institutions and private sector come forward to bridge the digital divide in the state.

Principal Assistant Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development Sarawak, Hamsien Atar said RIGHT programme had played an important role in bringing sustainable ICT development to this area, particularly in providing opportunities for those wishing to start up home-based businesses.

"Nina is another success story for the RIGHT programme. Today's event shows the tremendous support the rural community has for this programme," he said.

Nina's RIGHT Internet and Services Centre in Kampung Sungai Lundu operates daily from 9am.

It offers Internet services and provides training on office automation for customers who include community members like students, teenagers and teachers from nearby villages. It also sells computer accessories.

Nina, from Kampung Sungai Lundu, said her centre also provides computer repair services, scanning, photocopying and printing services. She designs wedding cards and prints photos for the villagers.

"The support provided by SAINS allowed me to start my business with a minimum capital. The centre generates about RM900 in extra income a month for me," Nina said.