In June 2024, a pivotal event took place that underscored the importance of strategic alliances in the field of education and workforce development. Dr. Terry O’Hanlon-Rose, a key figure at the Asia Pacific Education Group (APEG), met with President Elyxzur C. Ramos and Director Camille Navarro from the University of Makati, along with Owen Strath from Compliance Training & Engineering (CTE), to discuss and explore the potential for collaboration between their organisations. The meeting centered on the idea of creating a strategic alliance that would not only benefit the parties involved but also bring about long-term, positive changes to the educational landscape in the Asia-Pacific region.
This meeting was focused on academic synergy, meaning that the goal was to align the strengths, expertise, and resources of the three organisations to offer programs and services that complement one another. There was a clear intent to explore how the institutions could harmonise their institutional goals with industry compliance standards, resulting in a seamless partnership that would have a tangible and lasting impact. With each participant bringing a different area of expertise to the table, the discussions sought to explore the synergies between education, training, and industry standards to develop a truly innovative model that could deliver greater value to both learners and employers in the region.
Understanding the Key Stakeholders
At the heart of the discussions were Dr. Terry O’Hanlon-Rose, whose expertise in education, business, and training has been pivotal in APEG’s mission to transform global education. A highly regarded figure in the educational and training landscape, Dr. O’Hanlon-Rose’s vision for education extends beyond traditional academic boundaries. His focus on creating academic pathways that are aligned with industry requirements is what made APEG such an important player in the meeting.
From the University of Makati, President Elyxzur C. Ramos and Director Camille Navarro brought valuable insights into how higher education institutions can collaborate with industry to prepare students for the demands of an ever-evolving workforce. The University of Makati, known for its commitment to academic excellence and community development, is strategically positioned to offer programs that can be enhanced through partnerships with industry leaders like APEG and CTE.
On the other side of the table, Owen Strath of Compliance Training & Engineering (CTE) brought over 15 years of global experience in engineering, training, and regulatory compliance. His expertise in developing and implementing technical training programs has been instrumental in shaping industry standards, particularly in sectors like oil and gas, mining, and energy infrastructure. With his understanding of compliance and workforce training, Owen Strath was able to help ensure that any partnership developed would meet not only educational standards but also the specific regulatory requirements that employers demand.
The Strategic Importance of the Meeting
The goal of the meeting was clear: to explore how these organisations could create a strategic alliance that would bridge the gap between academic learning, compliance training, and industry standards. This collaboration would be critical in ensuring that students and professionals alike are equipped with the right skills and qualifications that meet the expectations of employers and the industry at large.
Dr. O’Hanlon-Rose highlighted the importance of this partnership in developing an education model that is not only academically rigorous but also aligned with real-world industry demands. By leveraging APEG’s expertise in education and training, along with the University of Makati’s established reputation as an academic institution, the collaboration could create a comprehensive pathway that would benefit both students and employers. The idea was to create a structured pathway where students could move from educational programs into the workforce seamlessly, fully equipped with the skills and knowledge that meet current industry needs.
Moreover, the partnership sought to ensure that compliance standards were built into the training programs from the outset, ensuring that all certifications, credentials, and qualifications were recognised not only in academic circles but also within industry sectors that require specific compliance regulations. By doing so, the collaboration would enhance the employability of graduates while also meeting the needs of employers looking for skilled workers who are ready to perform at a high level from day one.
Key Discussion Points
During the meeting, several key points were discussed that would form the foundation of a potential partnership:
1. Alignment of Academic and Industry Goals: One of the core discussions revolved around how the academic programs offered by the University of Makati could be aligned with the skills and qualifications demanded by industries in the region. By incorporating industry-led training programs, certifications, and compliance standards into the academic curriculum, students would receive an education that was directly relevant to the job market.
2. Streamlining Certification and Compliance Processes: Another key discussion point was the importance of ensuring that the certifications awarded through this partnership would meet regulatory compliance standards, particularly in industries like engineering, healthcare, and construction. By streamlining the process of certification and ensuring that it met both educational and regulatory standards, the partnership could create a program that was recognised by both academic and industry stakeholders.
3. Global Collaboration and Impact: The meeting also touched upon the potential for expanding this strategic alliance beyond the Philippines to other regions in the Asia-Pacific. With APEG’s global reach and the University of Makati’s local expertise, there was significant potential to bring this partnership to other countries where workforce development and compliance training are in high demand.
4. Leveraging Technology for Seamless Learning: In today’s digital world, the use of technology to enhance learning experiences is paramount. The meeting participants explored how technology could be leveraged to create flexible, accessible learning experiences that could be delivered online, ensuring that students from all corners of the globe could access the training programs offered.
Moving Forward with the Strategic Alliance
As the meeting concluded, it was clear that there was great potential for a transformative partnership that would shape the future of education, training, and compliance in the Asia-Pacific region. The next steps involved further discussions on developing specific academic programs that aligned with the identified industry needs, as well as detailing how compliance standards would be incorporated into the training programs.
This strategic alliance also offered the opportunity to not only improve the quality of education but to ensure that graduates were prepared for the dynamic workforce. By developing a program that bridges the gap between academia and industry, APEG, the University of Makati, and Compliance Training & Engineering are setting the stage for a more robust, efficient, and impactful approach to workforce development in the region.
The discussions in June 2024 marked just the beginning of a promising collaboration, one that holds the potential to reshape the landscape of education and compliance training, not only in the Philippines but across the broader Asia-Pacific region. As this partnership continues to develop, it will undoubtedly have a far-reaching impact on the future of both education and industry workforce standards.