THE world of business is currently undergoing a digital transformation. New advancements and technologies emerge every day — changing the face of the industry.Digital platforms and ecosystems have allowed businesses to engage with customers in more personalized and meaningful ways. At the same time, customer expectations are evolving as well.In a time where connected, seamless experiences have become the norm, business professionals must have the knowledge and skills needed to build thriving careers in such a rapidly changing playing field.

Digital technology, human heart

As the importance of technology in business continues to increase, business students of today need to understand and leverage digital tools. Learners must be well-versed in emerging technologies and their potential impact on business operations and strategies.Solutions such as artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics and automation must be embraced by future leaders and not seen as replacements. That's because as much as digital tools drive productivity, there will always be a place for human reason, no matter how far digitization transforms how we do business.Creating the future of business education

At Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL), our mission is to provide a learning environment that transforms students into globally competitive professionals. We aim to enrich societies through the generation of new knowledge and to solve problems faced by industries and societies through the expert application of skills.As education has the power to transform lives, we endeavor to make learning as accessible as possible. To help mold world-class business leaders of the future, our collaboration with Arizona State University (ASU), the No. 1 most innovative university in the United States, helps propel Mapúa MCL to the forefront of education.The collaboration enables access to ASU-Enhanced Curricula, Global Signature Courses held in the state-of-the-art Mapúa MCL-ASU Global Classroom, and international immersion opportunities in ASU and other institutions from the ASU-Cintana Alliance network.By leveraging real-world experiential learning, world-class facilities, digitally enhanced learning methods and global exposure, aligning local education to meet global industry developments paves the way for careers both in the Philippines and across the world.Inspired by the degree program offered by ASU's Thunderbird School of Global Management, new programs such as the bachelor's degree in Global Management prepare students with the knowledge and skills needed to take on leadership roles — driving change across multinational corporations in today's interconnected economies.Positioned firmly at the intersection of technology and business, our new Bachelor of Science in Business Intelligence and Analytics program leverages modern science, mathematics and technology to develop students into critical analysts and data experts across a variety of areas.Lastly, our Bachelor of Science in Marketing degree program fosters strategic thinking skills that enable students to effectively apply marketing concepts to address business development challenges.Whatever program business learners choose upon admission, Mapúa MCL is committed to providing new methods of learning rooted in real-life industry situations and experiences. With 60 major courses enhanced by Arizona State University, continuous faculty training, global research collaborations, Global Signature Courses, and micro-credentials, Mapúa MCL continues to set the standard for excellence in business education.In accordance with our mission, Mapúa MCL strives to provide a learning environment that transforms students into globally competitive professionals. Beyond our new business program offerings, Mapua MCL also offers programs in Accountancy, Accounting Information System, Business Administration major in Operations Management and Financial Management, Hospitality Management, and Tourism Management.Each program of study is designed to transform learners into industry experts ready to solve challenges to society through the application of knowledge.

Present innovations for future-readiness

With how fast emerging technologies are shaping the job landscape, the time is now for educational institutions to upgrade how we prepare students for a future of digital transformation and globalization.As opportunities abound for future Filipino business professionals, educators must place learning within reach for anyone with a dream to study and the drive to make their mark in such a dynamic industry.By collaborating with ASU, Mapúa MCL helps provide world-class business education in the present to shape the future of today's learners. Learn more at mcl.edu.ph

Maria Rhodora Austria is the dean, E.T. Yuchengco College of Business in collaboration with Arizona State University, Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna.