Intel remains committed to supporting the advancement of skilled workforce in Malaysia through various projects, including the 1:1 e-learning initiative, said Intel South-East Asia director Marcus Low.
Low said the initiative was under the umbrella of the Intel® World Ahead Programme, which was aimed at connecting the next billion people to a world of opportunities.
He said the World Ahead programme was driving cooperation between local stakeholders and industry leaders to bring useful, affordable and adaptable technology to local needs globally.
"Together, we're creating a better world ... the world ahead.
"Here at Intel, we want to enhance lives by accelerating our company's technology to everyone," he said, adding that Intel's education programmes were built for developing countries such as Malaysia.
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Marcus Low |
Low said Intel's goal was to provide greater opportunities for people to participate in the global economy and take advantage of the information technology experienced by developed nations.
"For instance, in collaboration with local and worldwide partners, we are working to bring more people personal computers (PCs), tools, and services customised to local needs," he noted.
On the level of skill and education of Malaysian workforce, Low said it was generally good compared with other countries in South-East Asia, besides Singapore and Australia.
"We have many Malaysians working for Intel in various positions," he said, adding that it was easy to train locals to develop higher skills because of their strong foundation in education and the English language.
Low also sees Malaysia as a global outsourcing destination for skilled labour and professionals.
Intel Malaysia country manager (sales and marketing) Debjani Ghosh agrees.
However, she said there was still a gap in the level of skill and education in the city versus rural areas in Malaysia.
"It is people in rural areas that Intel can help to bridge the digital divide through technology," she said, adding that Intel had a long history of promoting education globally.
Ghosh said Intel had introduced its 1:1 e-learning to Malaysian schools in the cities as well as small towns.
"Currently, we are conducting the programme in about 10 schools with the support of the Government," she said.
She said Intel also aimed to invest US$100mil annually in collaboration with governments and educators in 50 countries as part of Intel® Education Initiative1.
"We also have the Intel® Teach Programme which has helped over 3.5 million teachers in more than 35 countries integrate technology into their classrooms to improve student learning," she noted.
Ghosh said that in the next five years, Intel planned to train 10 million teachers on the effective use of technology in education with the possibility of reaching one billion students.
Moreover, she said the company had set up the Intel® Learn Programme, a community-based effort to help youths aged eight to 16 learn about technology, critical thinking and collaboration skills using an engaging, project-centred approach.
"To date, the programme has been launched in nine countries, including Malaysia, and has reached over 450,000 learners," she said.
Malaysian schools involved with Intel's 1:1 E-Learning project
• SMK Padang Midin, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu
• SMK Clifford, Kuala Lipis, Pahang
• SMK Datuk Hj Ahmad Badawi, Kepala Batas, Seberang Perai, Pulau Pinang
• SMK Bandar T6, Taman Seri Lambak, Kluang, Johor
• SMKA Sheikh Hj Mohd Said Jalan Tunku Kurshiah, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan
• SMK Seri Permaisuri, Bandar Seri Permaisuri Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
• SMKA Falahiah, Pasir Pekan, Wakaf Baru, Kelantan
• SK Ayer Keroh, Jalan Ayer Keroh, Melaka,
• SK Jitra, Kedah
• SK King Edward VII, Taiping, Perak
Other Intel programmes
•Intel® Computer Clubhouse Network, an after-school, community-based learning programme aimed at youth in underserved areas. As of 2006, over 110 clubhouses have served 50,000 youth in 20 countries
•Intel® Higher Education Programme works with over 150 universities in 30 countries to advance technology innovation and develop a pipeline of technical talent
•Intel plans to donate 100,000 PCs to classrooms in developing nations
•Intel provides customised technology solutions for education. For example, the new Classmate PC has been developed to provide mobile computing to assist students and teachers in the learning process in primary and secondary schools.
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