Aptech to open 150 centers abroad

The Indian computer education company, Aptech Ltd, plans to set up 150 centers abroad at a cost of about Rs 64 crore. Aptech has planned this expansion in Asia and Africa, which will be ready by December 2002.

Aptech's aim is to capture about 20 percent of the global market in computer education, which is currently estimated to cross $1 billion by 2000 (approx. Rs 4,200 crore). Its turnover in 1998 was Rs 278 crore which it plans to increase up to Rs 1,000 crore by 2002. It has about 24 centres in 20 countries. In the US it has three centres which will go up to seven by 2002.

Aptech plans to enter those markets where it does not have a presence. Its focus will be on countries like China, Middle East, Africa, Singapore, Canada and SAARC (south asian) nations.

Aptech's focus overseas is to conduct online courses as well as regular training courses. Aptech has an alliance with Rediff-on-the-Net for computer education and development of global community networks on the Internet, which will take off in July. Its other partners include Regent College of US ( a virtual university), Manipal Academy of Higher Education and Bangalore University.