SPREAD THE TECH - JOIN THE TECH CYCLE MOVEMENT

SOLS Tech and Hong Leong Foundation step up on bridging the digital divide with TECH CYCLE

KUALA LUMPUR, 22 November 2012 - Unneeded digital devices will now find new and meaningful purpose, thanks to the new TECH CYCLE programme launched by SOLS Tech in collaboration with Hong Leong Foundation today. The programme aims to help bridge the digital divide by up-cycling and re-purposing e-wastes such as old computers, mobile phones and cameras as e-learning tools for underprivileged and disadvantaged communities.

"TECH CYCLE is also an effort to reduce the proliferation of e-waste. Every year the world generates 49 million tons of e-waste and only 2% of computers ever find their way to a second user. The situation in Malaysia is much the same. At the speed the tech industry is moving, it is no surprise that year after year, thousands of functioning computers and other digital devices in Malaysia are discarded, often for just being last year's technology. This wastes valuable materials and resources, as th ey sit idle in storage after being replaced by newer models. In addition the devices may harm the environment if not properly disposed of appropriately. We hope Malaysians will help make TECH CYCLE the latest movement to sweep the country and turn it into their very own community channel for driving change ," Mr. Raj Ridvan Singh, CEO of SOLS Tech.

The public can contribute to TECH CYCLE by:

1. Donating any of the following digital devices be it in working OR non-working conditions, but not older than 2004, along with their corresponding peripherals such as batteries, chargers and cables:

   • Desktop or Notebook computers
   • Mobile phones
   • Digital cameras
   • Keyboards or computer mice
   • Printers
   • Scanners
   • Servers
   • Fax Machines
   • Routers
   • Monitors

    

2. Nominating non-profit organisations as recipient(s) for the donated items.

3. Volunteering to support TECH CYCLE activities through teaching the use of computers and other tech-related tools to the recipients, contributing technical assistance for software installation and hardware set-up, or by assisting in related administrative work.

4. Liking the TECH CYCLE Facebook page and following the TECH CYCLE campaign via Twitter to show your support for TECH CYCLE as well as spreading the word to everyone you know to encourage them to support TECH CYCLE.

At the launch and recycling event held at Publika in Solaris Dutamas, Kuala Lumpur, the Beautiful Gate Foundation was the first beneficiary of the TECH CYCLE programme. The organisation, represented by the Centre Superintendent, Kenneth Thien and Administrator, Kelvin Leong Yen received 10 refurbished computers.

The public can donate their old digital devices from today onwards at any of the 40 designated drop-off locations, consist of Hong Leong Bank branches and Hong Leong Group member companies such as Hume Cemboard and Guocera, across all state capitals in Malaysia including Kota Kinabalu and Kuching. Generally, Hong Leong Branches will be able accept drop-offs from the 8 th to the 24th every month between 10:30am and 3pm on Tuesdays to Fridays. One just need to look out for the TECH CYCLE banner or truck, which will be making its way around the country. Visit www.solstech.org/location to find out when TECH CYCLE will be visiting a location close to you.

"The Hong Leong Foundation was created 20 years ago to empower youths as well as disadvantaged Malaysians and help them rise above poverty. Today, the digital divide is one of the challenges holding back disadvantaged segments of society. From better job prospects for underprivileged youths to empowering women via cottage industries on the e-commerce platform, access to digital devices and computer knowledge can make a world of difference," said Ms. Quek Sue Yian, Director of Hong Leong Foundation.

"We are delighted to work with SOLS again for our outreach programmes. SOLS Tech is the tech arm of SOLS 24/7, an innovative and passionate non-profit organisation that Hong Leong Foundation has been partnering with to help underprivileged youths through education, and vocational and life skills training. Both share the Hong Leong Foundation's values in providing a better life for tomorrow's generations through education and community welfare," she added.

"As the Hong Leong Group member with the widest network around Malaysia, Hong Leong Bank is delighted to have the opportunity to participate in TECH CYCLE by offering our branches as collection points. Besides, our staff will also promote the TECH CYCLE message to all our customers," said Datuk Yvonne Chia, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hong Leong Bank.

For full details on the drop-off times and locations, please log on to www.solstech.org or call03-6262 7247. Support the TECH CYCLE movement by liking the TECH CYCLE Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SOLSTech and/or follow TECH CYCLE on Twitter at www.twitter.com/SOLS247.

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Press Release

-END-Press Release - 01/07/2013