AWERProcedia Information Technology & Computer Science Vol 04 (2013) 278-283 3 rd World Conference on Innovation and Computer Sciences 2013 Challenges in Globalizing M-Community Application: A Case of Extending it to a Fishing Community in Thailand Mohd Azam Osman *, School of Computer Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM Penang, Malaysia. Wong Poh Lee, School of Computer Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM Penang, Malaysia. Abdullah Zawawi Talib, School of Computer Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM Penang, Malaysia. Sirot Piman, Faculty of Science and Technology, Suratthani Rajabhat University, Suratthani 84100, Thailand. Suggested Citation: Osman A., M., Lee P., W., Talib Z., A. & Piman, S. Challenges in globalizing M-community application: A case of extending it to a fishing community in Thailand. AWERProcedia Information Technology & Computer Science. [Online]. 2013, 04, pp 278-283. Available from: www.awer-center.org/pitcs Received November 19, 2012; revised January 13, 2013; accepted March 02, 2013. “eleĐtioŶ aŶd peer reǀieǁ uŶder respoŶsiďilitLJ of Prof. Dr. FahrettiŶ “adıkoglu, Near East UŶiǀersitLJ. ©ϮϬϭϯ AĐadeŵiĐ World EduĐatioŶ & ResearĐh CeŶter. All rights reserved. Abstract Introducing computer applications for the purpose of delivering fast and accurate information using mobile devices has become a growing trend in many areas. This paper presents an application called M-Community which was initially introduced in Malaysia for the paddy farming community. The application features an inexpensive and speedier way of disseminating information using mobile technology through SMS(Short Messaging Service). It is now extended to a fishing community in Suratthani, Thailand with the aim of assisting the fishermen in making decisions in their daily activities in order to improve the quality of life through productive aquaculture and continuous local ecosystem conservation. The ultimate goal is to establish links and increase participations among the fishing communities, fishing related companies and relevant authorities around the region. In this paper, we discuss the challenges in implementating the extension which were brought about primarily by the use of a different language script which is Thai and different categorization of messages to fishing community instead of paddy farming community. Besides, the difference in the time zone requires some modification for the message scheduling feature. Based on our study on the fishing community, the application has been accepted and adopted positively by the fishing community. It helps them to be well-informed and connected using this simple technology. Keywords: mobile technology, short messaging service, language script; * ADDRESSES FOR CORRESPONDANCE: Mohd Azam Osman, School of Computer Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM Penang, Malaysia, E-mail address: azam@cs.usm.my / Tel.: +6012-4728820