Qualcomm, Cherie Blair Foundation for Women and the Foundation for Women's Education and Vocational Training Work Together to Bring the Mentoring Women in Business Program to Malaysia

BARCELONA, Spain and KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, February 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

- Project to Empower Underserved Women Entrepreneurs Using Smartphones -

Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM), through its Wireless Reach™ initiative, the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women and the Foundation for Women's Education and Training today announced a collaborative project to support women entrepreneurs in Malaysia. The project aims to enhance women's skills and knowledge in the areas of business and technology by leveraging the Mentoring Women in Business Program developed by Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, which combines mentoring with technology to offer cross-border support to unlock the potential of women entrepreneurs.

Through this collaboration, women entrepreneurs mainly from Selangor, Kedah and Perlis, Malaysia who previously took part in Information Communication and Technology (ICT) training with the Foundation for Women's Education and Vocational Training, will use 3G-enabled smartphones and laptops to connect and engage with a community of skilled business professionals and entrepreneurs from around the world.

"Many women in developing and emerging economies have the ideas and ambition needed to become successful entrepreneurs, but are held back by barriers such as lack of access to technology and information, market opportunities, business skills and self-confidence," said Cherie Blair, founder of Cherie Blair Foundation for Women. "We are looking forward to expanding this program in Malaysia in order to help women entrepreneurs develop, grow and maintain their own successful businesses."

E-mentoring provides women from underserved areas with access to technology training and a platform to network and share information with other like-minded entrepreneurs, as well as access to information and dedicated mentors who have the business, marketing and technical skills to advise them on their business goals.

"Qualcomm proudly supports the Mentoring Women in Business Program by providing technical and project management, as well as the support of our employees as mentors," said Shawn A. Covell, vice president of Wireless Reach for Qualcomm. "By leveraging the latest wireless technology, women entrepreneurs in Malaysia will have access to information and a global network to help maximize their potential, improve their professional opportunities and succeed in their ventures."

"Mentoring has been proven to provide women entrepreneurs with not only the knowledge, but also the boost of confidence, necessary to improve the performance of their business," said Mariamah Jaffar, president of the Foundation for Women's Education and Vocational Training. "We are thrilled that this project will work to provide underprivileged women in Malaysia with skills and access to a community that can enable them to be self-reliant and improve their socio-economic status through entrepreneurship."

About the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women
The Cherie Blair Foundation for Women provides women with the skills, technology, networks and access to finance that they need to become successful small and growing business owners, so that they can contribute to their economies and have a stronger voice in their societies. http://www.cherieblairfoundation.org

Twitter: @CherieBlairFndn @eMentor4Women
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/cherieblairfoundation

About the Foundation for Women's Education and Vocational Training  
The Foundation for Women's Education and Training, or YPVWM, provides trainings to women on the skills and knowledge needed to set up businesses, income-generating activities, and self employment, thus empowering them to take the lead and make decisions as they endeavor to improve their economic status and social well-being.

http://www.ypvwm.org.my
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ypvwm

About Qualcomm and its Wireless Reach Initiative
Qualcomm believes access to 3G and next-generation mobile technologies can improve people's lives. Qualcomm's Wireless Reach initiative is a strategic program that brings wireless technology to underserved communities globally. By working with partners, Wireless Reach invests in projects that foster entrepreneurship, aid in public safety, enhance the delivery of health care, enrich teaching and learning and improve environmental sustainability. For more information please visit http://www.qualcomm.com/wirelessreach.

Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM) is the world leader in 3G and next-generation mobile technologies. For more than 25 years, Qualcomm ideas and inventions have driven the evolution of digital communications, linking people everywhere more closely to information, entertainment and each other. For more information, visit Qualcomm's website, OnQ blog, Twitter and Facebook pages.

Qualcomm is a registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated.  Wireless Reach is a trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated.  All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Qualcomm Contacts:
Tina Asmar, Corporate Communications
Phone: +1-858-845-5959
Email: corpcomm@qualcomm.com

Warren Kneeshaw, Investor Relations
Phone: +1-858-658-4813
Email: ir@qualcomm.com

Cherie Blair Foundation for Women Contact:
Jillian Convey, Director of Communications
Phone: +44-(0)20-7563-5051
Email:jc@cherieblairfoundation.org

The Foundation for Women's Education and Vocational Training Contact:
Mariamah Jaffar, President of YPVWM
Phone: +60-(17)-8787-167
Email: mariamah@ypvwm.org.my

SOURCE Qualcomm Incorporated ; Cherie Blair Foundation for Women ; Foundation for Women’s Education and Vocational Training