SU soft launches SU-KOICA Digital Transformation Center
Silliman University (SU), through its College of Business Administration (CBA), soft launched on July 29, 2025 the SU – Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Digital Transformation Center, which aims to establish the state-of-the-art training laboratory and deliver structured training programs in AI and big data for a period of two years.
Located on the third floor of the CBA, the Center will provide basic and advanced IT education to local youths, students, and faculty members.
During the launch held at the CBA Conference Room, Asst. Prof. Larry Vincent C. Regencia, SU-CBA faculty member and project technical specialist, outlined a three-phase training program. The first cohort, composed of 20 local youth, will begin intensive core training in August, and the second batch composed of another 20 local youth in February next year. The second phase will focus on faculty training, ensuring the program’s sustainability by preparing local educators to serve as co-trainers alongside Korean experts. The third and last phase is composed of 80 business analytics and IT students from Silliman University and nearby institutions in Dumaguete.
Dr. Wilma T. Libarios, CBA Dean and local project coordinator, opens the ceremony with a message.
CBA Dean and local project coordinator Dr. Wilma Tejero-Libarios shared that the initial group of trainees will include out-of-school youth, persons with disabilities (PWDs), women, and unemployed individuals. The program aims for at least a 50% employment rate in the BPO industry and other sectors that require big data and business analytics skills. KOICA will provide participants with a modest allowance during the 20-day training, which includes morning and afternoon meals.
Tejero-Libarios emphasized that the project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. “This is indeed a beautiful gift and solid proof of international cooperation between the two universities—Silliman University and Hannam University—with the support of the Government of South Korea,” she said.
Dr. Betty Cernol McCann, SU president, thanks everyone for their contribution to the partnership.
On behalf of the SU administration, President Dr. Betty Cernol McCann expressed her gratitude and enthusiasm for the initiative. “This is a welcome opportunity for Silliman to do even more,” she said. “We can no longer close our eyes to the realities of globalization. We must embrace digitalization and integrate technology-based innovations across our academic programs.”
Launching the Project
The project officially began in April 2025 with a site visit by representatives from Hannam University. Following the visit, project planning and program development commenced, with the Korean government and Hannam University providing funding for the creation of the laboratory and acquisition of high-end equipment.
Throughout the various phases of the project, professors from Hannam University will travel to SU to lead the training sessions.
Dr. Younsik Shin, executive director of Hannam University’s Asia-Pacific Cross Border Cooperation Center, responds with a short message.
Dr. Younsik Shin, executive director of Hannam University’s Asia-Pacific Cross Border Cooperation Center, noted that the launch marks just the beginning. He said that successful completion of Phase 1 would pave the way for Phase 2, which will introduce more advanced technologies, upgraded equipment, and a larger budget. “This initiative could become a critical stepping stone for students of Silliman University and for the rise of leading digital education in the Philippines and Asia, especially in the context of a global AI landscape,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dr. Taeyong Yoon, director of Daejeon International Development Cooperation Center, South Korea, expressed his hope that the project would make a lasting difference. “May it become a beacon of hope, a hub of innovation, a place where young people dare to dream—and where those dreams take flight,” he said.
A Collaborative Effort
The training curriculum was jointly developed by Hannam University, SU’s CBA, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the SU’s Technical Educational Vocational and Entrepreneurial Center (TEVEC), and the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Association of Dumaguete and Negros Oriental, represented by its president, Dr. Suzanne Lu Bascara.
While the construction of the KOICA Digital Transformation Center is still ongoing, training sessions this coming August 4 to 29 will be temporarily conducted at the SU’s Dr. Mariano C. Lao Global Studies Center’s (GSC) computer laboratory.
Regencia noted that the project reflects the university’s interdisciplinary thrust. “We are proud to have TEVEC, the Global Studies Center, and several academic colleges on board as institutional partners—reinforcing Silliman’s whole-university approach to digital transformation,” he said.
Extending the Impact
Beyond the formal training programs, the CBA sees the Center as a platform to expand its community outreach. Tejero-Libarios explained that the facility will support free, skills-based training for SU’s adopted communities, including barangays in Dauin and Dumaguete, PWDs, women, solo parents, and farmer-vendor groups. Topics will cover basic computer literacy, digital marketing, financial and economic literacy, and entrepreneurship. The Center will also be available for use by other SU units for community-engaged programs requiring computer laboratory access.
“This initiative represents more than just an investment in infrastructure,” Regencia added. “It is a strategic effort to build local capacity in AI and big data analytics, while contributing to the global goal of developing a competitive and digitally skilled workforce.”
Attendees
Participants during the MOU signing include representatives from Hannam University and Silliman University.
Among those present at the soft launch were members of the SU academic and administrative community, including Dr. Dave E. Marcial, director of the GSC; Asst. Prof. Joy M. Dy, dean of the College of Computer Studies; Glynnis Jean C. Casiño, officer-in-charge of Strategic Partnerships; Dr. Warlito S. Caturay Jr., Media and Public Affairs chief; Blanchie M. Utzurrum, TEVEC head; Moses Joshua D. Atega, adviser to the International Students Office; and faculty members from the CBA.
With Yoon and Shin were other representatives from the Republic of Korea, including Dr. Jongsei Lee, deputy director of HNU’s Asia-Pacific Cross Border Cooperation Center; Ms Yoomi Park, KOICA’s project manager for SU’s project; and two KOICA interns, namely, Suhyoung Seo and Dayeong Lee.
