Dr. Dodjie S. Maestrecampo, President and CEO of Mapúa University, emphasized the University’s commitment to educating graduates who are not just experts in their chosen fields but also possess various interdisciplinary skills. Dr. Maestrecampo highlighted that “one of the key missions of Mapúa is to equip our graduates with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.”
In his speech, Dr. Maestrecampo discussed two key strategies that Mapúa is implementing to develop T-shaped graduates: Interdisciplinary Learning and Collaboration, and Industry Microcredentialing. The former’s primary objective is project-based learning and interdepartmental courses, bringing together students from different schools/departments. The latter focuses on integrating industry microcredentials into the curriculum to align it with industry trends.
To support the University’s efforts to contextualize its curriculum and develop T-shaped graduates, Engr. Richard I. Osmond, the President and CEO of Science Part of the Philippines, Inc. (SPPI) provided valuable insights on the need to ensure that graduates can compete on a global scale.
“In the real world, it’s not just the skill that counts, but it’s how the person works with various skills and people of different ages and gender,” said Engr. Osmond, emphasizing that off-campus study and industry immersion are essential for preparing students for the global market, advocating for curriculum reviews and alignment with industry needs.
The summit also featured panel discussions and presentations which addressed the enhancement of students’ soft skills, technical expertise, and their entrepreneurial mindset. Dr. Danilo Lachica, President of Semiconductor and Electronics Industries (SEIPI) began the discussions with his presentation on “Broadening Horizons: Enhancing Soft Skills and Social Capabilities.” This was followed by panel discussions involving alumni, industry leaders, and academic professionals, who shared their perspectives on integrating these skills into the curriculum. The discussions provided valuable insights that the University can use to enhance its programs to prepare students for the challenges of the modern workforce.
“Today’s event is an important first step, but the true measure of this impact will be seen in the way you (we) are able to alter, align, and enrich your (our) curricula and syllabi to suit to the needs of the industry.” said Dr. Lilibeth Sabino, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, in her closing speech. Thanking Mapúa’s faculty, alumni, and industry leaders, she also called for increased collaboration in developing more plans and processes for T-shaped graduates.
As Mapúa reaches its 100th year, this summit opens another path for the vision of a future where Mapúan graduates are actively contributing to the development of society and nation than ever before through their adaptable, innovative, interdisciplinary thinking and skills.