e-learning initiative backed by governments, educational institutions and trainees

HONG KONG - November 19, 2002 - One year after its launch, Cisco Systems' networking education course under APEC's Human Capacity Building Promotion Program (HCBPP) continues to receive overwhelming response. Cisco Systems is a key backer of the program and provides the core networking curriculum for HCBPP, leading to the Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) qualification.

The HCBPP was formally launched by Chinese President Jiang Zemin at the 9th APEC Leaders Meeting in October 2001 in Shanghai. The program aims to develop Asia's human capacity and knowledge resources. It also allows individuals in the APEC economies to bridge the "digital divide" and meet the challenges of the New Economy. Under the HCBP Program, a total of 1,500 people are to be selected and granted free IT training based on e-learning.

Cisco was selected to participate in the HCBPP because of its technology leadership, contributions to e-learning and networking education programs in the region. This unique education project is adapted from the highly successful Cisco Networking Academy Program. Through this initiative Cisco is confident that it will bring APEC and its member economies the same benefits experienced by 149 countries currently participating in the Academy Program worldwide.

"The response to the Cisco education component in the APEC HCBPP has been extraordinary," said Gordon Astles, President of Cisco Asia Pacific Operations. "Governments in the region recognize that networking education builds the critical labour force skills needed for strong economic growth. It's a real testament to public-private collaboration in helping APEC economies to build human capacity."

According to the APEC report '2002 APEC Senior Officials Report on Economic and Technical Cooperation', more than 1,500 individuals have already applied for the training courses under HCBPP. They are from government agencies, business, and education / training institutions in the 15 APEC member economies. This report was presented at the recent APEC Leaders Meeting held on 26-27 October in Los Cabos, Mexico.

As outlined in the report, 200 trainees have been enrolled in Cisco's CCNA course since the first term of training commenced on 1 May 2002. The second term commenced on 1 October this year. With support from local educational institutions (Click here for the full list of institutions), trainees will participate in remote education and lab sessions, face-to-face and hands-on instruction. This project utilizes numerous e-learning tools and technologies developed by Cisco for IT and networking education.

Canada, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand are among the first group of participating APEC economies to rise to the challenge of educating trainees. Chile, Papua New Guinea and Peru are following actively to join these leading players.

There is a careful selection process of trainees in close consultation with the respective governments. Supporting educational institutions are also carefully selected based on their ability and commitment to run the Cisco education program

"The reception we have had for this program highlights the tremendous demand for IT and networking education in Asia Pacific," said Astles. "It also proves the success and value of APEC's HCBP Program. Cisco is delighted to work with the Chinese government, the various APEC member economies and education institutions to make these 'digital opportunities' more available."

The HCBPP was initiated by China, and co-sponsored by Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Hong Kong, Mexico, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand and Vietnam.

For more information about the APEC HCBPP please visit the web site www.apechcb.org.cn.

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