Yoz!
As announced a few weeks ago, there was a meeting between Dr. Alvin
Marcelo from IOSN and representatives from Singapore to discuss
collaboration opportunities. Here's a (not so brief) report on the
meeting. =)
--
Junhao
=============
Meeting with Dr Alvin Marcelo from IOSN
=======================================
Participants: Lu Feng (linuxNUS), Junhao (LUGS)
Date: 23rd February 2007
Time: 3 pm
Venue: Le Meridien Hotel, Singapore
[Note: "international" in this report refers to multi-country in scope,
not necessarily world-wide.]
Purpose:
--------
Discussion on possible collaboration opportunities between IOSN ASEAN+3
and the Linux groups in Singapore, as well as funding for international
events on FOSS organised by established FOSS groups in Singapore.
Background:
-----------
The International Open Source Network (IOSN) is a centre advocating FOSS
in the Asia-Pacific Region. Part of the United Nations Development
Program's (UNDP) Asia Pacific Development Information Programme (APDIP),
it is divided into several sub centres, with Singapore under the ASEAN+3
Regional Node. IOSN ASEAN+3 (ASEAN, China, Japan, and South Korea) is
based in the National Telehealth Centre, which is part of the University
of the Philippines Manila. Dr Alvin Marcelo heads this centre.
IOSN Projects Discussed:
----------------------
* FOSS mailing lists:-
There are public FOSS mailing lists for the general public
(IOSN-General) and policy-decision makers (FOSS-PDI). As most
announcements on new initiatives and funding will be on the General
list, FOSS advocates are strongly encouraged to subscribe to the list.
More information can be found at <http://www.iosn.net/community>.
* Training of Trainers (TOT):-
This project aims to send LPIC II-certified trainers to conduct training
workshops in countries around the region. IOSN hopes Singapore will be
able to send some trainers to help conduct these workshops.
Participants at these workshops will be trained for an LPIC I
certification, and will be taught how to conduct LPIC classes. The goal
is to enable them to conduct LPIC classes in their own country, hence
increasing the number of technically skilled people in their country.
As a sweetener, given certain conditions, companies may be able to use
their association with IOSN ASEAN+3 as a plus point in their marketing
strategies.
The next training workshop is scheduled to be in Laos. Brunei and
Singapore are under consideration.
* Collaborative grants:-
Grants are available for international FOSS development projects
involving countries like India, and the ASEAN+3 countries. Modelled
after the Oregon Open Source Labs, suitable projects are provided with
technical resources, such as web hosting, collaborative development
accounts, etc. Being international in scope, such projects may also be
showcased during IOSN events. One such project is Sahana, an open source
disaster management system.
* Exchange grants:-
Speakers at events involving FOSS may be able to apply for grants to
attend these events. This is to allow speakers hampered by a lack of
funds to attend these events.
* FOSS events:-
Funding is also available for international events involving FOSS, open
content and open standards. These need not be full scale conferences,
but can be seminars linked to an international conference. Funding can
be for the venue and possibly refreshments. However, priority will be
given to multi-nation meetings, where there are participants from
several countries present.
* Asia Source camps:-
The biennial Asia Source event seeks to build a network of people in the
region working within the NGO and SME sectors. These participants should
be aware of FOSS, and had been involved in technological projects. They
will be participating in a range of practical and hands-on sessions
sharing their skills and know-how with one another. More information can
be obtained from <http://www.iosn.net/regional/asiasource-2007>.
The next event may be held in Philippines. Considering logistics and
accessibility, Clark, in the central Luzon area in Philippines, is one
of the most favourite venues.
There was no representative from Singapore during Asia Source 2 held
during January this year.
* Primers:-
Primers on FOSS are provided for FOSS advocates in the region.
* Calls for authors and event proposals:-
IOSN periodically releases calls for authors on FOSS primers and
proposals on FOSS events. More information can be found on
<http://www.iosn.net/iosn_releases_calls>
Summary:
--------
IOSN ASEAN+3, as an international body linked to the United Nations
Development Programme, is able to substantially assist FOSS advocacy
groups by providing funding, collaboration and training support. More
information can be gathered from the IOSN website (http://www.iosn.net/)
or by emailing <asean3 (at) iosn (dot) net>.
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