[Chapter-delegates] press release to be issued shortly

[Gerard Ross]

Hello

For your information, the following is a press release we shall be  
issuing shortly. This is a joint release by ISOC, IDRC, and APNIC.

Regards
- Gerard



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Press release
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ISIF channels important funding into the Asia Pacific ICT community


BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - 20 June 2008 - Technological innovation is  
crucial in today's challenging market circumstances. Key players in  
the ICT world recognize this and are coming together to launch a new  
grants program for the Asia Pacific Information and Communication  
Technology (ICT) community.

The Information Society Innovation Fund (ISIF) is a joint initiative  
between the Canadian International Development Research Centre (IDRC),  
the Internet Society (ISOC), and the Asia Pacific Network Information  
Centre (APNIC), aimed at stimulating creative solutions to ICT  
development needs in the Asia Pacific region.

ISIF provides grants of up to US$30,000 per project to help advance  
local and regional projects aimed at introducing, improving, and  
applying Internet and other digital communications technologies for  
the benefit of Asia-Pacific users and communities.

APNIC Director General Paul Wilson states, "Innovative projects, such  
as the ones funded by ISIF, are a significant driver to Internet and  
technology growth in our region. APNIC encourages members of the Asia  
Pacific ICT community to submit their projects for consideration."

"ISOC believes that the Internet can contribute to a better quality of  
life for people all over the world," says ISOC President and CEO Lynn  
St. Amour. "ISIF helps ensure that local knowledge and experience are  
directed at tapping the potential of ICTs to address real-world  
problems with creative, innovative solutions."

"In Asia Pacific the Internet and mobile phone development are on  
different trajectories. We hope the ISIF research fund can help  
illuminate and address the new 'digital divergence' in our region,  
says Richard Fuchs, chair of the ISIF Grants Committee and Regional  
Director at IDRC, Southeast and East Asia.

Project proposals from Asia-Pacific based public or private sector  
organisations, university or research and development institutions,  
and non-government organisations will be considered. Applications must  
be aligned with ISIF program objectives, selection criteria and  
administrative guidelines. Individuals are not eligible for grants.

The ISIF grant round for 2008 is now open and applications are due 1  
September 2008. A total of US$375,000 will be available for grants in  
2008. Grants will be made on a competitive basis and successful  
applicants will be required to make project details, outcomes and  
findings publicly available.

Complete information on the program and how to apply is available on  
the ISIF website at www.isif.asia.

ISIF is proudly sponsored by the DotAsia Organisation, the registry  
operator for the .ASIA top level domain.

For more information about ISIF:

Sylvia Cadena
ISIF Program Officer
info at isif.asia
http://www.isif.asia


About the Internet Society

The Internet Society is a non-profit organization founded in 1992 to  
provide leadership in Internet related standards, education, and  
policy. With offices in Washington, DC, and Geneva, Switzerland, it is  
dedicated to ensuring the open development, evolution, and use of the  
Internet for the benefit of people throughout the world.

For further details
Gerard Ross
Senior Communications Manager, Internet Society
E-mail: ross at isoc.org
Telephone: +41-228-071-444 x2261
4, rue des Falaises
CH-1205-Geneva
Switzerland