Mapúa University has entered into a landmark tripartite partnership with global gaming firm Capcom Singapore and industry linkage specialist Prime Manpower, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed on 26 January 2025, at the university’s Intramuros campus. The collaboration marks a significant step in aligning Philippine higher education with global industry standards, particularly in the rapidly expanding fields of gaming, digital content creation, and intellectual property management across the ASEAN region.
The agreement underscores a shared commitment to providing industry-driven, globally competitive education that extends beyond conventional classroom instruction. By linking academic learning with the realities of international game publishing and digital IP development, the partnership aims to equip Filipino students with practical skills, global exposure, and firsthand industry experience. Through this initiative, Filipino creatives are positioned not only as consumers of global digital media but as active contributors and innovators within the international creative economy.
Senior leaders from the partner institutions attended the ceremonial signing, highlighting the strategic importance of the collaboration. Present were Dr. Dodjie S. Maestrecampo, President and CEO of Mapúa University, together with members of the university’s leadership team; Ricky Bian Li, Managing Director of Capcom Singapore; Motoki Okuyama, General Manager of Capcom Japan; and Rommel Roque, President and CEO of Prime Manpower Philippines. Representatives from Prime Manpower Japan’s Sangakuren Organization, including Shinnosuke Miura and Hideaki Suzuki, also took part, while delegates from partner institutions such as the Osaka Institute of Technology joined via online conference, reflecting the partnership’s international reach.
At the core of the collaboration is the planned introduction of an academic program focused on Games, Intellectual Property, and Digital Culture. The program is designed to address the growing demand for professionals who possess both creative and technical expertise, supported by a solid understanding of IP development, protection, and commercialization. By embedding these competencies into its academic offerings, Mapúa aims to prepare students for careers in the global digital economy, where IP-led industries continue to play a central role.
The curriculum, including specialized modules, learning resources, and guest lectures, will be developed in close coordination with Capcom and industry experts to ensure alignment with international benchmarks and emerging industry practices. Implementation will follow a phased approach, beginning with special lectures and industry-led learning sessions, followed by deeper integration into Mapúa’s academic programs. In later stages, the university plans to roll out microcredential courses through MapúaX, allowing professionals and enthusiasts to gain industry-recognized certifications in gaming and digital IP.
Prime Manpower will serve as a key bridge between education and employment by facilitating internship opportunities and career pathways aligned with the needs of the global gaming and digital content industries. Through this component, students are expected to gain meaningful real-world experience and international exposure, while ultimately contributing their skills and knowledge back to local industries and communities.