SILLIMAN University will collaborate with Hannam University in Daejeon, South Korea to meet the increasing demand for Information Technology-related programs in the province of Negros Oriental.

Through the possible partnership, the two universities will explore establishing a Digital Transformation Center that will tackle IT education and employment demands.

During a meeting last week, Dr. Jae Kyung Kim of the Hannam’s Department of Management Information Systems presented a feasibility study titled “A Field Study on the IT Industry and Employment Landscape, and IT Education Environment for Big Data/IT Workforce Training in Dumaguete, Philippines.”

“The study aims to analyze the potential for establishing a DX Center and other related training programs within SU by (a) identifying the demand for employment in Big Data analysis in the Philippines, (b) identifying SU’s status of academic capabilities on Big Data analysis, and (c) assessing the unmet-need for Big Data education among SU students and local youth in Dumaguete,” SU said.

“If the project pushes through, Hannam University believes that students and faculty members alike will reap significant benefits from the installation of the DX Center. Local youth will have an edge in the market when seeking employment and entrepreneurship in the emerging ICT field such as big data. For teachers and trainers, this will bolster ICT/big data education expertise,” it added.

The project will be funded by the Public-Private Partnerships Academy Partner Incubating Program through the Korea International Cooperation Agency’s Official Development Assistance.

If approved, the project will be spearheaded by Hannam University and is projected to start this year, with completion expected in 2028. Its impact is foreseen among local youth, fostering economic empowerment in the field.