ATLANTA and SHANGHAI, People's Republic of China, Jan. 17, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Asia Broadband, Inc. (Pink Sheets:ASAB) is pleased to announce that its Chinese subsidiary, Shanghai Broadband Network Inc., has secured its second contract with Education Information Center of Pudong New Area of Shanghai. The agreement allows Shanghai Broadband to deliver its leading-edge text-to-speech software to primary and middle schools of Pudong New Area.
Adopted earlier this year through a partnership agreement with Wizzard Software Corp., the AT&T's Natural Voices Program consists of a text-to speech "engine" that converts written words into natural sounding English speech. Following a five-month development and localization effort, Asia Broadband integrated the exclusive software technology into its multimedia educational applications to enable new learning methods and enhance the interactive experience of its end-users.
The innovative TTS language training solution is equipped with a localized interface, keyboard text input, verbalization of web-page contents, volume/speed control, oral test designer and editor and multiple voice functions. All of these features help students to realize, understand and experience high-quality interactive English learning.
Yuguo Zhang, CEO of Asia Broadband, noted that traditional English language training in China rarely meets the student's need for oral and listening skills as local schools face a shortage of quality native speaking teachers. "With the TTS program, ESL learners in China and the rest of the Asian region can now be provided with more opportunities to improve their oral English skills. We are pleased that Education Information Center of Pudong New Area of Shanghai has chosen us again as a key language training provider. This reinforces our commitment to deliver integrated, sensitive, comprehensive and complex solutions in a cost-effective and timely manner." He continued, "The agreement is a major milestone in furthering the integration of this learning program into the local education system."
The program is scheduled to be delivered to over 240 primary and middle schools in Pudong New Area of Shanghai in 2005. An initial group of 20 schools would start using the TTS product in the first quarter of 2005.
On behalf of board of directors:
Yuguo Zhang Graham Brant CEO President
About Asia Broadband Inc.
Asia Broadband Inc. (Pink Sheets:ASAB) is wholly focused on becoming a leading provider of online and blended online/offline educational programs in China and throughout Asia. Asia Broadband operates in China through its 95% owned and controlled Chinese subsidiary Shanghai Broadband Network, Inc.