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1. Brief History
The concept of a regional computer confederation grew out of the first regional computer conference held in Singapore in September 1976 under the auspices of the International Federation for Information Processing and implemented by the Singapore Computer Society.
The Charter and Constitution of SEARCC was signed in Singapore on the 28th February 1978. Six national societies from the region, the Hong Kong Computer Society, Indonesia Computer Society, Malaysian National Computer Confederation, Philippine Computer Society, Singapore Computer Society and Computer Association of Thailand were the founding signatories.
2. Activities
Regional Conferences
During the first decade SEARCC focused on the organising of biennial conferences in the region. Between 1976 and 1988 a total of 7 regional conferences were held. From 1988 SEARCC decided to embark on annual conferences.
These have become the high points for information technology professionals in the region. A schedule of regional conferences has been prepared 10 years in advance.
Exhibition
An exhibition of information technology, products and services is organised for every SEARCC conference. This is a showcase of the latest and most relevant of technologies for the host country and the region and is strongly supported by both local and multi-national vendors.
Regional Schools' Software Competition
To foster the development of computer competence among the young in the region, SEARCC instituted a regional schools' software competition in 1989 which is held annually in conjunction with a SEARCC conference. The competition which is run under international competition rules is opened to students no more than 17 years of age. The competition also provides opportunities for the young people of the region to acquire better understanding of the culture, life-style and aspirations of each other's country, thereby contributing to better understanding and relationship for future generations.
SEARCC Regional Interest Groups (SRIG's)
In order to provide a more focussed approach to technology utilisation, SEARCC commenced forming SRIG's in 1990. A total of eight interest areas have been identified. These are Education & Training, Telecommunications, Health, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Banking and Finance, Asian Languages and Management Systems. To date two SRIG's have been formed. They are in the areas of Education and Training, and Telecommunication. More SRIG's will be formed progressively.
SEARCC Review
The SEARCC Review is a quarterly publication of SEARCC. The Review provides useful and interesting information on happenings in the region as well as features on specific technology subjects. The Review which is available free of charge to all SEARCC members represents a strong and effective bond between members. A total of 20,000 copies are printed for each issue.
3. SEARCC Management
The supreme authority of SEARCC is vested in the Executive Council of SEARCC. The Executive Council meets twice a year at the country in which the forthcoming regional conference will be held.
The operation responsibility of SEARCC is undertaken by the Secretary General of SEARCC who is assisted by two Assistant Secretary Generals. The Secretariat of SEARCC is in the country of the Secretary General. The Secretary General and Assistant Secretary Generals are elected by the Executive Council and serve a term of three years. They could be re-elected.
Secretary General
Robert Iau (Singapore)
c/o The Singapore Arts Centre Co. Ltd.
2 Raffles Link #01.04
Marina Bayfront
Singapore 0103
Tel: (65) 337 3711 Fax: (65) 337 3833
Assistant Secretary Generals
Brigadier Chowdry (India)
Dr. Alan Underwood FACS, PCP (Australia)
Associate Professor Information Systems
Faculty of Information Technology
Queensland University of Technology
GPO Box 2434 Brisbane Q 4001
Australia
Email: alanu@dstc.qut.edu.au
Tel: 61 7 3864-2515 Fax: 61 7 3864-1282
5. Observers
The Executive Council of SEARCC may at its discretion invite Observers from any national or international organisations to participate at the meetings of the Executive Council. Observers are accorded the normal courtesies.
6. Philosophy of SEARCC
SEARCC is a confederation of national information technology professional societies. It is non-political and non-profit making. SEARCC recognises and accepts the fundamental differences that exist among its membership in regard to the strategy, national goals and technology development paths as well as stages of development in the use of technology. As such, SEARCC does not interfere in the internal affairs of its members, neither does it attempt to enforce any norms and goals for its members. SEARCC operates by consensus and subscribes to the concepts of regionalism and mutual support.
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