BANGKOK, Thailand -- 30 January 2002 -- Cisco Systems (Thailand) Ltd., the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet, has taken another step to expanding the Cisco Networking Academy Program in Thailand. It has announced the appointment of the Faculty of Information Technology, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, as a Regional Networking Academy, the latest member of a global network of over 8,400 academies around the world.
The Cisco Networking Academy Program is a comprehensive program that teaches young students Internet and networking technology skills. Launched in the United States over five years ago, the program now boasts over 8,400 networking academies in 135 countries around the world. Close to 200,000 students are currently enrolled in networking academies worldwide.
In Thailand, 17 educational institutes have joined the program. These are Assumption University,International School Bangkok, Prem Tinsulanonda Center for International Education, Sripatum University, St. Gabriel College, St. John's University, Kasetsart University, Burapha University, Silpakorn University, Chalermphrakiat Sakon Nakon, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Dhurakijbundit University, Siam University, Walailak University, Rajabhat Institute Bansomdejchaopraya, Rajabhat Institute Chandra Kasem and Rangsit University.
According to Mr Seksan Pimpan, General Manager for Cisco Systems (Thailand) Ltd.: "The Cisco Networking Academy Program has become such a success in Thailand and around the world because it is touching and changing not only the lives of the young students going through the program but also the communities and economies where they live. By helping develop the next generation of Internet professionals, Cisco can create a positive impact in the countries where we do business and be a valuable partner for the government and our customers."
He added: "The Faculty of Information Technology, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, is widely recognized for producing highly-qualified IT personnel. Their decision to offer the Cisco Networking Academy curriculum is a perfect match and reflects the growing importance of Internet and networking skills."
Associate Professor Dr. Wichian Premchaiswadi, Dean of the Faculty of Information Technology, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, said: "Students taking the master's degree course at the faculty are mostly from business stream disciplines. By putting them through the Cisco Networking Academy program, we can develop a whole new generation of business leaders with an intimate understanding of Internet and networking technology."
The Faculty of Information Technology will initially offer the Cisco Networking Academy curriculum as a special program for students taking the master's degree course. Interested students can choose to take the program as a non-compulsory subject which will be taught in two classes, with each class accommodating 30 students. The course started this month. Dr. Wichian added that the faculty will open up the program to more students if response is favorable.
In the role of "Regional Academy", The Faculty of Information Technology, in addition to providing the full Cisco Networking Academy curriculum, the faculty must also train and develop "Local Academies" under their care. The educational institutes now under the responsibility of the faculty are Dhurakijbundit University, Siam University, Walailak University, Rajabhat Institute Bansomdejchaopraya, Rajabhat Institute Chandra Kasem and Rangsit University.
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