Scouts and Amateur Radio

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Below is an article from 'The Star' on Malaysia Scout Movement's 51th Jamboree-On-The-Air recently. Two very exciting hobbies. Please read on.

PENANG October 18, 2008 - Communication over amateur radio (ham radio) frequencies is still a hit among Scouts and Guides at Wisma Pengakap at Penang’s 51th Jamboree-On-The-Air (JOTA) despite the Internet.

In the picture: Penang Scouts Commissioner Zulkafli Kamaruddin trying to communicate with foreign Scouts via amateur radio after the opening of JOTA-JOTI at Wisma Pengakap.

Organising committee secretary Tan Thean Wooi said many participants found it exciting using the traditional way to communicate as they could hear the voice of their counterparts.

“It is fun talking to them over the radio instead of using the Internet where we only see written words."
“It is also an opportunity for us to build friendships with our counterparts from all over the world,” he said.

Tan was among some 350 Scouts, Girl Guides and cub Scouts from various schools on the island who gathered at the site for the JOTA and Jamboree-On-The-Internet (JOTI).

They were so determined to have fun that even the scorching heat failed to dampen their spirits.
All they had in mind during the one-day event was to complete the various activities and take home the Challenge Badge.

State Scouts Commissioner Zulkafli Kamaruddin, who launched the event, said participants should take advantage of the event to exchange ideas and experiences with their counterparts from all over the world.

“Participation in JOTI, especially will enhance their knowledge in information technology which is growing at a fast pace,” he said in his speech.

JOTI is an international scout meeting on the Internet and is an official event of the World Organisation of the Scout Movement.

It is held in October when thousands of Scouts from all over the world would meet and communicate with each other over the Internet.

JOTI is combined with the JOTA, an event where Scouts can communicate with each other over amateur radio (ham radio) frequencies.

Source: The Star, Metro North, October 20, 2008