by Jan Michael Carpo, Reporter
The buzzing atmosphere at iPeople‘s Manila headquarters was palpable earlier this March as education leaders unveiled a significant expansion of their partnership with Coursera, promising to revolutionize the learning experience for tens of thousands of Filipino students.
The event, attended by educators, industry representatives, and eager students, showcased a bold step towards integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the core of higher education.
iPeople Inc., a powerhouse in the Philippine education sector, backed by the Yuchengco Group of Companies and Ayala Corp., announced that their collaboration with Coursera, a global giant in online learning, would triple its reach, extending AI-powered education to 45,000 students annually, up from the previous 15,000.
Alredo Ayala, president of iPeople
Partnership to empower students across iPeople’s six institutions
“This is not just about expanding access,” declared Alfredo I. Ayala, President of iPeople. “It’s about preparing our students for a future where AI is not just a tool, but a fundamental part of the professional landscape.”
The partnership will empower students across iPeople’s six institutions, including the prestigious Mapúa University, to earn up to 30% of their academic credits through Coursera courses. This integration of industry-recognized micro-credentials and flexible academic pathways aims to bridge the gap between academia and the demands of the modern workforce.
As the demand for AI proficiency surges globally, Coursera’s latest initiatives are also set to play a pivotal role in equipping learners with the knowledge and tools necessary to thrive in an AI-driven world.
The move comes at a crucial time. According to a Microsoft Work Trend 2024 Index, a staggering 68% of business leaders prioritize AI skills over traditional experience when hiring. With AI projected to contribute a massive PHP 2.8 trillion to the Philippine economy by 2030, the demand for digital literacy is soaring.
iPeople’s initiative aligns perfectly with the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) vision for flexible, skills-based learning, ensuring Filipino graduates are globally competitive.
Mapúa University, already recognized as a leader in AI education within the Coursera for Campus network in Asia, will spearhead the integration of innovative AI-driven tools. Among the highlights are Coursera Coach, a GenAI-powered learning assistant providing real-time support, and Course Builder, enabling faculty to create localized digital courses.
One such course, “Introduction to Generative AI and Prompt Engineering,” has already captivated 10,000 students and faculty, demonstrating the appetite for AI-related knowledge. Furthermore, AI-driven academic integrity tools, including automated grading and plagiarism detection, will ensure the authenticity of learning.
A commitment to digital transformation
Karine Allouche (left), Coursera’s Global Head of Enterprise, speaking during the event
“AI presents a powerful opportunity to expand access and bridge skill divides. We’re proud to strengthen our collaboration with iPeople as they scale their efforts to equip thousands of students with job-aligned skills and credentials,” stated Karine Allouche, Coursera’s Global Head of Enterprise, while praising iPeople’s commitment to digital transformation.
During the Q&A session, students expressed their excitement about the new opportunities. “The ability to earn credits through Coursera courses is a game-changer,” said Vincent Gabe, a Mapúa student. “It gives us the flexibility to learn at our own pace and gain skills that are directly relevant to the industry.”
Educators also voiced their support, emphasizing the potential for AI to enhance teaching and learning. “These tools will allow us to personalize the learning experience and provide students with more targeted support,” explained a faculty member from the University of Nueva Caceres.
As the event drew to a close, it was clear that iPeople and Coursera are not just expanding a partnership; they are setting a new benchmark for AI-powered education in the Philippines.
By empowering 45,000 students with future-ready skills, they are solidifying the nation’s position as a leader in the evolving landscape of global education and workforce development.