IN BRIEF (Page 8)

Ericsson-UNDP partnership

Telecommunications giant Ericsson signed a memorandum of understanding with the United Nations Development Program recently to enter into a partnership to raise living standards in China's rural areas by using affordable, innovative mobile solutions for development.

The two sides will explore ways to improve access to health care, administration education and financial services via mobile telephones and networks. The three-year program aims to foster growth and bridge the digital divide, using business-led solutions that accelerate and sustain access to services and livelihood opportunities in underdeveloped areas.

China auto roadshow

To exhibit safe automobile technologies and promote auto safety, a roadshow conducted by China Automotive Technology & Research Center involving 10 automakers began in Beijing last month.

It will pass through Beijing, Wuhan, Chengdu, Guangzhou and Shanghai and finish in Changchun three months later, covering more than 10,000 km.

China leads the world with about 90,000 traffic accident deaths every year.

Bus ambassador program

Sponsored by Beijing City Bus Tour Services and organized by the Beijing Broadcasting Station, the "Olympic Ambassadors - 20 Top Beijing Bus Tour Narrators" was kicked off recently.

The campaign includes 20 high-quality city bus tour narrators with fluent English and adequate knowledge of Beijing to introduce the capital city's scenery, rich culture and long history to overseas visitors during the Olympic Games.

Student awards ceremony

The 2008 BMW Excellent University Student Award Fund Handover Ceremony was held in Shanghai Jiaotong University on March 20. In total, 100 students from China's 10 prestigious technology and engineering universities were awarded 5,000 yuan each for their outstanding academic achievements and exemplary innovation spirit.

The five-year BMW Excellent University Student Award Fund was jointly initiated by the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, BMW China and BMW Brilliance in January 2006. According to the plan, BMW will contribute 2.5 million yuan in five years, and grant awards through China Soong Ching Ling Foundation to 500 outstanding college students from low-income families.

Tents sent to flood regions

The Red Cross Society of China sent 50 cotton tents, valued at 100,000 yuan, to the flood-stricken area of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in mid-March.

The flood has affected 13,000 people. The money came from income generated by a charity lottery issued by the society.

(China Daily 03/31/2008 page8)