Microsoft conference to showcase use of technology for the social good

By Eden Estopace | Nov 28, 2011

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From helping a young woman in Malaysia realize her dream to become an entrepreneur to helping a hospital in Thailand change the way patients are treated to using a gaming technology to help Autistic children learn, the ways in which technology can change people's lives are surprising.

In fact, many organizations are giving many of today's technologies a second look for their potential for the social good.

At the Accelerating Asia-Pacific conference to be held in Kuala Lumpur next month, Microsoft is showcasing its citizenship programs that have made a positive impact across the region utilizing technology to create a real impact.

"We are very focused on showcasing how working with our partners in government and civil society can create real impact for a better tomorrow and also enabling the next generation of young leaders to stand up and create their own social change," said Clair Deevy, Community Affairs Lead for Asia, Microsoft.

"We are also really keen to highlight the growth of “Made-by-Asia” intellectual property, as countries across Asia-Pacific are showing increased interest in being recognized for what is created locally. Microsoft is delighted to be working across so many industries to bring these creations to light, and what better way than to stand up with our partners and share them as broadly as possible," she added.
 
Microsoft’s community investment initiative works in countries right across the region to provide technology skills and employment opportunities within underserved communities through teaching individuals how they can benefit from basic IT skills training.

This work has touched communities such as refugees, victims of human trafficking, and young disadvantaged women. To date, more than 780,000 teachers and 32 million students have also benefitted from its education work through the Partners in Learning initiative,

"We believe promoting viable economic alternatives is the surest way to help communities grow," Deevy said. "For example, in Thailand, a partnership between Microsoft, the Department of Skill Development (DSD) of the Ministry of Labor, and the Kenan Institute Asia, has trained over 40,230 individuals, and benefited over 107,540 people. Rolled out nationwide over a period of three years, many unemployed workers have received training for jobs that are in high demand, such as auto mechanics, food and restaurant industry, retail, trading, and spa or salon services."

In last year's conference held in Singapore, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) like the Visayan Forum Foundation in the Philippines, the Save Education Centre in Malaysia, Vision Australia and the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (ICMEC) in Singapore, shared how technology and scientific breakthroughs have aided humanitarian work.

With the developed markets facing a stormy economic season, will Microsoft’s corporate citizenship efforts be re-directed toward advanced economies as well?

"Our citizenship efforts have always been driven based on where we foresee technology can make a sustainable impact. We see the potential that this region possesses; we evaluate the current and future needs of its people, and apply our knowledge and expertise accordingly," Deevey explained.

PHOTO: Clair Deevy, Community Affairs Lead for Asia, Microsoft