KATHMANDU, JANUARY 19 Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) has secured third place in an international video competition organized by South Korea's National Information Society Agency (NIA). The competition featured programs from 60 information access centers across 45 countries, with 30 videos submitted from various nations. According to NAST's Senior Scientific Officer Pawan Kumar Neupane, under the Official Development Assistance (ODA) program, the Government of the Republic of Korea established Information Access Centres (IACs) at NAST in 2021. Each video, ranging from three to five minutes in length, was required to showcase a success story, inspiring moments, impactful content, and optimal utilization of the program, in line with the competition guidelines. Neupane added that the primary objective of the collaboration between the two countries is to reduce Nepal's digital divide and contribute to the overall development of the information technology sector.

'In our three-and-a-half-minute video, we incorporated the voices of participants from the Mobile IAC-'Centre on Wheels'-across seven provinces, which delivered free IT education to school teachers and security personnel. We also highlighted visually impaired individuals who were provided with advanced assistive devices and trained to identify banknotes and navigate directions,' Neupane shared. According to Neupane, Mongolia secured first place, followed by Colombia in second, and Nepal in third, earning a prize of USD 1,000. He added that the prize money will be used to further enhance research and innovation at the center. Speaking to THT, Pradeep Dhodari, Coordinator at the IAC under NAST, said, 'This is not only NAST's achievement but also a matter of national pride. Despite limited resources compared to the advanced technology and skilled manpower of developed nations, NAST's third-place ranking is a remarkable accomplishment.' Since its inception, more than 12,000 people have received free, high-quality information and computer technology training through these facilities across seven provinces.

'We have been regularly organizing specialized training sessions to help visually impaired individuals leverage technology for a better quality of life, while advocating for the nationwide expansion of these inclusive programs,' Dhodari added. He further stated, 'This recognition is not just an achievement for NAST, but a proud moment for the nation, demonstrating that with strategic partnerships and local dedication, Nepal can compete on the world stage.' The award-winning video was conceived and scripted by Pawan Kumar Neupane, edited by Om Baral, and produced by NAST's Information Access Centre (IAC). All the pictures captured during IAC training were provided by NAST.