IRENE SINO-CRUZ
Education partnered with technology will help educational institutions prepare their students for future job opportunities.
This was established during the Business, Education, Arts and Technology (B.E.A.T.)
2022 event organized by the Ng Khai Development Corp.
The event attended by those in the business and the education sector aims to introduce technology solutions to businesses and educational institutions as the country transitions to the new normal.
In his keynote speech during the event, Augusto Go, chairman of the board of the University of Cebu and UCMed, cited the experience of UC, then Cebu Central Colleges, and how it evolved into one of the leading universities in Cebu because of adapting technology in their classrooms.
Go cited as example the UC Maritime Education and Training Center, first named Maritime Training Center. Established in 1991, the center offered courses for seafarers, who were then in demand in the international shipping industry.
He noted that because the school’s training involved the use of equipment and technology, the first of which was the sextant (an instrument used in navigation), graduates acquired the needed skills and attracted the interested of international shipping companies.
Atty. Augusto Go, Chairman of University of Cebu and UC-MEd
DICT Region VII Director Frederick Amores
Ms. Elena Palacios, President of Lexmark Philippines
CIB.O President Mr. Aseem Roy
This led to the partnership between UC and the Norwegian Shipowners Association (NSA), who committed to finance the educational costs of the maritime center students, Go said. Starting first with only five scholars, the NSA scholars have reached 300 and is expected to further increase, he added.
Presently, the university’s marine courses uses simulators in the training of students. Go also disclosed that the Philippines is now the top supplier of seafarers in the world.
Aside from the maritime courses, Go said, UC recognizes that the future is now in information technology, artificial intelligence and robotics.
He ended his speech saying, “Education is key to our recovery.”
Earl Ng, vice president for business development of Ng Khai Development Corp., said education and technology are synergistic.
Earl Ng, Vice President for Business Development of Ng Khai Development Corp.
“Technology and education are not mutually exclusive. You can have both so I would say that proper education would equip the workforce and the student population so that when they enter the workforce they can contribute very well. Being able to use the latest and greatest tools and technology at their disposal also contribute to that,” Ng added.
He said that schools, when they redevelop their curriculum, “certainly need to consider what are the tools and skills and mindsets that graduates need to have in order to be constructive contributors to the workforce.
“We’re very proud of the different solutions that our partners have provided. We think they are definitely a step in the right direction providing requirements of schools so they could handle in the new normal and post-pandemic society,” Ng said.
He added that Ng Khai will continue to engage with schools and other customers as well as different partners and vendors so together so they can create a more wholistic solution for whatever present and future requirements of schools and businesses.
Melanie Ng, executive vice president of Ng Khai Development Corp., said that B.E.A.T stands for something that you can do better to be better.
“So, after listening to all the speakers today (who are) sharing of talent and technology, you will bring home these nuggets of wisdom, all of these information help your company become better, build a better community and make Cebu business better,” she told participants of the event.
(L-R) Ng Khai Development Corp. Vice President for Business Development Mr. Earl Ng; SM Prime Holdings Inc. Vice President Ms. Marissa Fernan; DICT Region VII Director Frederick Amores; Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry Region 7 Governor Ms. Melanie Ng and Dr. Wilson Ng, President & CEO of Ng Khai Development Corp.
Meanwhile, Dr. Wilson Ng, president and chief executive officer of Ng Khai Development Corp., identified Japan as another source of investments for the country’s information technology sector.
Ng explained that while the Philippines has a sizeable manpower base with only five percent is above 65, the country lacks the financial resources. In contrast, Japan has the money, but it now has 28.4 percent of the population aged 65 years and above.
Over half of Filipinos is below 24 years old compared to Japan, which only has 21 percent who are below 24. Also, Japan population has been shrinking in the last eight years. Presently, it has 127 million people and studies have projected that the country’s population will be down to 70 or 80 million by 2050.
On the other hand, Philippines, which has 110 million people, is expected to grow to145 million, 35 years from now.
“So, all these mean there’s only one choice. Japan has a lot of money, they would need increasingly to move outside to do the things for them,” Ng stressed.
Dr. Wilson Ng, president and chief executive officer of Ng Khai Development Corp.
During the Philippine Creative Industry Trade Mission to Japan, he said, they learned that Japan’s animation industry is a major contributor to the country’s economy and would need animators since they are running out of animators.
He further explained that the anime becomes a hub of extension for other contents for comics, television and movies.
Ng also noted that the United States, China and Japan are looking for people to do their job and the Philippines can provide the workers these countries need.
He then cited the need for the government, information technology and education sectors work together as a team to work as a team so the country can grow this market together.
