The Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), in partnership with The Little Entrepreneur Pte Ltd (TLE) and Inspire Leadership Consultancy, Inc. (INSPIRE), has launched the SUSS Success Academy in Manila. This initiative aims to provide innovative learning experiences and practical training for students, professionals, and executives in Singapore and the Philippines. The opening ceremony at the SMX Convention Center Aura in Manila was attended by over 100 guests, including representatives from educational institutions, industry leaders, and community partners, and was presided over by Ms. Constance See, Ambassador of the Singapore Embassy in Manila, and Ms. Lisset Laus-Velasco, Chairman and CEO of LausGroup of Companies.
The Academy offers two distinct tracks—Personal Success and Professional Success—allowing students from SUSS and other pre-tertiary and tertiary institutions in Singapore to collaborate and innovate with students from the Philippines. Participants will engage in various programs, including interdisciplinary global learning courses, student exchanges, work attachments, and internships.
In partnership with TLE and INSPIRE, SUSS Academy will introduce a new joint professional certificate program called "Level Up: The Executive Leadership Programme – Shaping the Future of Work." This 12-week program includes modules delivered in both regions and will feature industry experts discussing key topics such as Leading the Company of the Future, Generative AI, Megatrends and Foresight, Marketing 5.0, and Market Dynamics in ASEAN, China, and India.
Professor Robbie Goh, Provost of SUSS, said, "Our collaboration with TLE and INSPIRE strengthens the ties between Singapore and the Philippines while reflecting SUSS' commitment to lifelong learning and creating real social impact. The Success Academy will provide valuable opportunities for future leaders, equipping them to drive meaningful change in their communities and industries. Together, we are building a future that offers growth and connection for students, professionals, and organizations".
Ms Kathleen Yao, Co-Founder of TLE, said, "I am still amazed whenever I am on a plane, crossing oceans and countries in a few hours. In some places, I can pass over millions of people in mere minutes. This is the speed of personal travel, barely enough time to register what is happening below. How, then, can we possibly cope with the speed of generative AI, infinitely faster than any plane? The simple answer is we cannot, not alone at least. The future of work is necessarily collaborative, changeable and global in scope. Our partnership with SUSS and INSPIRE is just that, a chance to shape the future together instead of being shaped by it alone".
Mr Francis Kong, Co-Founder and Director of INSPIRE said, "Our driving force is based on this: in a world where rapid change is the norm, the greatest obstacle to success is relying on outdated knowledge. The true illiterate of tomorrow will be those who resist learning, as lifelong learning is essential for staying ahead. Embrace constant learning to build the foundation for success in any endeavour".
The opening of the Success Academy in the Philippines marks the latest addition to SUSS's ongoing expansion across Asia. Last year, SUSS launched three Academies in Ho Chi Minh City, Beijing, and Shenzhen. In the past two months, two more academies were established in Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, along with one in Jakarta. In October, the University will inaugurate another academy in Mumbai, increasing the total to eight regional academies.
