By Danial Norjidi
Brunei Darussalam's first-ever Technology Expo, the TechXpo 2010, was officially launched yesterday by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office at the International Convention Centre.
After the launch, the Crown Prince was greeted by Dinsow, the first-ever humanoid robot developed by Thailand.
The robot was brought to Brunei by the IFB, with the cooperation of the chairman of APICTA and CT Asia Robotics Company Limited from Thailand, exclusively for the first TechXpo.
According to Sunlit Advertising Sdn Bhd, Dinsow was initially designed to read Thai sign language to assist hearing and speech-impaired people.
The Crown Prince toured exhibits and features on show at the expo, where HRH spoke to the booth owners, watched demonstrations of the technology they were showcasing, and also tried many of the gadgets himself, including a 4x4 RC car and a pair of 3-D glasses to see a 3-D TV.
The Crown Prince took a keen interest in the technology that is showcased at the expo, as the owners of the booths explained what they were offering and how beneficial their products or services are.
Also present at the launch were Minister of Communications, Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdullah bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar, Minister of Education, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong and InfoCom Federation Brunei (IFB) Chairman Abd Ghani bin Pg Haji Metusin.
The TechXpo is a premier trade and consumer expo that is seen as a perfect platform for consumers, businesses and industries to meet and discuss global technology-related trends, developments and ideas.
Supported by the Prime Minister's Office, the Ministry of Communications, the Ministry of Education and the AITI, the expo can proudly claim that it is the first big technology expo in the history of Brunei Darussalam. Borneo Bulletin and Media Permata are exclusive print media supporters.
What truly sets the TechXpo 2010 apart from other technology-related expos is that it targets all types of technology, ranging from alternative to high-end technology.
There are around 70 companies, both local and international from countries including China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and the United States participating in the TechXpo, which gives both local and international visitors the opportunity to get a first hand look at an extensive showcase of unique and sophisticated technologies.
Among the sectors that are taking part are e-Government, telecommunications, security systems, household electrical items, health and wellness equipment, transportation, alternative technology and many more.
Visitors to the TechXpo have the chance to take advantage of some great offers on technology-related items, an exhibition of various types of technology and many interesting and exciting side activities, including the PEMKAR radio-control racing competition, the Tomorrow Land theme park, the Robot Blasts robotic competition, the Technology Updates talks and free IT literacy training.
The expo is open to the public from 10am to 10pm and a free shuttle service is available for all the visitors at the Indoor Stadium.
- Borneo Bulletin
(5th November 2010)
