February 25, 2016, Yangon – Telenor Myanmar Limited’s (“Telenor”) first public auction of special numbers today netted a total of MMK 4,835 lakhs (483.5 million), from 55 special numbers auctioned.
Telenor announced earlier that all profits above the reserve price of MMK 3 million per number – in this case a total of MMK 3,183 lakhs (318.3 million) – will be channelled to fund digital education efforts organised by its partner Myanmar Mobile Education’s (myME) programmes in 2016.
The highest single bid of the day was received for 0977 7777777, sold for MMK 1,120 lakhs (112 million). The auction process was assured by law firm MN Associates, and observed by audit firm Deloitte Touche Myanmar Vigour Advisory Ltd. Telenor also announced that it will hold future auctions in other states and divisions, for which dates and times will be announced in the future.
“We are thrilled at the support received for this initiative, and deeply thank all who came to bid and raise funds for a very worthy cause. While we recognise the appeal of owning special numbers, it is clear that many were inspired by the opportunity to support our education program for underprivileged and poor children. All the money collected will be given to myME and support our plans to provide education to more than 5,000 to 10,000 children in 2016” said Petter Furberg, Chief Executive Officer of Telenor.
Promoting Digital Education
“MyME is proactively addressing issues of child labour and out-of-school children by providing free, quality non-formal and vocational education opportunities. Telenor has been partnering with MyME since 2014 and provided financial support enabling myME to provide vocational training for tea-shop children. By end of 2015 more than 900 children were enrolled in the program. Our joint upcoming and newly developed programmes comprise of technology-assisted non-formal and vocational education to out-of-school children in nationwide. We aim to reach 5,000 to 10,000 students by the end of 2016, and over 20,000 students by the end of 2017,” said Min Thu, Head of Corporate Responsibility at Telenor Myanmar.
While there is no age limitation, this programme is primarily aimed at out-of-school or underprivileged young people. The project will kick off in March this year. The subjects are English, Mathematics, Life Skills and Basic Computer Skills with four levels of qualification. Various initiatives under this project will be implemented through Telenor Light House, myME Chapter and myME Box App. The programme will be delivered only Burmese language initially, will be available in other ethnic languages in 2017 and beyond.
Source: Telenor Press Release
