Embrace a worldwide outlook, foster local development
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In a roundtable discussion held on July 30, 2025, at Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao (MMCM), key stakeholders gathered to discuss the development of globally competitive business leaders in Mindanao. The event, titled "Think Global, Grow Local: Empowering Tomorrow's Mindanaoan Business Leaders," was a partnership between MMCM, Arizona State University (ASU), and the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).
Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro of MinDA discussed the improvement in Mindanao's economic competitiveness due to recent infrastructure projects, such as the launch of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) in Mindanao and the Mindanao-Visayas power interconnection. These initiatives have enhanced energy reliability and expanded the region's export capacity.
The main focus of the roundtable was to boost local innovation and support small businesses in Mindanao. MMCM showcased its entrepreneurship curriculum, which focuses on equipping students with skills tailored to the local market. By focusing on entrepreneurship and business innovation, the partnership aligns with MinDA’s mission to foster Mindanao’s economic development, providing education that supports small business growth and community upliftment in the region.
Key elements of this partnership include global-standard education with local relevance, real-world experiential learning and digital mastery, support for local innovation and small business, global exposure and cultural exchange, and practical training to bridge gaps and adopt new technologies.
Students gain a global perspective through the ASU partnership, including exposure to global business practices and challenges. MMCM faculty member Andrea Bianca C. Gonzales shared how their service-learning initiatives connect students with rural MSMEs, providing them with a practical understanding of the challenges facing local businesses, especially in rural areas. The ASU partnership motivates MMCM to guide students in developing and implementing their business plans before graduation.
The discussion underscored the crucial role of education in preparing future entrepreneurs for industries like agribusiness, digital services, and renewable energy, which are considered vital to Mindanao's long-term growth. He emphasized the importance of stronger collaboration among government, academia, industry, and media to sustain long-term regional growth.
The event concluded with a shared vision of empowering Mindanao’s youth to become skilled, innovative business leaders who can contribute to sustainable growth and global competitiveness, addressing both local challenges and opportunities through education and entrepreneurial support.
[1] Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao (MMCM) press release, July 2025. [2] Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) press release, July 2025. [3] Arizona State University (ASU) press release, July 2025.
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