TAIPEI, Taiwan, September 18, 2024 —ASUS today announced the successful conclusion of its 2024 ASUS International Volunteer Program. The initiative underscores the ASUS commitment to bridging the digital divide and nurturing global talent. This year, during summer vacation, the ASUS Foundation collaborated with seven university student volunteer teams, empowering them to work alongside ASUS volunteers in Eswatini, Thailand, India, Kenya, and Malaysia. Together, they positively impacted over 15,000 students and teachers in underserved areas by establishing digital learning environments.
"ASUS upholds a human-centered spirit, using green technology to closely integrate society and culture. We encourage young students to bravely step beyond borders, demonstrate the values of mutual support and altruism on the international stage, and empower digitally disadvantaged groups,” Sandy Wei, Chief Executive Officer of the ASUS Foundation, speaking during the presentation at ASUS headquarters, remarked. “Through the ASUS International Youth Volunteers, we aim to bridge the digital and urban-rural divides, fulfill the responsibility of global citizenship, and promote a more equitable and inclusive future."
This year, the ASUS Foundation, in partnership with National Tsing Hua University, traveled for the first time to Eswatini. They visited multiple primary and secondary schools, as well as a teacher training college, where they used equipment donated by ASUS to offer ICT courses and train local digital teachers. This initiative further extends the concept of technology diplomacy and global citizenship that is a core part of ASUS.
Yitien Hwang, an ASUS employee, shared her experience of participating in the program: "Whether it was introductory computer basics, word processing, or programming courses, you could see the students' 100% dedication. Their sense of wonder and accomplishment was evident on their faces as they learned something new." Yitien also expressed her gratitude for the opportunity provided by the international ASUS volunteer team and for the enriching experiences throughout the journey.
Additionally, the volunteer service team from Yuan Ze University traveled to northern Thailand, offering introductory game development courses, bubble-tea making workshops, and botanical spray-painting activities. These initiatives not only promoted aesthetics but also broadened the students' horizons. ASUS employee, Shalu Jan, who joined in the teaching activities, shared: "As the leading teacher said, 'Education is the beginning of hope.' While they may not remember us years from now, we believe the seeds of these experiences have already been planted in their hearts."
Other participants in the program included the National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University team, which has been volunteering in India for 14 years. Their team brought 23 refurbished computers to upgrade local facilities. They introduced programming concepts and practical lessons, helping children explore the joys of digital learning. Meanwhile, the Tsing Hua University team in Kenya trained local university students to become seed teachers, continuing the team’s digital education initiative. To date, they have established 39 computer labs, donated and installed over 1,800 refurbished computers, and brought technology to every corner of Kenya.
ASUS remains committed to its vision of "Striving to be among the world-class green high-tech leaders and to provide valuable contributions to humanity." Through long-term investment in digital inclusion programs, ASUS has helped establish digital opportunity centers in 39 countries, benefiting over 650,000 people and building bridges to connect the next generation with the world.