ASUS Reduces Digital Divides in Key Cities in the Philippines through long-term CSR initiative

     The phrase “In Search of Incredible” has always been more than just a simple brand manifesto for ASUS. It does not only represent the brand’s steadfast commitment to showcase the latest, industry-leading innovations through its products. Rather, it has and will always be the main guiding principle of the company and its employees to make sure that its resources are greatly utilized for the improvement of lives and for the betterment of the society.

     Now for over 10 years, ASUS Foundation and the Institute for Information Industry (III) of Taiwan have partnered with the Philippines’ National Computer Center (NCC), and the Information, Communication & Technology Office of the Department of Science & Technology (ICTO-DOST) in ensuring that the country has a sustainable e-learning centers across the country under the APEC Digital Opportunity Center (APEC ADOC) project which aims to help and empower the youth and as well as key government officials from selected areas of NCR, CDO and Bacolod through the power of technology.

    Moreover, since 2010, the ASUS Foundation has also successfully sponsored the ADOC International Volunteers program to the Philippines, where several ASUS staff and college students from Taiwan have continuously signed-up to experience the rewarding acts as volunteer-lecturers to these ASUS ADOC e-learning centers all over the country.

Hand-in-Hand with the QC Community

To further this special cause and fruitful partnership that has already helped numerous communities in the Philippines, top representatives from the aforementioned offices and local NGOs first joined forces anew for the official renewal of the ASUS ADOC e-learning center in Quezon City, last April 6, 2016.

  

Using Technology as a Platform to Help Improve Lives

A day after, ASUS’ meaningful contributions also reached Cagayan de Oro, with various groups of young students and youth members now having access to internet and to 20 sets of ASUS PCs and monitors as donated by the Fil-Chi Love & Care Foundation. These donations were set-up for the use of the Field Operations Office- Mindanao Cluster 2 of the ICTO- DOST — the office that spearheads the Digital and Internet Literacy programs, as well as Rural Impact Sourcing workshops for communities part of Region X and XIII.

     The ceremonial turnover of ASUS units in CDO was graced by Taipei Economic & Cultural Office’s (TECO) Economic Director Mr. Nick Ni, who was on hand to give a few inspirational words about the relationship between the two neighboring countries:  “Information Communication Technology (ICT) skills are very critical in this new digital era. And given Taiwan’s experience and expertise with the ICT industry, many Taiwanese companies are already partnering with Philippine based NGOs to ensure that all necessary ICT literacy courses are well provided.

Bringing even more happiness to the ‘City of Smiles’

     On the same day, the ASUS Foundation then headed to Bacolod City where a renewed Mobile e-learning center (a transformed 40-foot container trailer that roves around provinces) was launched in partnership with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce. This momentous event was witnessed by Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in the Philippines Representative Dr. Gary Sung-Huan Lin; who was joined once again by III’s Mr. Cheng; Fil-Chi Love & Care Foundation’s Mr. and Mrs. Huang; and ASUS Philippines’ Mr. Su. 

ASUS Philippines Country Manager Mr. George Su smiles together with the local community members.

     For this particular project, 21 sets of brand-new ASUS PC and LCD monitors were provided by the ASUS Foundation and the Bacold Fil-Chi Chamber of Commerce & Industries, which will ultimately assist the growing community of youth, children and even government officials in the entire Negros province.

Building More Incredible Milestones in the Philippines

     In cooperation with the ADOC Project, the ASUS Foundation has already successfully set-up a total of 8 ADOC e-learning centers, located in the rural areas of Luzon and Visayas regions, with each center being properly equipped with more than 20 units of ASUS Desktop PCs and LCD Monitors, and two well-trained lecturers.

     ASUS PH Country Manager Mr. George Su concludes by highlighting the long-term impact of this CSR initiative: “With the help of our partner organizations, ASUS has and is transforming the lives of more than 20,000 students and under-privileged youth in impoverished areas in the Philippines, all of whom are now given the opportunity to improve their computer literacy, skills and knowledge. We have seen first-hand how the technical education that is provided in these e-learning centers are helpful for them in the long-run, and so we remain committed to touch and improve even more lives in the Philippines with our future plans and partnerships that ensures inclusive and sustainable growth.”