Page 36 - SAMENA Trends - January 2020

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Microsoft Taps T-Mobile to Test Connected PCs

Microsoft prepared to launch a new N1212S, both of which are expected broadband and hotspot access to 10 million
connected PC pilot program next month, become available later this year. T-Mobile households with school-aged children, to
teaming with T-Mobile US to provide will provide SIM cards and free 4G service help close a so-called homework gap if its
internet access to students in rural and to power the devices. In a statement, proposed merger with Sprint is approved. A
underserved areas of the country. The Microsoft noted the goal of the pilot is to 2018 study by Pew Research Center found
company said the program will offer “learn how these new devices and alliances 17 per cent of US teens said they were
participating schools the chance to test could reshape the education landscape often or sometimes unable to complete
two newly announced Windows 10 PCs, and reduce the broadband gap”. T-Mobile homework assignments due to a lack of
JP.IK’s Turn T101 and the Positivo Wise previously announced plans to offer home reliable broadband connectivity at home.

Microsoft and MCIT, Care Egypt Foundation Collaborate on Women
Empowerment across Egypt

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology table.” Microsoft’s collaboration with the MCIT and Care Egypt
(MCIT) has announced a partnership with Care Egypt Foundation Foundation on the Women Empowerment Campaign builds on
(CEF) and Microsoft to launch a ‘Women Empowerment its ongoing strategic partnership with the Central Department for
Campaign’. The initiative will contribute to social, economic and Community Development, which began in 2014. The partnership
human capital development in Egypt by equipping the upcoming aims to support the ministry in creating a sustainable social model
and existing female workforce with future-ready skills. As part that contributes to addressing unemployment and economic
of the ‘Qodwa Tech’ initiative of MCIT’s Central Department challenges, by empowering women to achieve more. “Our focus
for Community Development to empower women in Egypt, the at Care Egypt Foundation is putting women and girls at the center
campaign will see collaboration between MCIT, Care Egypt of our efforts, so everyone has an equal right and opportunity
Foundation, and Microsoft with a focus on capacity building to improve their livelihood”, said Dr. Hazem Fahmy, Director of
for women in digital fields of study and strive to encourage Care Egypt Foundation. “This initiative, in partnership with MCIT
female entrepreneurship, as well as enable them to work across and Microsoft is a strong component in our journey to empower
the country’s public and private sectors, including in heritage women of all ages, by equipping them with future-ready skills to
handicrafts. It is also aimed at raising awareness of Artificial make a difference in society.” “The empowerment of women and
Intelligence (AI) and other future technology fields among the young girls is one of the core pillars of Care Egypt Foundation’s
nation’s female workforce. “Egypt’s Sustainable Development interventions. We promote a gender equality culture at our
Strategy requires that we tap into all our national talent to foster a workplace and implement gender-responsive policies where we
spirit of innovation that drives economic growth,” said Eng. Hoda work. We believe that an inclusive development approach is vital
Dahroug, Manager of the Central Department for Community to achieving Egypt’s Sustainable Development Strategy” added
Development at MCIT. “More and more female graduates are Dr. Fahmy.
skilled in STEM; we have a responsibility to ensure their skills are
put to good use, not only for their own empowerment, but for the
benefit of society. The Women Empowerment Campaign will be a
great contributor towards Vision 2030, and our partnership with
Microsoft is a leap forward to encourage diversity in the country
and bridge the gender-equality gap.” “Digital transformation
can be a great enabler of economic development, the progress
called for in Egypt’s Sustainable Development Strategy,” said
Mike Yeh, Associate General Counsel, Corporate, External and
Legal Affairs (CELA), Microsoft Middle East and Africa. “Microsoft
is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in workplaces
around the world, because we believe that such workforces are
better able to innovate. Our partnership with MCIT and Care
Egypt Foundation reiterates Microsoft’s efforts to empower
the women of Egypt and ensure that everyone has a seat at the

36 JANUARY 2020