RECENT global events are reshaping the nature of education in various ways. The pandemic has compelled academic institutions to rethink the role of technology in facilitating human connections that serve as the backbone of teaching and learning, while the extent of globalization and ultraconnectivity urge them to reevaluate their programs to suit the demands of fast-evolving industries and markets.
The Philippines, in particular, is in a very unique global position. Because of its large expatriate population, many Filipinos are exposed to an international worldview and are primed to explore opportunities outside the country. Moreover, the Filipino diaspora has enabled the adoption of digital technologies to stay connected with families around the world.
As a result, there is a pressing need for the local Philippine educational system to adapt to a more global student experience to ensure that Filipinos can succeed in their chosen careers, no matter where in the world they decide to go.
Mapúa’s partnership with Arizona State University (ASU) is the first step in a long-term vision of creating a truly global education culture that incorporates an international digital focus while continuing to stay true to its core Filipino values. Our collaborative programs in business and health sciences reflect the quality of leading educational institutions across the world, centered on the core pillars of international linkages and opportunities, real-world experiential learning, and digital expertise.
However, it is equally important for us to acknowledge the distinct identity and situational experiences of Filipino students, and the need to craft innovative programs that are uniquely Filipino in context. Finally, it is imperative to ensure that these programs are inclusive and accessible to every student nationwide.
Our partnership with ASU in these fields of study underscores this vision. From gaining a unique skill set that is up to par with the demands of an ever-evolving labor market to developing a global sensibility that is Filipino at its core, we aim to produce well-rounded global students ready to lead the future of the Philippines and the world.
Applied learning with int’l opportunities
IT is vital to note that the speed at which technologies are adapted have changed the future of work, as well as of education. For the Filipino student to become a global leader, he must be prepared for a world of work that may not yet exist, and for careers that may no longer survive the next decade. Today’s students need to be adaptable and resilient, and universities must adopt a pragmatic approach to teaching.
Our collaborative programs, which bring together our combined technological expertise, will enable Filipino students to enter the work force with global acumen and a unique skill set that will produce effective leaders not only in the country, but across the world; enable them to pivot when needed and move between industries and jobs in the future with confidence and ease; and prepare them for the fluidity of roles and borders.
We combine innovation, real-world experience, and a focus on sustainability with case studies and situational problem-solving, exposing students to issues that they will face in the real world. We also offer Global Signature Courses that feature collaborations between two to three professors from different universities around the world, and where students from different countries can work on projects and assignments together, exposing them to a global learning experience.
Finally, we provide our students access to internship opportunities abroad, and they can work with international faculties in numerous global signature courses and joint lecturing programs, further cementing their international exposure and experience.
Global Filipino leaders for a better future
IT is my view that future Filipino leaders need to learn within a globalized education ecosystem. Through the Mapúa partnership with ASU, Filipino students become part of a vast international network of universities that will enable them to enter the labor force with global acumen as they learn to communicate, collaborate and integrate with fellow students from all over the world.
As we continue to shape the leaders of our country and the world, we are committed to providing Filipino students with the necessary skills for the future, enabling them to build global networks, make real connections, and personally interact with peers from across the globe while staying true to their Filipino core.
