Cisco Systems unveiled its philanthropic initiative as part of the company’s long-term strategy to give back to the Malaysian community. Called the Cisco® Youth Project (CYo:P), Cisco will identify two beneficiary organizations a year in which to work with. The first beneficiary, Montfort Boys Town (MBT), was commemorated today by Yang Berhomat (Y.B.) Datuk Azalina Othman Said, Minister of Youth and Sports. MBT provides underprivileged youths with the skills to succeed in life.

A fundraising event called ‘Cisco Adventure Day’ will be organized later this year and will also involve other industry participants. Cisco will also be facilitating the adoption of the Cisco Networking Academy Program into MBT’s Information Technology (IT) curriculum once the necessary resources such as Cisco-certified trainers and a broadband Internet ready, hands-on lab environment is set up.

Citing Cisco’s commitment to the local community, environment and people, Johnson Khoo, managing director, Malaysia, Cisco Systems emphasized the importance of exercising good corporate citizenship through philanthropic efforts that focus on developing critical skills in the local community.

According to Y.B. Datuk Azalina Othman Said, Minister of Youth and Sports, the Cisco Youth Project platform is an excellent example of how corporations in Malaysia can reach out and involve our youth in activities and programs that will help develop as well as prepare a dynamic, progressive and visionary workforce for the future.
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