Microsoft catches them young
Published: 27 Feb 2003 09:45 GMT
Grabbing 'em young -- very young -- seems to be Microsoft's new strategy in Singapore, where it plans to expose its technology to children as young as six.
"We are now working closely with the Singapore government on initiatives for some primary schools," said Andy Zupsic, managing director of Microsoft Singapore, in an interview with CNET Asia. "Our aim is to work with students when they are very young and expose them to our technology, and help them realise their full potential through Microsoft's products."
Students in primary schools are mostly aged six to 12. Without disclosing project specifics, he said the initiatives could centre on interactive online learning.
"Instead of normal textbooks, primary school students can use the Internet as a teacher or virtual mentor," said Zupsic. "Curriculum such as the history of Singapore can also be placed on a Web site, complete with narration to help understanding."
Microsoft has a whole line of software and hardware it could want to expose to Singapore's next generation of computer users, ranging from educational software titles to the Tablet PC and Pocket PC operating systems to MSN, Hotmail and Instant Messenger.
While educational investments are not new to Microsoft Singapore, previous projects have focused largely on older students from polytechnics and universities.
Earlier this week, Microsoft announced that it had invested S$80,000 (£29,000) in software in Republic Polytechnic's business solutions lab, to encourage the development of enterprise applications.
In addition, Microsoft will assist in curriculum development and participate in other joint development projects with the polytechnic.
Outside of Singapore, Microsoft has also made significant educational investments in India.
Last November, the Redmond, Washington-based company launched Project Shiksha, an initiative to raise computer literacy in the populous nation.
As part of the project, the company said it will set up 10 computer centres in partnership with state education departments, and over 2,000 school labs in cooperation with partners.
The project, which includes teacher and student scholarships, is expected to reach over 80,000 school teachers and 3.5 million students across India.
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