Yayasan Generasi Gemilang gets US$65K Microsoft grant

• Amongst 100 non-profits globally to receive Microsoft’s YouthSpark grant
• Foundation equips youth from underserved communities and schools with tech skills

 
MICROSOFT Corp has awarded a US$65,000 grant to Malaysia’s Yayasan Generasi Gemilang (GG), one of over 100 nonprofit organisations in 55 countries that were awarded such grants by Microsoft Philanthropies.
 
The grants are a component of the US$75-million commitment the US tech giant Microsoft made to increase access to computer science education around the world through Microsoft YouthSpark, as announced by chief executive officer Satya Nadella last year.
 
The company will provide cash grants, content and other resources the non-profits need to bring computational thinking and problem-solving skills to young people in local communities, to help them succeed in today’s tech-fueled economy, it said in a statement.
 
GG is a foundation that invests in the lives of children, youth and families. The US$65,000 grant that Microsoft Philanthropies made to GG will equip youth from underserved communities and schools with essential technological skills to improve employability, it added.
 
The programme under the Microsoft YouthSpark grant, titled NextGen XLR8, also aims to groom youths to be responsible netizens. This mentoring programme allows these individuals to gain a competitive edge in today’s workforce, Microsoft said.
 
Teri Choong (pic), GG head of strategic alliances, said that the Microsoft YouthSpark partnership and grants will help the foundation reach over 1,200 youth across urban Malaysia and into the far interiors of East Malaysia.
 
“With this, we are able to cultivate positive values in these individuals – infusing teachings of responsibility and accountability – while they learn other skills, which will help them improve employability,” she said.
 
Data available in Malaysia underscores the need for greater access to computer science education, Microsoft said.
 
According to the Academy of Sciences Malaysia, an agency under the Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovation, Malaysia had about 85,000 science and technology graduates in 2015 – but at least 500,000 are needed by 2020 for the country to achieve developed nation status.
 
“Empowerment begins with inclusion, and Microsoft believes that no one should be left behind in their quest to reach their fullest potential,” said Jasmine Begum, director of Corporate External & Legal Affairs, Microsoft Malaysia and Emerging Markets.
 
“Through grants such as YouthSpark, we aim to provide non-profit partners such as Generasi Gemilang with the tools and resources they need to empower youth, and especially girls and women, in our local communities.
 
“Ultimately, we hope that this grant will benefit particularly those who have no access to basic computer science education,” she added.
 
More information about YouthSpark and access to tools and resources, including free online tutorials and training, can be found here and here.
 
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