KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - October 26, 2004 - Cisco Systems® unveiled its philanthropic initiative for Malaysia which will provide the company with another way to contribute to the country. Called the Cisco® Youth Project (CYo:P), Cisco will identify two beneficiary organizations a year in which to work with. The first beneficiary, Montford Boys Town (MBT), was commemorated today by Yang Berhomat (Y.B.) Datuk Azalina Othman Said, Minister of Youth and Sports. MBT provides underprivileged youths with the skills to succeed in life.
"The Cisco Youth Project platform is an excellent example of how corporations in Malaysia can reach out and involve our youth in activities and programs that will help develop as well as prepare a dynamic, progressive and visionary workforce for the future. The role of the government, with support from corporations like Cisco Systems, is vital in creating enabling environments that will aid the development of the youth generation by improving their knowledge, provide new skills and prepare them to deal with the changing dynamics in the increasingly competitive global environment," said Y.B. Datuk Azalina Othman Said, Minister of Youth and Sports.
A fundraising event called 'Cisco Adventure Day' will be organized later this year and will also involve other industry participants, including Getronics Solutions (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Computer Systems Advisers (M) Berhad, Mesiniaga Berhad and Ingram Micro (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.. Cisco will also be facilitating the adoption of the Cisco Networking Academy Program into MBT's Information Technology (IT) curriculum.
Citing Cisco's commitment to the local community, environment and people, Johnson Khoo, managing director, Malaysia, Cisco Systems emphasized the importance of exercising good corporate citizenship through philanthropic efforts that focus on developing critical skills in the local community.
"Cisco is delighted to launch the CYo:P initiative in Malaysia and to announce the first beneficiary, Montford Boys Town. This project is a concerted effort by our worldwide corporation to enhance volunteering and mentoring opportunities for both Cisco and partner staff as well as to contribute financial support to the facilities and infrastructure for youth development through fundraising activities. By establishing proper channels for volunteer work, Cisco will be able to identify and gain better understanding and hence, respond according to the specific needs of the community," Khoo said.
Cisco will soon be celebrating its 10th year anniversary in Malaysia and this project is part of the company's long-term strategy to give back to the Malaysian community.
