China firm wins tablet PCs contract

News > Local News

China firm wins tablet PCs contract

Cost to govt is B2,482 for each Prathom 1 kid

Published: 6 Mar 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

Shenzhen Scope Scientific Development Co has beaten three other Chinese companies to win a contract to supply 900,000 tablet computers for first graders in government schools.

The selection of Scope, which will supply the tablets at a cost of US$81 (2,482 baht) apiece will be put before the cabinet for approval today.

The 900,000 tablets will be distributed to all Prathom 1 (Grade 1) primary students this year under the Pheu Thai-led government's One Tablet PC Per Child scheme, aimed at promoting a knowledge-based and network-connected society.

This article is older than 60 days, which we reserve for our premium members only.You can subscribe to our premium member subscription, here.

Forum

Your comments

sunnyjim
Post : 177
Send message

Discussion 8 : 06 Mar 2012 at 07.148
Post this to my Facebook
I'd be interested to see how the major shareholders of Scope are?? Rumour has it their name starts with T&S. But that's only a rumour!!
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
khunbj
Post : 1,123
Send message

Discussion 7 : 06 Mar 2012 at 07.097
Post this to my Facebook
Wow, not so expensive ... @D2 Somchai...give some evidence when you make accusations of kickback like you do or have you just joined the club presenting hearsay , rumors etc instead of using facts ?
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
geoffo
Post : 2,984
Send message

Discussion 6 : 06 Mar 2012 at 07.026
Post this to my Facebook
So why was this firm better than any Thai firm.

Cost THB2482 (converted from RMB at who knows what rate). Did the state forgo Duty / VAT or is the price misstated.

What is the life time. If Somchai trips and breaks it -what happens-Mum and Dad pay or he misses out.

What about next year kids , and the year afters
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
johnb
Post : 468
Send message

Discussion 5 : 06 Mar 2012 at 06.525
Post this to my Facebook
#2: Go & tell that to South Korea. They plan to replace all school textbooks with tablets by 2015. Singapore are also trialing the idea. One Lap Top Per Child (OLTC) program has distributed 1.84 million units to developing countries.
Although the program is undoubtedly going to have teething problems & expenses it is way better than buying toys for the army like the Abhisit administration.
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
robertt
Post : 87
Send message

Discussion 4 : 06 Mar 2012 at 06.434
Post this to my Facebook
why were they not made in Thailand?
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
fungus
Post : 356
Send message

Discussion 3 : 06 Mar 2012 at 06.323
Post this to my Facebook
I disagree with the skeptical posters here. Every school, teacher, and student are different, but the schools where I have had the honor to be a guest teacher made up in enthusiasm and commitment for what they lacked in resources. I know many dedicated teachers that would use these computers to give their motivated students good lessons in modern IT methods.

While no program is going to be perfect this is a big step in the right direction. You can't make progress with out taking a small bit of risk and our children are worth it. Thanks to the current government for making education a high priority topic in their governing strategies
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
somchai-o
Post : 4
Send message

Discussion 2 : 06 Mar 2012 at 05.542
Post this to my Facebook
The numbers on this boondoggle are staggering. 73m USD a year for these "toys". Do they honestly think this is going turn lil' Somchai and Somying into scholars? These kids will find a way to hack these things .. or rather some enterprising Pantip type shop will do it for a fee.. so they can play Ragnorok or whatever the latest craze is. This is just mind blowing. I have one question about this - Cui bono? Someone in the government got a kickback, a very large one I'd bet for chosng the "best" Chinese firm. It's how Thais do business and certainly how the Chinese do business as well.
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
hillfarang
Post : 1,314
Send message

Discussion 1 : 06 Mar 2012 at 05.311
Post this to my Facebook
Having them is good... using them educationally is BETTER!
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment

First Previous 1 2 3 4

China firm wins tablet PCs contract | Bangkok Post: news