SINGAPORE – 17 July, 2013 — Cisco and Republic Polytechnic have signed a memorandum of agreement to integrate the Cisco® CCNA® Security training program, the leading global certification for security credentials in networking, into Republic Polytechnic's Diploma in information technology (IT).

In addition to this memorandum of agreement, Republic Polytechnic and Cisco collaborated on a project for students enrolled in the final year of the Diploma in IT.

For the final year project, students developed a working prototype of a mobility-focused physical demonstration unit, a Web portal for information access, a video and a demonstration script. They were mentored by Cisco engineers, taught to develop outcomes based on business needs and customer applications, and schooled on the business value of technology. The winning final-year project -- by Ong Man Ru, Gerald Lim, Gary Koh and Honey Aung -- will be displayed at Cisco's new regional headquarters at Changi.

The Cisco CCNA Security curriculum within the Diploma in IT at Republic Polytechnic will provide students at Republic Polytechnic with the skills and access to high-paying, in-demand jobs within the network security industry. The program trains the students on the skills required to develop a security infrastructure, recognize threats and vulnerabilities to networks, and mitigate security threats. It emphasizes core security technologies, the installation, troubleshooting and monitoring of network devices to maintain integrity, confidentiality and availability of data and devices, and competency in the technologies used in a security structure.

As Generation Y graduates enter the workforce in greater numbers, they test corporate cultures and policies with expectations of social media freedom, device choice, and mobile lifestyles that the generations before them never demanded. According to the first chapter of the Connected World Technology Report indicated in December, the new generation of office workers are constantly checking social media, email and text updates, whether it's in bed (3 of 4 surveyed globally), at the dinner table (almost half) or while driving (1 of 5). That lifestyle is entering work environments in greater numbers, spotlighting the future of work and how companies must consider competing for the next wave of talent. Unfortunately, what the security studies show is the next-generation workforce's lifestyles are also introducing security challenges that companies have never had to address on this scale.

The Cisco Networking Academy® program is the flagship of Cisco's social investment program worldwide. The Networking Academy® uses a public-private partnership model to create the "world's largest classroom," partnering with educational institutions, nonprofits, governments, and other international and local agencies. The program has taught hundreds of thousands of students worldwide while filling the global demand for networking professionals. Cisco has established more than 10,000 academies in 165 countries, helping individuals build ICT skills and prepare for industry-recognized certifications and entry-level ICT careers in most industries. Students develop foundational skills in ICT while acquiring career skills in problem-solving, collaboration and critical thinking.

Launched in Singapore in 1998, the programme has since attracted more than 15 educational institutions to implement the programme, and trained more than 46,000 students resulting in approximately 6,000 Cisco CCNA® certified skilled ICT graduates for the workforce.

Recognizing the importance of a highly secure network and the 21st-century skills needed for Singapore's future workforce, Republic Polytechnic is also including Cisco's community-developed content in cloud computing and data centers into the diploma program.

Supporting Quotes

• Mr Joshua Soh, managing director for Cisco in Singapore and Brunei

"As ICT industry leaders, we have the responsibility to nurture our future talents. The Cisco Networking Academy is a globally recognized, much sought-after program that drives social innovation, prepares students for industry recognised certifications, and demonstrates our commitment to human capital development.  I'm excited by the prospects this collaboration provides students in Republic Polytechnic as the skills they learn in the classroom, combined with the practical experiences acquired through their final-year project, will be key for Singapore's growth as we enhance national competitiveness and continually cultivate a pool of qualified professionals able to bridge the industry demand in the region."

• Mr Yeo Li Pheow, principal/CEO, Republic Polytechnic

"Republic Polytechnic (RP) values its long-standing partnership with Cisco. This MOU will further provide RP students from the School of Infocomm with the skills and knowledge on computer networking systems, allowing them to sharpen their technical capabilities in this area. Our students can then embark on successful careers in the fast-evolving information technology industry when they graduate."

• Mr Fong Yew Chan, director at the School of Infocomm, Republic Polytechnic

"The School of InfoComm is delighted to have worked with Cisco Networking Academy on this landmark industrial project. Students from the diploma in information technology worked on the latest Cisco wireless technology, and the result was an impressive technical solution for wireless network infrastructure. The collaboration gave great opportunities for SOI/DIT students to showcase their project to the rest of the world through the Cisco briefing center."

About Republic Polytechnic

The first educational institution in Singapore to leverage Problem-Based Learning approach for all its diploma programmes, Republic Polytechnic (RP) has six schools and two academic centres offering thirty-seven diplomas in Infocomm, Engineering, Applied Science, Technology for the Arts, Sports, Health & Leisure, Events and Hospitality, Enterprise, and Communication.

Republic Polytechnic is committed to nurturing innovation and entrepreneurial learning in an environment that develops problem-solving skills and lifelong learning opportunities. Its holistic, broad-based curriculum, covering culture, enterprise development and cognitive processes, prepares students for an active and meaningful role in society.

Republic Polytechnic strives for excellence by achieving various international and national accreditations, including ISO9001, ISO14001, OHSAS 18001, SS540, Singapore Quality Class, People Developer, Innovation Class, and Service Class.

For more information, visit http://www.rp.edu.sg

About Cisco 

Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in IT that helps companies seize the opportunities of tomorrow by proving that amazing things can happen when you connect the previously unconnected. For ongoing news, please go to http://thenetwork.cisco.com. Cisco products are supplied in Singapore by the channel partners of Cisco Systems International B.V. and Cisco International Limited, each being a wholly owned subsidiary of Cisco Systems, Inc.

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