Village Connect
As the world of work transforms faster than ever, the ability to adapt and learn new skills has become the cornerstone of employability. Recognizing this, SM Foundation has taken bold steps to future-proof its scholars through Future-READY, Now! — a comprehensive upskilling initiative that blends education, technology, and industry partnerships to prepare students for a rapidly evolving digital economy.
Recent reports show a widening gap between what employers need and what graduates bring to the table, particularly in fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data analytics. Beyond technical skills, the demand for digital literacy and adaptive learning continues to rise. Addressing this, SM Foundation partnered with IBM, Asia Pacific College (APC), and the SM Group’s business units to roll out a structured learning framework that develops both technical and professional capabilities.
At the heart of Future-READY, Now! is IBM’s global platform, IBM SkillsBuild, which provides more than 1,000 free online courses and certifications. Through it, SM scholars gain access to learning pathways covering AI literacy, digital mindset, and professional competencies relevant to business, engineering, IT, and education. Each course is aligned with international standards, enabling scholars to earn globally recognized credentials that strengthen their employability.
IBM Philippines Country General Manager Aileen Judan-Jiao underscored the importance of such collaboration in closing the digital skills gap. “Through IBM SkillsBuild and our partnership with SM Foundation and APC, we hope to empower Filipino learners with customized, practical learning experiences that help them thrive in the rapidly changing world of work,” she said.
For Dr. Teresita “Tata” Medado, President of Asia Pacific College, the initiative represents more than academic progress—it embodies inclusive education. “It is a strategic opportunity to drive equity, empathy, and empowerment,” she said. “It allows us to reach students who otherwise would not have had the opportunity to study at all.”
SM Foundation Executive Director for Education Programs Carmen Linda Atayde described Future-READY, Now! as an evolution of the Foundation’s long-term commitment to education. “By transforming education into opportunity, and opportunity into impact, we aim to prepare scholars for meaningful employment while enabling them to uplift their families and communities,” she said.
Through initiatives like Future-READY, Now!, SM Foundation continues to mold not just graduates—but agile, purpose-driven professionals ready to shape the nation’s digital future.
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