MANILA, Philippines—Kiel Domingo, a Business Administration major at Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL), eagerly enrolled in ASU’s Sustainability and Innovation Summer Experience at Arizona State University (ASU), known for its innovation. This second annual program in June 2023 convened a diverse group of students from ASU-Cintana Alliance partner institutions worldwide.
Its mission: to empower them as change catalysts in their communities and equip them with skills to address global challenges.
Image Courtesy of Mapúa University.
Over two intense weeks, Domingp and his peers engaged in a wide array of activities. They attended classes, lectures, and workshops led by community entrepreneurs and ASU experts from various colleges and schools, including the School of Sustainability, the School for the Future of Innovation in Society within the ASU College of Global Futures, Makerspace in the Hayden Library, and the Thunderbird School of Global Management.
Embracing American Student Life
Image Courtesy of Mapúa University.
Domingo, residing in Arizona, had the opportunity to immerse himself in an American experience that had previously been limited to television and stories. He observed that America, known for its vastness and car-centric culture, was now his reality
“In America, it’s a sprawling, car-centric land,” Domingo noted, reflecting on his time in Arizona. Despite his accent, he often passed for a local. His mixed-language background, including English, Filipino, and Cebuano, helped him connect with a Mexican classmate, bridging language differences.
Participating in the ASU Sustainability and Innovation Summer Experience, Domingo underwent a transformative two-week journey. He recognized the program’s impact on his studies, emphasizing sustainability’s significance in shaping the future of businesses. According to him, sustainability and innovation go hand in hand, with innovation being essential to address unknown sustainability challenges.
Image Courtesy of Mapúa University.
Beyond academics, Domingo’s experience enhanced his intercultural competence, global awareness, and network among international peers.
Advice for fellow students
“If you have the knack for uniting people for the common good, taking pride in accomplishments, and embracing new learning opportunities, consider becoming part of the ASU experience at Mapúa MCL. Seize every chance to enrich your life experience,” he advised.
Domingo is among the many Mapúa students benefiting from the university’s participation in the ASU-Cintana Alliance, a global network of innovative universities spanning the US, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. This alliance collaboratively develops high-quality academic programs that align with the needs of member countries.
Mapúa MCL’s partnership with ASU focuses on business and health sciences programs, drawing on ASU’s expertise in innovation and global impact. Their collaboration revolves around three core pillars: global immersion, real-world experiential learning, and digital mastery.
For further information, please visit the university’s website at https://mcl.edu.ph/ to explore how a Mapúan education can enhance your learning journey.