IBM launches CSC initiative

The Corporate Services Corps (CSC) initiative by IBM was launched in Sri Lanka with four NGOs and not-for-profit government organizations to work on a number of key socio-economic development projects.

The initiative, the successful progress of the first phase partners nine IBM professionals from nine countries in bringing in their expertise to help partner organizations. Sri Lanka is among 14 countries around the world hosting this global program.

The IBM Corporate Service Corps (CSC) provides international leadership development experiences for IBM employees by exposing them to the 21st century context for business.

"Sri Lanka is an important market for us and we are focusing on strengthening our network and presence here. The CSC initiative is not only redefining IBM's commitment towards Sri Lanka, but also helping our employees stretch the domain of community service by encouraging them to apply their expertise in a different societial levels thus, helping them nurture qualities of a global leader., IBM Sri Lanka Country Manager Chrishan Fernando said.

"The CSC program enables IBM employees to bring different perspectives and expertise to solving problems as well as encourage interaction with people from different backgrounds and traditions exposing our employees to diverse cultures, complex policy environments and changing societal expectations," he said.

The IBM's key focus in Sri Lanka is education. Having smarter education helps the society to progress and achieve sustainable growth. We need to nurture strong quality education.

The key education initiatives include Kidsmart, Exite, Try Science, Reading Companion and Mentor Place.

The CSC program places IBM 's most valuable assets, its employees in emerging and developing countries to address core societal, educational and environmental challenges.

IBM will work closely with organizations such as Respere, the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka, Moratuwa University Computer Science and Engineering Department and the Energy Forum.

The wide range of projects the CSC will work on include assessment of current land registration process in Sri Lanka and develop software requirement specifications to automate the functions of the Land Registries and implement strategies for a modern Government data centre or cloud system for ICTA, analyze Respere's disaster management and humanitarian practice area and develop a complete marketing strategy to include market segmentation, target product offerings, potential opportunities and a market plan, develop a five-year strategic plan to assist the Moratuwa University to achieve its vision for the next 25 years and develop a model and recommended IT solutions to the Energy Forum that will link the 200 Electrical Society rural communities with outside markets and assist in addressing social issues.

SJ