The Asian-Oceanian Computing Industry Organization (ASOCIO) held its Plenary Meeting in Kathmandu on July 13th, 2024, bringing together representatives from member organizations across the Asia-Oceania region for a day of discussions and updates.
ASOCIO President Dr. Brian Shen has committed to promoting the IT industry in Nepal by sharing a comprehensive policy framework with ASOCIO members, facilitating resource sharing, and actively supporting investment opportunities in the country. His dedication aims to enhance Nepal’s IT infrastructure, foster collaboration among member countries, and attract international investments, accelerating the growth and development of Nepal’s technology sector.
CAN Federation President Ranjeet Kumar Poddar emphasized that this high-level summit is a significant encouragement for every Nepali, particularly those in the IT community of Nepal. He highlighted that the event aims to inspire innovation, collaboration, and growth within the country’s technology sector.
The ASOCIO Summit Coordinator and Immediate Past President (IPP) of CAN Federation Nawaraj Kunwar played a pivotal role in bringing this prestigious summit to Nepal. Their efforts underscore a commitment to fostering a prosperous Nepal through the growth of the IT industry. By hosting this summit, they aim to showcase Nepal’s potential and drive significant advancements in the country’s technology sector.
In his welcome remarks, Chiranjibi Adhikari, General Secretary of the Federation of Computer Association Nepal, emphasized the potential for Nepal to become an outsourcing hub. He highlighted the opportunities in Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and IT services, underscoring how these sectors can drive economic growth and technological advancement in the country.
Financial Strength and Anniversary Celebration
The meeting highlighted ASOCIO’s financial health, with membership income exceeding half of the budget target. A special budget request of $44,000 was proposed to commemorate the organization’s 40th anniversary, including a commemorative coffee table book and celebratory events.
Committee Updates and Collaboration
Committee reports showcased ongoing initiatives across various sectors. The Award Committee announced new categories for the 2024 ASOCIO DX Awards, while the Membership & Global Partner Committee reported on new endorsements and active members. Other committees like Policy Task Force, Smart City, Digital Asia, and ESG Acceleration provided updates on their activities and upcoming webinars.
Events Calendar and Call for Proposals
The meeting reviewed the remaining 2024 event schedule, including upcoming gatherings in Indonesia, Laos, and Japan. ASOCIO also issued a call for proposals for events to be held in 2025.
Global Partnership Introduction
The Australian Joint Committee for Computing in Asia (AJCCA) was introduced as a new Global Partner, furthering ASOCIO’s reach and collaboration within the region.
Looking Ahead
The ASOCIO Plenary Meeting in Kathmandu served as a platform to discuss the organization’s financial health, upcoming events, and ongoing efforts to promote collaboration and development within the ICT sector across Asia and Oceania
Kathmandu to Host Smart City Summit Nepal 2025
The Federation of Computer Association Nepal (#CANFederation) announced plans to host the Smart City Summit Nepal 2025, a major event focusing on advancing urban development through technology
Focus on Collaboration and Innovation
Scheduled for May 2nd, 2025, at Hotel Soaltee in Kathmandu, the summit aims to bring together industry leaders, government officials, technology experts, and urban planners. Keynote speakers and panel discussions will address the latest advancements in smart city technologies and best practices.
Addressing Urban Challenges
The agenda features dedicated sessions on smart city innovation, tackling urban challenges like transportation, energy efficiency, waste management, and public safety. Case studies and presentations from startups will showcase successful solutions and inspire future developments.
Networking and Special Events
The summit offers ample opportunities for networking, with coffee breaks, luncheons, an evening reception, and a gala dinner scheduled throughout the event. Special sessions like technology demos, startup pitches, and interactive exhibits will provide hands-on experiences with cutting-edge smart city solutions.
Promoting a Sustainable Future
“The Smart City Summit Nepal 2025 will be a pivotal platform to foster collaboration and showcase innovations that can transform urban living in Nepal,” said Chiranjibi Adhikari, General Secretary of CAN Federation. “By harnessing the power of technology, we can address current challenges and build a more sustainable future for our cities.”
