Intel supports government IT projects

by Gamini WARUSHAMANA

Intel the global semiconductor company sees vast investment opportunities in Sri Lanka.

The world is in the middle of an economic recession and all the countries are awaiting to see the end of the crisis. However, the crisis in Sri Lanka is over and many will invest in Sri Lanka, Vice President and General Manager, Asia Pacific of Intel Navin Shenoy told the Sunday Observer.

`We discussed with the government authorities and they said that we have come at the right time. Big investments will go to the North and the East of the country for education and health sectors. Government has also declared this year as the year of IT and English. They have a clear vision and tangible action has been taken. Public-private partnership has been initiated and there are various initiatives to develop IT and English Skills Shenoy said.

Intel will invest in skills development in IT and English, education, health care, power generation and telecommunication sectors. Intel's investment in these fields include sharing knowledge and experience and introduce latest technology.

In the education sector Intel has already supported the government's programs by training 8,000 teachers and providing low cost PCs to schools. Intel has donated 425 low cost classmate PCs for schools bringing technology into the classroom. The low cost Atom Chip introduced by Intel slashed the PC prices and helps to narrow the digital divide. With this low cost chip a PC can be sold at around Rs. 30,000 and we expect a gradual expansion of the market, Shenoy said.

In the health care sector Intel will assist the government's initiatives such as establishment of Medical Supply Division (MSD) that integrate medicine distribution and inventory control through a supply chain management software, comprehensive hospital management system, e-consultation and Health Education Bureau.

In the power sector the right technology has to be introduced from electricity generation to distribution and maximise generation and minimise waste. The government along with its global partners has taken steps towards achieving this goal too.

In the communication sector Intel sees opportunities in the expansion of wireless broad band networks. Broad band network has to be developed and we are working with the operators. We produce chips for the open ended Wimax technology, he said. Shenoy accepted that the Intel is looking at government projects. In the global recession every company is looking for new business opportunities and not only Intel.