Mobile broadband to empower rural folk
KUALA LUMPUR: Naza Communications is empowering rural communities by using mobile broadband as the enabler through the Nuri Programme.
Nuri, which began earlier this year, is a multi-phase three-year programme and will be carried out in around 200 villages in 80 locations nationwide.
The northern and eastern regions of Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak were identified as suitable recipients.
Naza Communications planned to achieve its objective through three criteria, namely by increasing the income of rural communities through the mobile economy; utilising mobile apps in assisting the transformation of rural areas; and instilling responsible Internet use to promote lifelong learning and skill enhancement.
Yesterday, it signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with its collaborating partners in this programme.
They were app developers Car Bengkel, Ezyhaul, Living Space, My Homestay Malaysia and the Telecommunications Engineering College (TEC), with Buy Malaysia as a potential partner.
Naza Communications chief operating officer Subhash Devan said the aim was to leverage connectivity to further enable and empower rural communities.
“The Nuri programme will bring knowledge and expertise that will help them get connected to the rest of the world,” he said.
The first phase of Nuri had been carried out in 10 villages in Kedah and Perak.
Under the MoU, TEC with Pembangunan Sumber Manusia Berhad and Yayasan Peneraju Bumiputera will implement the Graduates Enhancement Programme for Employability and the Peneraju Skil Iltizam programmes to develop skilled technicians among school leavers and unemployed graduates from these villages.