YANGON, Myanmar, 03 April 2013 – Cisco is expanding its commitment to Myanmar by investing in a channel partner network and the appointment of the first two Cisco Networking Academies at the University of Computer Studies, Yangon (UCSY) and University of Computer Studies, Mandalay (UCSM). The establishment of the Networking Academy Program in the country is being supported through Cisco’s long-term partnership with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

Cisco’s long-term vision is to work with the Myanmar government and other private and public organizations in the country to build a “Smart and Connected Myanmar”. Cisco has long believed that education and the Internet are two great equalizers in society and that establishing a strong foundation for both of these in Myanmar is fundamental for the future of the country.

Cisco is also providing training and development to grow the partner businesses in Myanmar. Genuine Cisco products and software offered through Cisco authorized distributors in Thailand to channel partners in Myanmar help businesses better manage software licensing, warranty and technical support issues. Cisco authorized channel partners are trained to help ensure that network equipment is regularly upgraded and software is up-to-date, protecting the integrity of the network.

Networking Academy Program

In collaboration with USAID, Cisco has established the first Networking Academies at the University of Computer Studies, Yangon (UCSY) and University of Computer Studies, Mandalay (UCSM). This will provide students with critical information technology (IT) and networking skills to design, build, and maintain the infrastructure highway and increase the number of job-ready graduates for the country’s information and communications technology (ICT) sector. Cisco is donating networking equipment for labs and providing 21st century career skills training for up to 15 faculty staff from the two universities to support the program.

The Cisco Networking Academy program is the flagship of Cisco’s social investment programs worldwide. Networking Academy uses a public-private partnership model to create the “world's largest classroom” partnering with educational institutions, non-profits, governments, and other international and local agencies. The Program has taught hundreds of thousands of students worldwide the skills needed to build, design, and maintain networks, improving their career prospects while filling the global demand for networking professionals. Cisco has established over 10,000 Networking Academies in 165 countries, helping individuals build ICT skills and prepare for industry-recognized certifications and entry-level ICT careers in most industries. Students develop foundational skills in ICT while acquiring career skills in problem-solving, collaboration, and critical thinking.

Quotes:

Dr. Tatchapol Poshyanonda, managing director for Cisco in Thailand and Indochina.

“The re-integration of Myanmar into the international community is a very important period not just for Indochina, but for ASEAN and potentially the world. Cisco strongly believes that education and the Internet will be a powerful combination to bring long-term growth and prosperity to the country. A ‘Smart and Connected Myanmar’ will be a powerful catalyst for the region.”

Sandy Walsh, regional director of Cisco’s Social Innovation Group in Asia Pacific

“There is strong global demand for ICT solutions across all industries and Cisco has a long track record of supporting the development of emerging economies through education. The Cisco Networking Academy program will equip students in Myanmar with industry relevant skills that are globally recognized, providing them with ICT skills for the 21st century workforce, as they transform the country and their communities.”

Chris Milligan, USAID/Myanmar Mission Director

“Technology is a powerful tool to advance Myanmar’s development while contributing to sustainable and inclusive economic growth. This collaboration with Cisco brings innovative technology and education to build on the strengths and capacity of the country. The initiative will provide ICT skills training and increase the number of job-ready graduates for the country’s emerging ICT sector.”

Dr. Saw Sanda Aye, Pro-rector, University of Computer Studies, Yangon (UCSY)

“We are delighted to be the first education institution in Myanmar to host the prestigious Cisco Networking Academy program. IT and communications skills are going to be a very important for our country as we embark on our march to modernization. We have seen how technology has transformed economies around the world and we want to be a catalyst for the transformation of Myanmar.”

Links:

• Cisco’s Channel Partner business: http://www.cisco.com/web/partners/index.html
• Cisco Authorised Channels: http://www.cisco.com/web/partners/program/other/brand-protection/index.html

 

About Cisco 

Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in IT that helps companies seize the opportunities of tomorrow by proving that amazing things can happen when you connect the previously unconnected. For ongoing news, please go to http://thenetwork.cisco.com. Cisco products are supplied in Indochina by the channel partners of Cisco Systems International B.V. and Cisco International Limited, each being a wholly owned subsidiary of Cisco Systems, Inc.

### 

Cisco and the Cisco logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cisco and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. A listing of Cisco's trademarks can be found at www.cisco.com/go/trademarks. Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word partner does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company.