On October 24, 2025, participants explored the evolving relationship between academia and industry, focusing on how collaboration drives innovation, workforce readiness, and competitive advantage. Speaker Benson Yuson discussed the importance of aligning educational programs with industry demands to bridge skill gaps and prepare graduates for real-world challenges.
Benson shared insights from his decades of global experience in hospitality and tourism, showing how partnerships, internship programs, and competency-based curricula contribute to more effective talent development. He highlighted successful models of collaboration and emphasized the role of leadership in creating sustainable partnerships that benefit both institutions and industries.
By the end of the session, attendees gained a deeper appreciation for how combined efforts between the academe and industry can accelerate growth, enhance learning outcomes, and support continuous improvement across sectors.