Cisco to set up tech training centers in Myanmar
YANGON, Myanmar (AP) - Cisco Systems plans to establish two network training centers in Myanmar, as global technology companies begin to move into one of the least-connected places on Earth.
The announcement Thursday came on the heels of a USAID-sponsored delegation of executives from Cisco, Google, HP, Intel and Microsoft to the fast-opening country.
Levels of cellphone use are lower in Myanmar than in North Korea. The government has made reform of its telecommunications sector, which was long dominated by crony businesses, a priority. Bids from 91 companies from around the world for two nationwide telecom licenses are now under consideration. Increased competition is expected to dramatically reduce the cost of SIM cards, which now run $300 to $500, in time for national elections in 2015.
The USAID technology delegation was geared toward technology education, but is also a step toward commercial engagement.
"Google has a range of potential partnerships, one of which is designed to improve access to online learning ... in addition to a broader range of business opportunities that I think you'll see Google expand into relatively quickly. The same is true of really all the firms," said USAID head Rajiv Shah, who was making his first trip to Myanmar.
USAID resumed work in Myanmar in November, after Washington suspended most sanctions against the country. Since then, USAID has committed $171 million to health, food security, democracy, human rights and rule of law programs. The agency plans to give more money to Myanmar as the country deepens reforms.
The announcement Thursday came on the heels of a USAID-sponsored delegation of executives from Cisco, Google, HP, Intel and Microsoft to the fast-opening country.
Levels of cellphone use are lower in Myanmar than in North Korea. The government has made reform of its telecommunications sector, which was long dominated by crony businesses, a priority. Bids from 91 companies from around the world for two nationwide telecom licenses are now under consideration. Increased competition is expected to dramatically reduce the cost of SIM cards, which now run $300 to $500, in time for national elections in 2015.
The USAID technology delegation was geared toward technology education, but is also a step toward commercial engagement.
"Google has a range of potential partnerships, one of which is designed to improve access to online learning ... in addition to a broader range of business opportunities that I think you'll see Google expand into relatively quickly. The same is true of really all the firms," said USAID head Rajiv Shah, who was making his first trip to Myanmar.
USAID resumed work in Myanmar in November, after Washington suspended most sanctions against the country. Since then, USAID has committed $171 million to health, food security, democracy, human rights and rule of law programs. The agency plans to give more money to Myanmar as the country deepens reforms.
It also puts a footprint there competing with China's interests of expansion and rule. Sure, cheap labor and lower taxes to do business outside of U.S. tax system which is the highest in the world. Why try to teach U.S. students? Their teachers can't even read, let alone the kids...they want to take "underwater basket weaving" classes and computer game planning...fun stuff!! Ask 'em what state abutts their own...they can't answer, can't count back change, don't know U.S. or World History, blah, blah, blah.
And the education investment is not being directed here as the USA education system runs for a road of ruin... seriously seems like US Businesses would rather train other countries to do the higher up technical jobs and pay them less money than the cost here... what a joke!
@Freespeech Seems like? That's exactly what they've been doing for decades. Pouring money into other countries education systems while smoke screening us.