Cisco Networking Education Program Receives Overwhelming Response Under Apec's Human Capacity Building Promotion Program
HONG KONG, Nov. 19 /PRNewswire Asia-AsiaNet/ --
e-learning initiative backed by governments educational institutions and trainees
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*, 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 http://www.apechcb.org.cn
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* List of education institutions supporting Cisco's education program under the HCBPP:
1. Canada a. New Brunswick Community College, New Brunswick b. Winslow Centre, British Columbia
2. China a. Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications b. Peking University c. Tsinghua University
3. Hong Kong a. Hong Kong University School of Professional and Continuing Education (HKU SPACE), Hong Kong
4. Indonesia a. Faculty of Engineering, University of Indonesia, Jakarta
5. Philippines a. Meralco Foundation Institute (MFI), Manila
6. Singapore a. Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore
7. Thailand a. Assumption University