COMMUNITY | EdgePoint infrastructure's trailblazing connectivity initiative in Southeast Asia

In a significant stride toward narrowing the digital divide, EdgePoint Infrastructure, a leading ASEAN-based telecommunications infrastructure company, has unveiled its Connectivity for Communities programme. This ambitious initiative, announced on February 12, 2024, in Manila, Philippines, is poised to revolutionize access to digital resources for students in underserved communities across the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

At the heart of this initiative is a commitment to equitable access to connectivity—a critical stepping stone in the digital age. EdgePoint Infrastructure’s programme is a beacon of hope for regions where digital scarcity has long hindered educational progress and economic development. By partnering with local organizations deeply rooted in these communities, EdgePoint is ensuring that its efforts are both meaningful and meticulously tailored to the needs of each locale.

Suresh Sidhu, CEO and Founder of EdgePoint Infrastructure, articulated the programme’s vision with clarity and conviction. “Our goal is to equip the children in these communities with every possible opportunity to unlock their potential,” Sidhu stated. He emphasized that while providing quality, reliable connectivity is the foundational step, fostering digital literacy is equally crucial for the programme’s success. Through strategic partnerships with social organizations, EdgePoint aims to fast-track the development of digital skills among students, preparing them for a future where such competencies are indispensable.

In the Philippines, the collaboration with Habitat for Humanity has led to the establishment of digital education hubs in two schools, Southville 88 National High School and Teresa National High School, both in Rizal. These hubs are not just about internet access; they are comprehensive learning centers equipped with the necessary devices to facilitate an immersive digital learning experience.

The programme’s reach extends to Indonesia, where EdgePoint and Habitat for Humanity Indonesia have set up initiatives in Sentolo, Central Java, and Gresik, East Java. Here, junior high schools have been transformed into digital learning sanctuaries, complete with seamless internet connections and fully furnished digital libraries.

In Malaysia, EdgePoint has aligned with Impact Malaysia to enhance broadband connectivity and digital literacy in rural schools. This partnership has already begun to bear fruit in Pahang and Sarawak, where schools have seen the establishment of resource centers and the refurbishment of common rooms, creating conducive environments for digital learning.

The impact of the Connectivity for Communities programme is already palpable, with six schools benefiting and over 5,000 students gaining access to vital digital resources. With plans to extend the initiative to ten more schools in 2024, EdgePoint Infrastructure is not just laying the groundwork for improved connectivity but is actively shaping the future of education in Southeast Asia.

This initiative underscores the transformative power of collaboration between the private sector and local communities. By leveraging its expertise in connectivity solutions and forging strategic partnerships, EdgePoint Infrastructure is paving the way for a digitally inclusive future, where every student has the tools and opportunities to thrive in the digital era.

For more information about EdgePoint Infrastructure and its efforts to enhance digital literacy and connectivity, visit their website at https://edgepointinfra.com/.

As Southeast Asia moves forward in the digital age, initiatives like Connectivity for Communities are critical milestones in the journey toward a connected and empowered region. Through dedication, collaboration, and innovation, EdgePoint Infrastructure is not just addressing the digital divide but is actively participating in the creation of a brighter, more inclusive future for all.