ASBIS, a leading Value Add Distributor, developer, and provider of ICT, IoT, and Robotic products, stands at the forefront of innovation in the EMEA region. Headquartered in Cyprus and founded in 1990 by Siarhei Kostevitch, a visionary with a deep passion for technology, ASBIS has evolved into a significant player in the technology sector. With subsidiaries in over 30 countries and a diverse team of more than 2,500 professionals, ASBIS has achieved remarkable milestones. This year, the company is powering the Youth Tech Festival, a landmark event scheduled for November 18, 2023, in Nicosia. Hosted at the University of Nicosia, the festival is a celebration of technology, art, science, and entrepreneurship, aimed at inspiring the younger generation and acknowledging educators' efforts in a tech-driven society.

We had the chance to sit down with Mr. Kostevitch and delve into the heart of ASBIS's values and its pioneering initiatives. The discussion encompasses ASBIS's role in the Youth Tech Festival and its alignment with the company's vision for nurturing the tech community, particularly among young people. Mr. Kostevitch shares insights into ASBIS's DNA – a mix of technology, innovation, and a forward-thinking approach. A significant highlight of our talk is the "Apple iPads for Ukrainian Schoolchildren" initiative, a testament to ASBIS's commitment to making technology accessible and aiding educational processes in challenging environments. As Siarhei says, this initiative resonates deeply with ASBIS's core values of transparency, respect, partnership, and leadership, and reflects the company's dedication to shaping a better future through technology and education. 

ASBIS recognizes the importance of investing in the future of our global community through supporting social programs focused on providing assistance to youth and children. We believe that these programs are essential to help build a brighter tomorrow by investing in the development and wellbeing of our young generation. Our commitment to supporting these initiatives is an expression of our belief that children and young people are the cornerstone of a better future for all.

I can safely boast that it is easy to maintain a dialogue with the younger generation because we are on the same page and share common values. Young people value friendship, respect, tolerance and solidarity and this generation is perhaps the highest-educated, technically-advanced, and most mobile ever. Technology, innovation, progress are in ASBIS’s DNA. The curiosity and love for progress motivate us to new technological solutions and entry into new markets.

Maintaining a dialogue with the younger generation is something that we take great pride in. We find it easy to do so because we are on the same page and both aligned the same values and ideas. The younger generation places a high value on friendship, respect, tolerance, and solidarity. They are also the most highly-educated, technically-advanced, and mobile generation that we have ever seen.

In ASBIS, we feel the same. We are a multinational family of diverse people who care the same: technology, progress and out of the box thinking.

It's crucial to hold onto the childlike qualities that we all possess throughout our lives. These traits include a boundless curiosity about the world around us, an unwavering imagination that allows us to envision the impossible, and a steadfast belief in ourselves and our abilities, even in the face of doubt. These qualities are what enabled us to create and build ASBIS that stands the test of time.

In today's world, it can be easy to lose sight of the importance of these childlike qualities as we are constantly bombarded with messages that tell us to conform, to follow the rules, and to accept the limitations that society places upon us. However, it's important to remember that these limitations are often self-imposed and that our imaginations are truly limitless. By embracing our inner child and cultivating qualities such as curiosity, imagination, and confidence, we open ourselves up to a world of endless possibilities. We begin to think outside the box and to see the world through fresh and innovative eyes, which can lead us to new and exciting ventures.

The Youth Tech Fest 2023 aims to celebrate children's passion for technology, art, science, and engineering. Our goal is to expand their perceptions of the tech world and encourage them to never stop dreaming and imagining what's possible! We apply the same philosophy in our company, even as adults.

We truly put our hearts into this project and were unable to pass it due to a convergence of compelling reasons. Our representatives in Ukraine include ASBIS-Ukraine, Breezy Ukraine, iOn, and iSupport. That’s why we closely monitor the situation and aid where it is most in demand and needed.

Secondly, we wanted to help rebuild the educational infrastructure in schools destroyed by hostilities. The initiative aimed to donate 5,000 Apple iPads to 20 Ukrainian schools. In practice, 5,000 children received the unique opportunity to continue their education despite the obstacles, using the latest technology gadgets regardless of their location in Ukraine. By fulfilling this initiative, we also provided special training from certified Apple trainers for the teachers from the 12 schools to ensure that integrating the new equipment into the educational process was seamless and practical.

We believe that access to technology is crucial in unleashing students' full potential. The donation of these iPads helped bridge the gap and provide every student with equal access to cutting-edge technology and educational resources. But the most important thing is that with this project, we proved to children that everything is possible in life and that all it takes is a dream and the willingness to take steps towards it.

Nevertheless, this project was only the first step in the path of establishing and restoring the educational process in Ukrainian schools affected by the war. We are expecting the expansion of the project and encouraging other companies to join the initiative. Only by joining forces, can we create a level playing field for all students, regardless of their background or location, so that they can develop their talents and skills to their fullest potential. The hopes of Ukrainian schoolchildren are now on us, large companies, market leaders, and those who create the tech future.

The primary objective of this initiative is to create an environment that fosters happiness among children. By doing so, we aim to instill in them a sense of confidence in their abilities and unlimited potential. Our focus is on providing them with the necessary tools and resources that can help them tap into their creativity and imagination, and encourage them to explore and learn new things. Through this initiative, we hope to inspire young minds to dream big and achieve their goals while promoting a positive outlook towards life. Ultimately, we believe this will help build a brighter future for Ukrainian children and society.

From my perspective, I hold a strong belief that the foundation of an individual's character is laid down during childhood. It is during this phase that one should learn two crucial truths that will serve them well throughout their entire life. These truths are to never give up, and to cultivate a love for learning. These two values are deeply ingrained in the DNA of this initiative. By supporting this project, we empower individuals to reach their full potential and make a positive impact on the world.

The project we embarked on was not without its fair share of challenges. The most pressing of which was the fact that over 200,000 children were unable to access education due to destroyed schools and infrastructure. It was crucial to select the schools that were most in need of tablets, as this would be the most effective way to provide an education to those who were cut off from it. To tackle this issue, we formed a group that included representatives from parliament and ministries, business leaders, and a public organization. Working together, we were able to identify the schools that were most in need of assistance and develop a plan to provide them with the necessary resources.

The second challenge we faced was the lack of internet access in some areas. This was a significant obstacle, as tablets require internet connectivity to function. To solve this problem, we partnered with a mobile operator who provided free internet access to all project participants. This allowed us to extend the reach of the project and ensure that all students had access to the internet.

The third challenge we faced was the inability of teachers and students to use tablets as a teaching tool. This was an obstacle we had to overcome, as the success of the project depended on the effective use of tablets as an educational tool. To address this issue, we created educational materials and provided training to all project participants. By doing this, we were able to ensure that everyone involved in the project had the necessary skills to make the most of the tablets.

Finally, we had to overcome the fear of using an expensive device. Many of the students and teachers were not familiar with tablets and were nervous about using them. To ensure the safety of the tablets, they were equipped with protective glass and a case. Additionally, we provided ongoing technical support to help users overcome any issues they encountered. This helped to build confidence and ensure that everyone involved in the project was comfortable using the tablets.

As adults, we have a crucial role to play in ensuring children's happiness. This responsibility is not limited to policymakers and educators but extends to everyone. We must understand that children's well-being is not solely the responsibility of their parents, but it is a collective responsibility of the entire community. Even when faced with a crisis, we must remember that we can be a beacon of hope for our children. We must provide them with a nurturing environment that fosters their growth and development. As adults, we must ensure children have access to quality education, healthcare, and a safe and secure environment. Furthermore, we must instil in them the values of kindness, empathy, and compassion. These values will help them develop into responsible and caring adults. We must also teach them life skills that will enable them to navigate through the challenges of life with confidence and resilience. In conclusion, as adults, it is our duty to ensure the happiness and well-being of children. By doing so, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come.

As a proponent of technological advancements, I believe that technology enables children to easily access information and enhances their creativity. With the help of tech hardware and software, children can explore various fields of study and gain exposure to diverse art forms and sciences. Furthermore, it has helped children develop social skills, as they interact with their peers and engage in collaborative projects. Overall, technology has opened up new avenues of learning and growth for children, paving the way for a more informed and creative generation.

What: ASBIS

Where: Agios Athanasios, Limassol

More Info: asbis.com

Who: Siarhei is an experienced founder with a demonstrated history of working in the information technology and services industry. He is skilled in Business Planning, Operations Management, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Management, and Project Portfolio Management. Strong business development professional with a AMP focused in management from INSEAD.