The Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (Office of the NBTC) hosted the First Bilateral Meeting with Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), Republic of South Africa, in a virtual format on 5th July 2022. The objective was to share and exchange experiences on regulatory issues and update broadcasting and telecommunications industries and the digital transformations of both countries.
Professor (Clinical) Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck, Chairman of the NBTC, presided over the opening ceremony and delivered welcoming remarks, followed by reciprocal remarks by Mr. Peter Zimri, Councilor of ICASA.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Phoomsisth Mahavessiri, Deputy Secretary General of Broadcasting Cluster, Office of the NBTC, was assigned to chair the meeting and head the Thai delegation. Mr. Willington Ngwepe, Chief Executive Officer of ICASA was assigned to head the South African delegation. Also present were other executives from both sides.
The objectives of the meeting were to establish relations and initiate fruitful collaborations between the two authorities. The meeting mainly focused on exchanges of knowledge, experience and information and updating the regulatory framework for advanced technologies. Mr. Notachard Chintakanond, Executive Director of International Affairs Bureau, Office of the NBTC, and Ms. Julia Kenyane, Executive of Corporate Services, ICASA, exchanged information on the topics. Telecommunications Policy and Resources Management Bureau, Office of the NBTC, and Policy, Research and Analysis Division, ICASA, made presentations on Digital Transformation, an area where both countries are on the same journey. Both governments have similar mechanisms to drive the countries toward the digital era called “Thailand 4.0” and “South Africa Industrial 4.0” respectively.
The meeting also discussed the first draft of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two authorities concerning cooperation in the broadcasting sector, telecommunications sector, spectrum management and development of new technologies in related sectors. The MoU will benefit both authorities in terms of improving regulatory frameworks and spectrum management ecosystems in the future.
Office of the NBTC aims to develop cooperation between the two authorities. It will strengthen the partnership and exchange lessons learned to support regulatory practices in related business areas that will enhance quality of life and spark social and economic growth for the citizen of both countries.