MACAU -- 9 February 2001 -- The Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Centre (CPTTM) has teamed up with Cisco Systems to become the enclave's first ever Cisco Networking Academy Program partner, marking another major step in extending the program throughout the region.
The ceremony for the founding of the first Cisco Regional Networking Academy in Macau and the signing of the agreement between the Regional Academy and the Local Academies was held today (9 February) at the World Trade Centre, officiated by Mr. Edmund Ho Hau Wah, the Chief Executive of the Macau SAR; Mr. Zhong Guangyao, Deputy Director General and representative of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Macau; Mr. Han Zhaokang, Deputy Commissioner and representative of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in Macau; Mr. Francis Tam Pak Yuen, Secretary for Economy and Finance; and Mr. Ao Man Long, Secretary for Transport and Public Works. Over 200 people attended the ceremony including the delegates from IT industry, enterprises and other organizations.
Cisco Systems is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. The Cisco Networking Academy Program is a partnership between Cisco Systems, education, business, government, and community organisations around the world aimed at providing an internationally recognized non-profit making education course that serves to nurture networking professionals. As the first regional academy in Macau, CPTTM will be committed to recruiting, training, supporting and managing ten local academies - six of which were also announced at the ceremony.
"The Internet is rapidly becoming a part of almost every single aspect of our lives. The Cisco Networking Academy Program will teach students in Macau how to design, build, and maintain computer networks and prepare them for the 21st Century workplace," said Frankie Sum, managing director, Cisco Systems (HK) Limited. "Cisco Systems is firmly committed to developing IT and networking skills throughout Asia and we are delighted to officially announce this new partnership with CPTTM and another new location for the Cisco Networking Academy Program in Asia."
With a unique, Internet-based curriculum that offers hands-on experience, the programme helps participants develop the practical computer networking knowledge and skills needed for the Internet age, preparing students for the demands and enormous opportunities of the information economy, while creating a qualified talent pool for building and maintaining networks.
The Cisco Networking Academy Program offers an e-learning model that delivers web-based educational content, online testing, student performance tracking, hands-on labs as well as instructor training and support. Through Cisco's exclusive e-learning program, which is a life-long prescriptive learning course via the Internet, students can acquire the information needed to prepare them for the Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) examination.
"With the Cisco Networking Academy Program, students develop practical computer networking knowledge and skills in a hands-on environment. Cisco Systems provides the curriculum, training, support and equipment required to establish and maintain the Academies," Mr. Sum added.
As part of its continuing commitment to IT education in Macau, CPTTM will transform its IT education centre into a Cyber-Lab which will be dedicated to offering courses such as the Cisco Networking Academy Program. Due for completion in April of this year, the Cyber-Lab will be equipped with a network system consisting of 40 advanced computers, switches and routers, dedicated leased line connections and a variety of teaching aides.
"CPTTM has always been dedicated to the development of human resources in Macau by working closely with related organisations in order to increase the competitiveness and productivity of the Macau businesses and the community at large," said Dr. Eric T.M. Yeung, Chairman of CPTTM. "In addition to the working population, our new collaboration with Cisco Systems in developing the Cisco Networking Academy Program in Macau will also target the high school teachers and students as well as college students."
"By training them on the practical networking knowledge and skills, the Program will help further nurture our current and future networking engineers and raise their level of understanding in network theory and the latest implementation strategies and tactics."
The six local academies that have agreed to implement the Cisco Networking Academy Program at their institutions include Escola Secundaria Luso-Chinesa Luis Gonzaga Gomes, Escola Secundaria Luso-Chinesa Tecnico-Profissional, Hou Kong Middle School, Macau Pooi To Middle School, Macau Pui Ching Middle School and Macau Workers' Children School.
About CPTTM
Established in 1996, the Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Centre (CPTTM) is a non-profit joint venture between the Macau Government and the private sector to promote the productivity and competitiveness of the Macau community. CPTTM is committed to providing vocational education, organizing activities like seminars, workshops and exhibitions to promote new technology and management methodology and co-operating with other organisations outside the territory.
About Cisco Systems
Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. Cisco news and information are available at www.cisco.com.
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Cisco, Cisco Systems and the Cisco Systems logo are registered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.
