HANOI, Vietnam -- 25 October 2001 -- Cisco Systems, the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet, Lao Dong newspaper, Vietnam Datacommunication company (VDC) and Future Choice program today announced an internship program designed to create career opportunities for university students in Vietnam. Entitled "Developing young talents in the knowledge-based economy", the program aims to create a highly trained and network-savvy workforce that will enable Vietnam to compete in the competitive global Internet economy and meet the rising demands in the IT workforce.

Today, typically university graduates face difficulties securing jobs that match their educational status. Employers in the IT industry, on the other hand, are unable to find suitable candidates. The internship program by Cisco, Lao Dong, VDC and Future Choice aims to bridge this gap and match promising university students with companies in the IT industry.

Every six months, Cisco, Lao Dong, VDC and Future Choice will select outstanding university students through tests that examine English proficiency, general IQ and networking skills and knowledge. Successful candidates will be matched with job openings in Cisco's channel partners such as EIS, FPT, ISP, DTS, HPT and VDC and after 6 months they may get permanent jobs depending on their performance. During the six-month period, the students will receive 2 million VND a month. The program will be implemented firstly in the North and will be expanded in the South in the near future.

"With initiatives such as this internship program and the Cisco Networking Academy program, we not only encourage the development of Internet and networking skills but also address the shortage of skilled workers in our industry. We strongly believe that the Internet and Education are the two fundamental equalizers in life. To be successful in today's competitive environment, individuals, organizations and countries need to equip themselves with the right tools, skills, and knowledge," said Gary Jackson, Vice President, Asia Operations, Cisco Systems.

"Our relationship with Cisco Systems will further strengthen our job matching program in the IT industry. This cooperation will bring opportunities to IT graduates and equip them with the necessary skills to succeed in their future career," said Tran Duc Chinh, Deputy Editor in Chief, Lao Dong newspaper.

The response to this announcement from the Vietnam IT industry has been very positive. "This program to develop young talent in the knowledge-based economy is exactly what we needed. This follows the direction set up the Party and the Government to train 50,000 IT experts by the year 2005. This program will also create favorable conditions for the development of a highly-competent IT workforce and contribute to the telecommunications and IT industries in Vietnam," said Tran Xuan Tinh, Vice Director of Vietnam Datacommunication Company (VDC).

"The young generation, especially IT students, is one of the audiences of Future Choice during past 4 years. These are also the people who will empower the Internet generation in our developing IT industry. We are honored to participate in this meaningful program," said Nguyen Thanh Luu, Executive Producer, Future Choice program.

About Lao Dong newspaper

Lao Dong newspaper, a major agency under Vietnam Labor Federation General, published its first issue in 1929. Lao Dong's website (www.laodong.com.vn) was operational on May 19 1999, and since has had 115 million hits with an average of 500,000 hits per day. Two job-matching centers are located in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Lao Dong introduces 100 jobs every week and after two years has brought 7,000 jobs to the labor market.

About VDC

Vietnam Datacommunications Company (VDC) is a state- run company belonging to Vietnam Post and Telecommunications (VNPT). VDC operates in the fields of IT, Data Transmission and the Internet.

About Future Choice

Future Choice is a unique program on VTV that follows the development of IT in Vietnam and the world. First started four years ago, the program has become an indispensable guide for the Vietnam IT industry, attracting audiences nationwide.

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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