A new building at the De La Salle University Laguna Campus, which is part of a partnership thrust in further developing science and technology education in the Philippines, was formally launched recently.
According to a recent report, the new four-storey building is part of the University’s push to make the campus a hub for research, multimedia game development revolution and interactive entertainment in the ASEAN region.
Moreover, the new building will also serve as a training ground for local talents.
Putting up the building in Laguna, which is around 50kms from Manila, is ideal as this is the perfect location for the development of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) courses.
Presently, the building is home to a videogame company that partnered with the University in 2016.
Since then, the company has offered degree programs in game development exclusive to the campus. This arrangement between the University and Ubisoft complements the goal of the centre.
As shared, students can choose from two courses: Bachelor of Science in Interactive Entertainment major in Game Development, and Bachelor of Science in Interactive Entertainment major in Game Art and Design.
The building is poised to become the home of leaders in the growing game development industry in Asia.
The education that the students will receive from the innovation centre would equip them with the needed skills to become leaders of future industries.
The company is really integrated into the curriculum development, the internships and training, as well as even up to the employment stage.
Aside from the launch of the John Gokongwei, Jr. Innovation Centre, the event also highlighted the strong alliance between the University and the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation (GBF), which supported the establishment of the building.
The parties first entered into partnership in 2011, officially renaming the then College of Engineering after the reputable business tycoon.
A donation of US$ 4.8 million (PHP 250 million) was given to the University and was used to fund a grant that provided educational opportunities to numerous Filipino recipients since 2012.
A great importance is placed in providing access to education, which is what they believe to be the key to attaining success.
No matter the stature, the playing field is being levelled by providing education opportunities to fellow Filipinos who may not have access otherwise.
Advancing education is a commitment made by the partnership since this is the driving force to attaining sustainable national development.
With research being a fundamental component of growing the science and technology education in the country, sights are being set on supporting research and development for the faculty, citing the Teachers’ Research Month as one of the activities that will be supported.
