Microsoft Malaysia offers tech skills & training to nonprofits

Microsoft Malaysia recently announced donations amounting to RM1.7 million cash and software grants to three Malaysian nonprofits. Its legal and corporate affairs director, Jasmine Begum, was reported to have said the grants would support the nonprofits to deliver technology skills and training through a network of more than 29 community technology learning centres.

She was reported to have said:

These grants are part of Microsoft Malaysia’s ongoing initiatives to transform communities and strengthen local economies. Microsoft Malaysia works very closely with [nonprofits] to help them advance social and economic development and benefit their constituencies.

The three NGOs chosen for the latest donations were the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), Yayasan Salam Malaysia (YSM) and Mercy Malaysia. YWCA and YSM were awarded the Unlimited Potential – Community Technology Skills Programme which will help provide people across the country with the opportunity to learn basic computing and technology skills.

Mercy Malaysia was awarded the Large Software Grant to enhance its relief support, making it faster and more efficient through the use of information and communications technology (ICT).

Among the initiatives supported by the grants are programmes aimed at equipping communities with IT skills, as well as several programmes targeted at the long-term unemployed, youth and women.

To date, Microsoft Malaysia is said to have given close to RM3.1 million in cash and software grants to various organisations since 2004.