Intel launches WAP in Bangladesh

FE Team | Published: September 05, 2007 00:00:00 | Updated: February 01, 2018 00:00:00

FE Report
Chairman of the world's leading technology heavyweight, Intel Corporation, Craig R Barrett announced Tuesday the launching of its World Ahead Programme (WAP) in Bangladesh to provide greater access to and affordable connectivity of internet to help the country reap the benefits of the information and communication technology (ICT).
"We are very excited to bring the new technologies in Bangladesh," Craig Barrett said after launching his company's WAP at a press conference on completion of his one-day visit to Bangladesh. He left for India Tuesday afternoon.
The world's leading chipmaker's WAP programme, which is in operation in 35 countries around the globe, has been launched in collaboration with the government and Grameen Solutions in Bangladesh.
Intel's WAP in Bangladesh is aimed at promoting ICT accessibility, connectivity, education and content, said the Intel chief.
He said this programme is also set to strengthen education and healthcare programmes and help establish e-governance in the country.
Referring to the importance of ICT accessibility, connectivity, education and content, the Intel chief termed these as four important pillars and fundamentals for reaping benefits and accelerating economic development.
In line with the launch of the WAP, Intel Corporation and Grameen Solutions signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly promote and support digital inclusion projects across Bangladesh to improve education, connectivity and access to technology and localised Internet contents and software applications.
Chairman of Grameen Solutions Prof Muhammad Yunus and Intel Corporation chairman Craig Barrett signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organisations at a city hotel Tuesday morning.
"Intel has committed to donate approximately 1,000 computers to schools over the next three years under a joint collaboration with the government." Intel boss told the newsmen about his company's future programme in Bangladesh.
The company will also donate necessary PCs to set up PC labs in all the 64 districts across Bangladesh, he said.
With support from the Ministry of Education and the Grameen Solutions, Intel is developing plans to launch its education initiatives including the Intel Teach and Intel Learn programmes.
The Intel Teach programme trains teachers how to integrate technology in the curriculum to promote classroom learning.
The community-based Intel Learn programme cultivates technology critical-thinking and collaboration skills in underserved youths of 8-16 years of age.
Intel will also work with software companies in Bangladesh to develop localised internet content and software for the government, schools and telecentres.
The company will deploy a PC ownership programme that will offer low-cost PCs on easy monthly installments.
Furthering Intel's commitment to Bangladesh, the Intel Foundation pledged to donate US$50,000 to the Chief Adviser's Relief and Welfare Fund to help flood relief operations.
Intel has planned to invest over US$ 1.0 billion over the next five years to enhance lives by providing access to ICT under its WAP.
It will train an additional 10 million teachers over the next 5 years in developing communities on the effective use of technology in the classroom.
This programme will also provide 100,000 free PCs to classrooms in those communities to improve learning skills.
The company is enabling underdeveloped communities to experience the benefits of the Internet by increasing the availability of high-speed wireless Internet connectivity under WAP
Intel's education efforts focus on improving teaching and learning through the effective use of technology, and advancing math, science, and engineering education and research.
In addition, Intel works with education leaders worldwide to showcase technology solutions that support the creation of twenty-first century skills such as digital literacy, problem solving, critical thinking, and collaboration.
Intel's Business Manager in Bangladesh Zia Manzur, Grameen Solution's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kazi Islam, among others, were present at the press conference.