We wanted to train these villagers so that they gain a valuable skill that is very much sought after. So that they can start making their own creative inventions. So that they can start a new breed of knowledge-driven society. So that they can become valuable human capital and realize our Vision 2020. 
I have also worked on this project over the recent summer holidays (Jan-Feb 2008), together with a team from Astana Digital Sdn. Bhd., the sole distributor of CoreChart in Malaysia. We met with various key people from both the government and private sectors. We focused on initiating a mentoring program where university students are trained in CoreChart, and then they will go to high schools to teach basic Robotics to the Malaysian students. The program will be very similar to the widely-acclaimed Robotics Peer Mentoring Program we have in South Australia.
Unfortunately, although they agreed that this is good for Malaysia, they seemed to be more interested in something that we have never thought of. Something like "who's going to pay if the mentors got into an accident while on his way to the schools?". Or even "what if the uni mentors start flirting with the high school girls?". Seriously. These are some of the 'killer' questions they gave us. Questions that form the barrier to Malaysia's progress.Such questions are sure stoppers!
Obviously, telling them the benefits are just not enough to drive these people to take the project seriously. We needed something more. Something stronger and more powerful. Something that would make them set aside their own personal agenda.
Now imagine if the Kyrgyzstan people did get their chance (with your help) to present their story in WCIT08. The media will then do their job and start telling the whole world about this project. The Malaysian WCIT will then be one of the most successful events ever that changed the world.
But then, wouldn’t it be a shame if Malaysia herself is not doing anything to her people? We are the host country, but we are doing nothing to help our own people. We are talking about world poverty relief, but our own people are still suffering? It would be totally foolish if the government doesn’t do anything about it.
Once the word spreads out, it would definitely ring a bell inside the minds of those people in Malaysia whom we have met and introduced CoreChart to before (remember those 'killer' questions?). This bell would be so loud that the word 'CoreChart' will be in their head all the time. It will keep on ringing every time they see a microchip embedded product. That is, until they finally contact my friends at Astana Digital to get back on the project. To help our own people.
So there you go. That's the reason why I need your help.
From my experience, I am absolutely convinced that the Kyrgyzstan villagers' presentation at WCIT will promote Malaysia as the host that has a long term vision for poverty eradication.
Make this effort a fight for Malaysia's future, if you will.
Donate now and make your mark!
PS: Please also see The Australian Side of the Story. By signing the petition linked on that page, you are sending the similar message to Malaysians so that this project could be implemented in Malaysia too. Remember, Australia could be starting the race, but Malaysia could finish it first!
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