1. Using Information Communication Technology for Networking & Sharing Information; The Example of PNGdoctors Internet Focus Group.
1Dr Rodney Itaki, 2Members of PNGdoctors Internet group.
1Paradise Private Hospital, Port Moresby
2Around the globe.

2. Introduction
Advancement in ICT presents opportunities for sharing information and networking.
The Internet is one such technology available.
Digitalized data can be stored or transmitted anywhere in the world cheaply.
Internet is the future!

3. Who is PNGdoctors Internet Group?
Online focus group.
Website is
Objective – share ideas, information and discuss issues affecting the health of Papua New Guineans.
Discussions via & published on group website.
Data can be uploaded and stored on website for members to download.

4.
member
member
Group site
webmaster
member

5. History of PNGdoctors Internet Group
Formed in 2005 using ‘Yahoo Group’.
5 founding members.
Idea was to stay in contact with friends.
Need for broadening membership recognized.
By 2006 membership increased to 15.
Current membership >20.
Membership is open.

6. Achievements
Initiated first petition regarding ICT policy in PNG.
Registration of online journal in association with VortexPNG Ltd (
Papua New Guinea Journal of Science, Technology & Engineering (ISSN ).

7. Aim & Scope of Journal
Aim – to promote the publication of scientific work by graduate students studying in PNG and overseas.
Scope – life sciences, physical sciences, technology and engineering
Papers must have relevance for PNG and the South Pacific.

8. Risks of online discussion and publication
Legislation? National? International?
Ethics of topics discussion.
Control or moderator.
s can be used in court.
Misuse and abuse of privileges.
Viruses and worms.

9. Our Vision For The Future
Develop Group’s own website for publishing and sharing information.
Establish a Society for PNG Scholars and Professionals to be known as the ‘Papua New Guinea Society for Scholars and Professionals’.
Increase membership?

10. Things to think about!
How can you widen your sphere of influence?
Do you have a networking strategy?
Should you bother to network at all?
What current mechanisms are in place to share information?
Can we improve or do better?
Why bother to share information?