INFOTEL 2018: Towards a digital economy

In yet another significant step forward, the Federation of Information Technology Industry Sri Lanka (FITIS) has made arrangements to conduct their National ICT Exhibition INFOTEL this year under the theme ‘Towards a Digital Economy’, supported by the Ministry of Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure and the ICT Agency of Sri Lanka. As the biggest and most prestigious ICT exhibition in Sri Lanka and the whole of South Asia, INFOTEL 2018 will be held from 2 to 4 November at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo.

CEOs of local and international ICT companies, professionals, decision makers, entrepreneurs, educationists, school and university students and public numbering over 100,000 will visit the exhibition. The highlights of the exhibition will include a digital government pavilion, military innovation pavilion by Tri forces, an E-sports pavilion, career guidance service, IT pavilion, a start-up pavilion, hardware and software solutions, a shoppers pavilion with discounts and an ICT education and training pavilion. In parallel to INFOTEL the National CxO Forum 2018 will also be held.

FITIS is receiving the support and cooperation of public and private organisations for INFOTEL including the Ministries of Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure, Defence, Education, Higher Education. The National partner of INFOTEL is Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) while the main sponsor is Sri Lanka Telecom. Computer Society of Sri Lanka, BCS Sri Lanka section and SLASSCOM are industry partners while many companies in the private sector are also supporting it. There will be over 200 trade stalls displaying new products, services and solutions in the field of Information and communication technology. The general public will get the rare opportunity to see equipment and solutions of well-known local and international companies under one roof at INFOTEL.

In parallel a program on career guidance will be held at the venue for school and university students and it is expected that over 5000 students and 800 teachers will participate. In addition it will also provide jobs for the ICT qualified persons and the top ICT companies will participate to fill their vacancies. Higher education and training in ICT is given priority and therefore well-known higher education institutes providing ICT education from here and abroad will participate to showcase the opportunities available for students to pursue a career in ICT. 

It is an excellent opportunity for students who are planning to pursue a higher education to get an idea about the available courses, fees, recognition as well as advice from the representatives about what suits best for individuals. INFOTEL has provided an opportunity for students of schools, technical colleges and universities to showcase their innovations in ICT. In addition young entrepreneurs in the field of ICT can also showcase their new and innovative products and services at INFOTEL. 

This will also give an opportunity for the public to purchase goods and services from reputed local and international companies at a discounted rate together with a warranty. In addition a separate booth for online purchase of goods and services will also be setup. 30 booths will be setup for ICT enthusiasts to play computer games. A digital government pavilion will be set up to showcase the digital services provided by public institutions and also provide an understanding to the public about these services.

In parallel to INFOTEL the National CxO Forum 2018 will be held where CXO’s of local and international companies, professionals, researchers, decision makers, entrepreneurs will participate. It will be a venue where new trends in ICT as well as issues and solutions will be discussed.