Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna E.T. Yuchengco College of Business (Mapúa MCL ETYCB) is raising the bar for education in CALABARZON (Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Rizal and Quezon).
In collaboration with Arizona State University (ASU), a top-ranked university for graduate employability across the world, the Mapúa MCL ETYCB provides its faculty with innovative international teaching methods, enhancing its curriculum to prepare students to thrive in a tech-driven, competitive future.
At the heart of the collaboration is the commitment to provide global education that is also locally relevant and accessible, equipping students with the skills and expertise employers seek. According to Dr. Ellenita Red, Mapua MCL ETYCB Associate Professor, the collaboration with ASU enhances the confidence of faculty members as they can now tap into ASU’s world-class and wide-ranging content repository and technology that they can apply on different courses across ETYCB. Through this, faculty members are able to upskill their academic practices towards promoting critical thinking, creativity, and innovation in the classroom.
Empowered faculty for empowered graduates
The collaboration also provides ETYCB students access to ASU’s classes through the Global Signature Courses, which allows them to learn and engage with professors and peers from different nationalities.
“This experience allows us to understand how academic and professional practices differ between our country and theirs. Through discussions and collaborative activities, we gain valuable insights into how culture influences not only communication styles and decision-making but also educational and workplace norms,” said Chelsea Andrea P. Pacifico, President, Junior Marketing Association, Mapúa MCL.
ETYCB students can also take Masterclasses, online lectures held by expert ASU professors, and ASU-powered microcredential courses that help enhance their soft and technical skills.
One notable improvement the collaboration introduced has been the upgrade to its outcome-based education (OBE) learning model, which has now become more globally oriented. This approach encourages student participation through practical applications of theory, challenging students to problem-solve, collaborate, and acquire practical skills demanded in the corporate world.
“We have learned about the practices and trends of other countries, not only when it comes to running and managing a business, but also their overall politics and macroeconomics. Business practices that came from the US and various countries in South America, Europe and Asia and such were also included in our lessons, allowing us to see different approaches in management, innovation, and leadership,” said Pacifico.
“As a faculty member, when I handle courses, I make sure that my teaching goes beyond local. As much as possible, professors must look for materials that could help students realize that being globally competitive at this point is essential for them. Why? Because of the internet, the world is smaller now. Even if they’re here in the Philippines, they can get hired from anywhere. It’s important to give them a perspective that they need to think globally,” explained Dr. Red, highlighting the career opportunities for Mapúa MCL graduates.
From CALABARZON to the global workplace
CALABARZON is among the major economic regions in the country. It is home to numerous techno and industrial parks, factories, and headquarters of multinational companies. Given its enhanced curriculum, Mapúa MCL ETYCB aims is to contribute to bolstering its local economy by producing capable and job-ready graduates that meet the demands of the region and the world.
Dr. Red pointed out that these techno parks in the region are home to large companies that are based in different parts of the world.
“They need globally competitive graduates, and that’s what we’re trying to achieve.” She emphasized the global training students receive via the collaboration between Mapúa MCL ETYCB and ASU. “With ASU’s help, the exposure is global, but our application is local.”
The institution’s drive is also consistent with the larger aim of nation-building. The collaboration with ASU further solidifies its reputation, positioning Mapúa MCL as the top choice of CALABARZON students who seek quality education aligned with global standards without needing to leave their hometown or their country. Graduates employ key competencies that amplify their employability in whichever professional path they may choose.
“In my experience as a student, innovation is emphasized in everything. Not only do we need excellence, but we also need to be innovative and forward-thinking. We are constantly challenged to think creatively and develop ideas that are unique and impactful,” explained Pacifico. “Through the collaboration, we were not just trained to meet local industry standards—we were prepared to thrive in a global workplace.”
Leveraging AI and other technologies for improved learning
Emerging technologies are part of Mapúa MCL’s broader initiative toward tech-driven and personalized education. For Dr. Red, the integration of technology must not only enhance the learning process but also prepare students to adopt emerging tech even when they leave the classroom and into the workplace. In today’s global economy, technical competence and digital literacy are key necessities, especially in major industries.
She added that Mapúa MCL ETYCB students are highly motivated and this is amplified by the technology they use in class. For instance, when classes are suspended because of the heat index, classes will be shifted online. The college uses video conferencing platforms and a learning management system to ensure that learning remains uninterrupted.
While the institution uses AI for learning, faculty members underscore the critical need of teaching students its ethical use and risks. More importantly, students need also to validate all the information the tool provides.
“Otherwise, we’re teaching students to be dependent on AI,” said Dr. Red. “We instill in them that they need to be a lifelong learner. Once they graduate, they can expect that new technologies will emerge, and they need to be able to adapt. They need to always update and upgrade their skills.”
With its offerings of global immersion, real-world experiential learning and digital mastery, the collaboration of Mapúa MCL ETYCB and ASU is not just preparing students for today’s landscape but also for the opportunities of tomorrow.
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