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Miss Internet Thailand 1998, second runner-up Story by Katiya Mahasin Picture courtesy of Seri Centre Co., Ltd. NOWADAYS, the Internet is becoming ever more a part of people's daily lives. It makes communication faster and more convenient. People can read news from all around the world and search for information via the Internet. It also brings people closer together even though they may live in different countries, not to mention it's cheaper than telephoning or postage. Being aware of its advantages, IBM (Thailand) in cooperation with the Seri Centre recently organised a "Miss Internet Thailand 1998 Contest". The contest took place at the Seri Centre and was aimed at encouraging Thai students to update themselves on the latest technology and current events. Though the contest ended two months ago, this wonderful event has impressed many spectators as well as contestants. One of the 110 candidates was charming twenty-two-year-old Nattaya Chokekanoknapa, who is over 170 centimetres tall. One of the reasons she entered the contest was her desire to test the extent of her Internet knowledge and skills. "I didn't expect to win anything. However, I tried to do my best," the beautiful and friendly Nattaya says with a grin after she was selected second runner-up at the contest . She continued, "I was very excited, standing there with so many people staring at me. I had to dress in a way I never have dressed before, with make-up and a hairstyle as if I was entering the Miss Thailand contest." During the contest, the competitors had to display their abilities by designing creative homepages, searching for information on the Internet within time limits and by passing a number of interviews. Also, the contestants were judged on their personality, the way they walked and the way they performed on stage. Nattaya was asked how she would explain what the Internet was to 5 and 6 year-old children. She answered, "The basics of using the Internet and its technical terms need to be taught to children so as to create a better understanding of the Internet for them." Nattaya has long been interested in computers, as she graduated from Thammasat University's Faculty of Computer Science. She developed her interest in the Internet a few years ago when she was a trainee at the National Electronics and Computer Technology Centre (NECTEC). It gave her the opportunity to learn more about the Internet, as she had to use it to search for specific information. She is very adept at writing computer programs, too. Presently, she works as a systems operator at Iridium Southeast Asia company. Vocabulary communication (n): the act of passing on information convenient (adj): available or occurring at an easy time or place encourage (v): give hope or confidence to; urge; help to develop update (v): bring up to date creative (adj): having the power of ability to create things adept (adj): very skilled Questions 1. Who organised the "Miss Internet Thailand 1998 Contest"? 2. What was the aim of the contest? 3. How many girls entered the contest? 4. What and where did Nattaya study? 5. Where did Nattaya serve as a trainee? © The Post Publishing Public Co., Ltd. All rights reserved 1997 Letters and comments to Bangkok Post Student Weekly Last Modified:Friday, December 19, 1998