Virtual eBKF being held today till Oct 28
KUCHING: The eighth eBorneo Knowledge Fair (eBKF) organised by Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) will be held virtually from today (Oct 26) to Oct 28.
Unimas in a statement said although travel restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic have been challenging, internet connectivity that is rapidly moving into Borneo’s interiors has provided an opportunity for organisers to run the three-day fair virtually.
It said eBKF, which was initiated by the university in Bario in 2007, showcases the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for development in isolated and rural areas, especially those inhabited by indigenous peoples.
“It brings together researchers, development practitioners, policy makers, technology scientists, community leaders and residents to identify the challenges faced by isolated rural communities, and at the same time map available opportunities for sustainable development using ICTs, and other relevant technologies.
“Going online has the added advantage of allowing global participation without requiring contributors to travel into the remote locations, such as Bario and Ba Kelalan, where it was previously held.
“Although removing some of the authenticity of the immersive experience that has been provided in the past, it means that remote communities can still participate in this unique event,” it said.
This year’s eBKF is themed ‘Indigenous People and the Sustainable Development Goals’ to acknowledge the emphasis on development that is sustainable.
It also recognises the emerging relevance of the traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples for a be er understanding of the impacts of a changing climate on the vulnerable environments that they occupy as well as the adaptations that they have made to mitigate those impacts.
Unimas Institute of Social Informatics and Technological Innovations director Prof Dr Narayanan Kulathuramaiyer, who is also the event’s chairman, said eBKF has served as a platform for the exchange of knowledge between the various and diverse stakeholders.
“It has become a powerful avenue for transferring community initiated bestpractices and acting as a channel for feedback that helps to identify concerns and potential ideas through direct engagement and partnership with the participating indigenous communities,” he said.
This year’s agenda covers a wide range of issues, including Responsible Rural Tourism; Community Cra s for Sustainable Development; Covid19 Impacts, Adaptations and Post Covid responses; Community Service Learning; and the Reality of Climate Change for Highland Communities in Borneo.
Meanwhile, Unimas vicechancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi pointed out that it is through close collaborations with local indigenous communities that the world can bear witness to the importance of partnering researchers with relevant communities, to bridge the gap between theoretical understanding and issues in the real world.
For more information or to register for the fair, visit its website at h p://www.bit.ly/ ebkf2021