INNOTECH Shines as Regional Trailblazer at PACU-IAL Education Summit
Dr. Robbie Macalde Joins Global Visionaries to Propel Education-Industry Synergy
INNOTECH reaffirmed its position as a regional leader in educational innovation at the inaugural “IAL Summit” held from June 30 to July 2, 2025, at the Cebu Institute of Technology—University. Representing the Center was Dr. Juan Robertino “Robbie” Macalde, Manager of the Learning Development and Management Office (LDMO), who played a key role in the summit’s opening sessions.
Jointly organized by the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities (PACU) and Singapore’s Institute for Adult Learning (IAL), the summit carried the theme “Transforming Education and Learning: Fostering Entrepreneurship and Industry Collaboration.” It brought together over 100 educational leaders and experts, featuring 21 distinguished speakers and facilitators from both the Philippines and Singapore.
INNOTECH’s invitation to the summit underscored its growing reputation as a hub of cutting-edge learning solutions across Southeast Asia. The Center is widely recognized for its expertise in integrating technology, advancing education policy research, and implementing transformative capacity-building programs. These efforts are all aligned with INNOTECH’s vision of shaping learners into changemakers—individuals capable of leading and transforming their communities in a rapidly evolving world.
Dr. Macalde exemplified this commitment during two high-level panel discussions, where he shared INNOTECH’s insights on reshaping education through innovation, strategic partnerships, and AI-enabled learning. In the morning session, “Expanding Horizons: Rethinking Education-Industry Partnerships for Future Skills, Facilitation, and AI-Enabled Learning,” he joined a panel featuring Dr. Sergio S. Cao, President of Manila Tytana Colleges; Sr. Merceditas O. Ang, SPC, President of St. Paul University Philippines (via Zoom); Dr. Yeo Li Pheow, Executive Director of IAL; and moderator Dr. Tommie Chen, Head of Partnerships at IAL. The session tackled institutional structures, accreditation challenges, and promising models for education-industry collaboration in both the Philippines and Singapore.
In the afternoon session, “Shaping the Future of Work: Innovation, Integration, and Intersections,” Dr. Macalde shared the stage with Fr. Onofre G. Inocencio, Jr., SBD, Ed.D, President of Unified TVET Inc.; Executive Director El Cid H. Castillo of TESDA’s Qualifications and Standards Office (QSO); and Dr. Samson Tan, Director of IAL’s Learning and Professional Development Division, who served as moderator. The panel explored how higher education institutions are responding to workforce demands through collaborative, future-oriented approaches.
The summit exemplified the spirit of regional cooperation and reinforced INNOTECH’s influential role as a catalyst for educational transformation. Its participation highlighted the Center’s unique ability to bridge academic innovation with workforce realities, empowering educators and learners across the region to thrive and lead as changemakers in the future of education.
