Innovation and technology are at the core of humanity’s ability to meet the critical challenges that will face us and future generations. At Intel, our focus is not on what we make, but on what people around the world can accomplish when they have access to uncompromised technology and the means to use it.

This year we worked to help technology reach deeper into communities to connect people like never before; we brought computing and internet access to remote villages and connected communities with the entire world at the click of a mouse. But, physical access to technology is only part of the solution: educating people on how to use a computer and providing the means to use a computer for those with disabilities is where the value of our expertise and technology can be truly realized. Accordingly, our mission for this decade is to create and extend computing technology to connect and enrich the lives of every person on earth.

Connecting communities

In 2011 we continued with our commitment to empower people, no matter where they live, with the tools of the digital age. Our teams throughout the Asia Pacific region take IT knowledge to remote areas. For example, in Vietnam we worked with the Green Journey Association to deliver IT training classes, helping to bridge the urban-rural digital divide. In Australia, we continue to support the rollout of the National Broadband Network and work with the government to map out its potential to contribute to education, health and government services.

In Japan, the Tsukuba Digital Community Project saw us partner with Tsukuba City and the University of Tsukuba to create an innovative, connected city through the use of the information and communication technology. Through a range of initiatives, from human capital development and entrepreneurship to healthcare and environment, disparate communities from within the city were brought together to develop locally relevant solutions.

Digital literacy

This year we have continued our work with governments and NGOs across the region to deliver technology literacy initiatives that empower communities , improve employability and increase economic opportunity.

In India , Malaysia , Pakistan and the Philippines we are partnering with governments and NGO’s to deliver a digital literacy program called Intel® Easy Steps that is designed to provide adult learners, with little or no experience with computers, basic digital skills that are locally relevant, unlocking a world of opportunities to improve their social and economic self-sufficiency through digital literacy. Through the Intel Computer Clubhouse Network , we are helping ensure disadvantaged children have a safe place to go to after school where they can also learn how to use advanced technology. In Asia Pacific, there are seven clubhouses – in Australia, India, New Zealand, the Philippines and Taiwan –hosted by community organizations and funded by Intel and other partners.

Digital inclusion

Intel is committed to finding ways to use innovative technology solutions to reach underserved communities and enable them to participate in the digital world. One such example is the Samarth Project in India , a grass roots employee idea designed to address the unmet needs of the visually impaired in their community. Working with the DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System) Forum of India and Saksham Trust they developed a solution that is a combination of low cost hardware and free software that is configured to help visually impaired and low vision individuals integrate into today’s digital world. The netbook, screen-reading software and custom applications give these individuals the ability to perform many tasks that people with vision take for granted, enabling them to independently engage with today’s digital world.