Mahanakorn University of Technology and Cisco Develop Next-Generation Workforce in Thailand Through Cisco Networking Academy

New Certification Validates Skills Required to Secure Cisco Networks

BANGKOK, Thailand, Jan., 25, 2011 – Cisco and Mahanakorn University of Technology in Thailand today announced the availability of a new Cisco CCNA® Security course as part of the Cisco® Networking Academy® program to develop a highly skilled, next-generation workforce in Thailand.

Facts/Highlights

• The Networking Academy’s CCNA Security course provides a next step for individuals who want to enhance their associate-level skill set and help meet the growing demand for networking professionals with specialized skills.
• The curriculum provides an introduction to the core security concepts and skills needed to install, troubleshoot and monitor network devices to maintain the integrity, confidentiality and availability of data and devices.
• Since the launch of the CCNA Security Program at Mahanakorn University, more than 180 students in Thailand have enrolled in the program, which is seeing an increasing demand for places.
• The network has become a critical platform in helping businesses increase productivity and drive innovation. Countries around the world use next-generation networking technologies to improve business efficiencies, raise their competitive advantage, and empower individuals to build a platform for a knowledge society.
• Given the importance of information and communications technology (ICT) in today’s business world, there is a growing need for highly skilled and qualified ICT engineers, yet there is a skills gap as graduates entering the workforce lack real-world experience.
• With the CCNA Security certification, students demonstrate the skills required to develop a security infrastructure, recognize network threats and vulnerabilities, and mitigate security threats with a focus on industry-leading Cisco equipment, while providing general network security knowledge that is applicable across multiple vendor platforms.
• The CCNA Security certification helps students develop the skills needed for job roles such as network security specialists, security administrators and network security support engineers.
• There have been 4,786 students enrolled in a CCNA Security class globally since the program’s inception, with more than 1,500 students enrolled in Asia Pacific.
• Globally, more than 310 academies, including 42 in Asia Pacific, have adopted the CCNA Security curriculum.
• According to a recent study conducted by Forrester Consulting on behalf of Cisco, dedicated security roles are expected in 80 percent of the companies studied worldwide by 2012.
• Mahanakorn University began offering the Cisco CCNA course in 2005 as a basic requirement for the undergraduate program within the faculty of information science and technology. In 2007, the university offered the program to postgraduate students.
• In Thailand, the Networking Academy delivers a comprehensive 21st-century learning experience to 5,718 students across 49 academies. Students develop the foundational ICT skills needed to design, build and manage networks, along with career skills such as problem solving, collaboration and critical thinking.
• With more than 1,000,000 students worldwide in 10,000 countries, the Networking Academy is a global education program that teaches students how to design, build, troubleshoot and secure computer networks for increased access to career and economic opportunities in communities around the world.

Spokesperson Quotes

• Dr Supakorn Kungpisdan, associate dean, Faculty of Information Science and Technology:

“Mahanakorn University’s vision is to develop students that are professionally qualified to international standards. We are proud of our focus on embracing students’ opinions on the class and courses that are conducted at our university. I believe this differentiates us from the rest, as we work with students to design the curricula and learning models that allow students to learn, think and analyse, moving beyond being a ‘training center’ to developing our future business and technology leaders.”

• Sandy Walsh, regional manager for Cisco Networking Academy in Asia Pacific:

“Asia Pacific has seen an exponential growth in information and communications technology adoption. The role of the network as a platform for communication, collaboration and connectivity has resulted in a demand for skilled and experienced IT professionals across the region. This new CCNA Security curriculum reflects the evolving technologies and specialized security skills that will help students succeed in today’s global, networked economy.”

Supporting Resources

• Cisco Networking Academy: http://www.cisco.com/go/netacad
• Follow Cisco in Asia Pacific on twitter: http://twitter.com/ciscoAPAC

About Cisco Systems

Cisco (NASDAQ:CSCO, news, filings) is the worldwide leader in networking that transforms how people connect, communicate and collaborate. Information about Cisco can be found at http://www.cisco.com. For ongoing news, please go to http://newsroom.cisco.com. Cisco products are supplied in Thailand by Cisco Systems International, BV, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cisco Systems, Inc.

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