"Digital Enjoyment for All" June Information Culture Month... 'Doti' Appointed as Ambassador

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Jo] The Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Information Society Agency announced on the 4th that they will operate the 33rd Information Culture Month throughout June under the theme "A Digitally United Korea, a Digital Inclusion World for All to Enjoy."

The "Information Culture Month" has been held every June since 1988 to spread and establish a sound information culture. This year, amid the accelerated digital transformation in economic and social sectors due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the focus will be on "digital inclusion."

The 33rd Information Culture Month commemorative ceremony is tentatively scheduled to be held on the 22nd at Seoul Innovation Park, where many social innovation organizations and social enterprises (social ventures) are located, with attendance from information culture contributors and digital inclusion entrepreneurs. At the ceremony, an awards ceremony for information culture contributors and a digital inclusion vision proclamation will take place.

The digital inclusion vision proclamation will be the first announcement reflecting the national will to go beyond the existing digital divide resolution to the "realization of an inclusive digital environment" and "utilization of digital technology to improve the quality of life of the people." The Ministry of Science and ICT plans to support the establishment of a cooperative network among companies and hold the launch ceremony of the "Digital Inclusion Enterprise Alliance" to foster a private-led digital inclusion ecosystem, making this year the inaugural year of digital inclusion.

Popular creator "Doti" has been appointed as the ambassador for Information Culture Month. On this day, Doti, appointed as the ambassador, is a creator who has gained great popularity through content that is neither sensational nor provocative, and is expected to help spread a sound information culture.

In addition, throughout June, various contents and events will be held so that citizens can approach information culture and digital inclusion anytime and anywhere.

First, through the Korea Code Fair (www.kcf.or.kr), software (SW) and artificial intelligence (AI) educational content will be provided free of charge, allowing citizens to experience SW and AI education without burden. A networking seminar for female SW talents, where female SW experts share know-how and knowledge about entering the workforce, will also be held online on the 20th for women aspiring to enter the SW field.

Along with this, for the elderly and people with disabilities, digital utilization competency education necessary for daily life, such as mobile banking, kiosks, and train ticket reservations, will be conducted at group informatization education institutions. Additionally, an "Information and Communication Assistive Device Experience Exhibition" will be held through regional welfare institutions for people with disabilities who have difficulty using digital devices.

Every Tuesday at 2 p.m. throughout June, an online conference with digital inclusion experts will be held on themes such as "digital competency enhancement" and "creating a digital usage environment." From June 13 to 27, "Digital Inclusion, the People Respond," a campaign to hear the public's thoughts on digital inclusion, will be conducted through the National Idea Box (idea.epeople.go.kr) and Naver Knowledge iN.

However, the Ministry of Science and ICT added that offline events may be postponed or canceled depending on the spread of COVID-19.

Minister Choi Ki-young of the Ministry of Science and ICT stated, "As the transition to a digital society accelerates due to COVID-19, it is more important than ever to ensure that all citizens, including vulnerable groups, can enjoy the benefits of digital technology," and added, "I hope many people participate in this Information Culture Month to reflect on and empathize with the meaning of information culture and digital inclusion."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.