AMA Computer University Becomes First Networking Academy in the Philippines to Offer Cisco Certified Network Professional Curriculum

MANILA, Philippines, December 15, 2004 - AMA Computer University (AMACU) Makati Campus has become the first Cisco® Networking Academy® in the Philippines to be qualified to run the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP^TM) curriculum. This advanced curriculum focuses on developing skills that enable students to implement scalable networks, build campus networks using multilayer switching technologies, create and deploy a global intranet, and troubleshoot environments using routers and switches for multiprotocol client hosts and services.

The 280-hour CCNP curriculum requires students to have a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA^TM) certification. Upon successful completion of this course, students receive a Certificate of Completion and are prepared to take the CCNP exam. CCNA and CCNP together form a strong foundation, which may be built upon with additional course work to prepare for the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE^TM) certification. CCIE is the industry's most respected certification for network professionals.

"AMACU's qualification as the first CCNP Academy in the Philippines is important for the country's development. This will accelerate the growth of a highly-skilled workforce that will provide the foundation of the Philippine's ability to compete in the global economy," said Luichi Robles, country manager, Cisco Systems® Philippines.

"We always find innovative ways to enhance our global competitiveness by offering the best curriculum to the students to generate a continuous supply of competent ICT manpower who will design, develop, implement and manage the more complex networking requirements," said Amable C. Aguiluz IX, president, AMA Education Systems. "Being designated as the first CCNP Academy provides an opportunity for us to disseminate the training that will address the growing requirement for higher level of networking skills for ICT workers in local and international companies."

AMA Education System has been a Networking Academy Program member since 1998. Today, AMA has 36 local networking academies under its system, the highest number of local academies under a regional academy in-country.

About The Cisco Networking Academy Program

The Cisco Networking Academy Program is a partnership between Cisco Systems, education, business, government and community organizations around the world, aimed at nurturing IT professionals. The educational program employs an e-learning model, using a combination of Web-based and instructor-led training along with a hands-on lab environment to teach students how to design, build and maintain computer networks. First launched in 1997, the Cisco Networking Academy Program now has 10,000 Academies in more than 145 countries worldwide. More than 1100 Academies are located in 24 countries in Asia Pacific.

About AMA Computer University

AMACU is the first and largest IT university in Asia. It has been known for producing world-class professionals in the various fields of information and communications technology (ICT). Since its founding 24 years ago, AMA has consistently promoted innovative ways of learning to enhance the global competitiveness of the Filipino. Information about AMA can be found at www.amaes.edu.ph.