Parapak stated that the development of the ICT has contributed significantly to economic prosperity, enhancement of educational quality, and improvement of democratic process.
?ICT (Information Communication Technology) is a gift of God for a holistic life,? said Jonathan L Parapak in front of distinguished guests, the UPH academic senate, and journalists at UPH?s MYC, on Wednesday, May 29, 2008.
That day, he was given an honorary adjunct professorship in engineering by Queensland University of Technology. Welcoming his newest degree, Parapak stated that the development of the ICT has contributed significantly to economic prosperity, enhancement of educational quality, and improvement of democratic process.
The president of Queensland University of Technology (QUT), David Buisson stated that Parapak?s high commitment to education, services, and also his beliefs have made him the role model of a good educator. That is why the biggest state-owned university in Australia granted him an honorary professorship. He also added that Parapak is quite often asked for his advice to develop engineering study in QUT.
Parapak, who pioneered the sub-marine Indonesia-Australia communication cable, explained that such advice was given due to his experience as an engineer. He stated that the experience was obtained more in the field, not in the lab.
?So they asked me for my experience in the field,? he said during the 15-minute press conference.
UPH and QUT have good cooperation in lecturers and students exchange, scholarships, and dual degrees. Boissing assures that the cooperation will enhance both universities? quality in the long term.
At the end of his speech, Parapak warned the negative impact of using ICT. Internet and broadcasting is now being used to easily propagate destructive values, for instance pornography, violence, and terrorism. He then called on the audience to guard and ensure that ICT will not be used to destroy life.
By Andres Fatubun, CA
