Utilising information and communication technologies (ICT) for development

Abstract

Research in ICT has contributed significantly to the needs of the country in terms of policy formulation, programme implementation and hence the volume of investments in the sector. When Malaysia embarked on ICT as a tool for development of the country with the introduction of the Internet in 1987 by the Malaysian Institute of Microelectronic Systems (MIMOS) through its Rangkaian Komputer Malaysia (RangKom) project, research on the impact of ICT was encouraged and done aggressively. Studies on the impact of ICT have helped in identifying factors that may influence the adoption of ICT and the resulting benefits to the society. This paper discusses the factors that affect the acceptance of ICT among users. The discussion is based on the findings from a quantitative study conducted on 300 internet users. This study gauges the users’ opinion on what motivates them to use ICT and the perceived usefulness of ICT usage. From the findings, ‘perceived usefulness’ and ‘personal factors’ are the main motivating factors in accepting and using ICT. Thus, it encouraged them to use ICT positively in their daily lives as the findings revealed. The findings are crucial for the country in shaping future ICT policies, strategising steps in improving ICT implementation, and in revealing the challenges that need to be addressed. It also enriches the literature on technology acceptance by way of extending the Technology Acceptance Model to include other factors responsible for technology acceptance.