Barrett to push Intel programmes in India, Bangladesh

Sep 2, 2007, 10:38 GMT

Bangalore, Sep 2 (IANS) Intel Corporation chairman Craig R. Barrett is visiting India and Bangladesh from Monday to strengthen the chip-maker's education and healthcare programmes aimed at using technology for empowering the common folk.

On his ninth trip to India and first to Bangladesh, the techno evangelist will interact with governments and local industries on the benefits of Intel's World Ahead Programme (WAP) in training teachers and students in digital technology.

During his three-day trip to the sub-continent, Barrett will visit Tindivanam, about 125 km from Chennai, in Tamil Nadu Monday to participate in a healthcare programme initiated by Intel India subsidiary.

The programme facilitates the use of ICT (information & communications technologies) in providing efficient and cost-effective healthcare for the needy and weaker sections.

Barrett will fly to Dhaka Tuesday to launch the WAP in Bangladesh and address the stakeholders on the objectives of the digital inclusion programme.

Returning to India Wednesday, Barrett will participate in the eighth anniversary function of the Intel education programme, being held in New Delhi on the occasion of 'Teacher's Day' (Sep 5).

'Coinciding with Barrett's visit, the company will be signing agreements (MoUs) with respective governments and local players on implementing digital technology in education and healthcare,' an Intel India spokesperson told IANS here Sunday.

As chairman of the United Nations' Global Alliance for ICT and Development, Barrett has been instrumental in helping stakeholders to usher in a universal and inclusive information society.

'Providing leadership, Barrett has been working with governments, international organisations, civil society and business leaders on the use of digital technology to advance the Millennium Development Goals of the UN,' the official noted.

Last year, Intel announced $1 billion investment in the WAP to train teachers and students in the use of PCs (personal computers) in classrooms.

Barrett is a vocal spokesman for the value technology can provide in raising social and economic standards globally. Over the last 12 months, he has toured several countries the world over to accelerate the use of technology under the aegis of WAP.

Under WAP, Intel works with governments and local industries in developing nations to demonstrate how technology can help solve complex problems in education, healthcare and business.

In India, Intel is working towards improving access to technology, high-speed Internet connectivity, effective teaching and learning, and relevant local content under the WAP.

© 2007 Indo-Asian News Service