KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - 18 March, 2002 -Cisco Systems, the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet, today announced that the Multimedia University (MMU) has joined a list of leading educational institutions around the world to offer the Cisco Networking Academy Program. As a Regional Academy, MMU will recruit, train and manage up to ten other educational institutions as Local Academies. MMU expects to produce over 1,000 knowledge workers for the MSC through the Cisco Networking Academy program by 2005.

The Cisco Networking Academy program is a comprehensive curriculum that trains students and in-transition workers to design, build and maintain computer networks. Students are prepared for industry-standard certifications such as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), and Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP).

Said Prof. Dr. Ghauth Jasmon, President of MMU: "The Cisco Networking Academy Program fits perfectly with our mission statement. As we enter the K-Era, every aspect of our lives will be enriched beyond our imaginations. In Multimedia University (MMU), we believe that visions, innovations and inventions are the building blocks of developing a knowledgeable human society. The university is constantly venturing into new and innovative methods, as well as radically changing the educational outlook to become an internationally renowned high-technology institution in the shortest time possible. The curriculum that Cisco has developed, centered on e-learning principles, maps our direction and will add significant value as we develop the workforce for the K-Era."

Said Shaifubahrim Saleh, Managing Director of Cisco Systems (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd., "Cisco has dedicated a tremendous amount of effort and resources towards the Cisco Networking Academy program because we feel strongly that Internet and networking skills are the key differentiator in the Internet Economy. Governments benefit from the program as it develops a workforce skilled in the right tools; businesses have a bigger resource of IT-skilled workers to hire from; and educational institutions have an advanced technology curriculum which is rigorous and comprehensive enough to meet their educational standards." "Having an education institution as prestigious as MMU join the program is a great boost to our efforts to make the curriculum available in as many parts of Malaysia as possible," he added.

MMU joins three existing Regional Networking Academies in Malaysia - UiTM in Shah Alam, USM in Penang and UNIMAS in Sarawak, East Malaysia. The curriculum for the Networking Academy program is based on an e-Learning model that delivers Web-based educational content, online testing, student performance tracking, hands-on labs, and instructor training and support.

About Multimedia University

The Multimedia University (MMU) supports the growth of the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) project. Combining computer and web-based interactive learning, extensive research and in-depth programmes in an environment conducive to teaching and research, MMU is focused on producing graduates with specialised knowledge and multi-skilled graduates in the fields of multimedia and advanced technology..

The university has campuses in Cyberjaya and in Melaka. The purpose-built Cyberjaya Campus, which is equipped with high speed ATMs, multimedia learning facilities, intelligent building systems, electronic governance, a digital library and an integrated campus management system, exists within an advanced infrastructure that forms the nucleus of the MSC.

At the Cyberjaya campus, the university conducts information technology and multimedia -based courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels through four Faculties: Creative Multimedia, Engineering, Information Technology and, Management. MMU's Melaka Campus houses a Centre for Foundation Studies and Extension Education and three Faculties: Engineering and Technology, Information Science and Technology and, Business and Law.

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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