By Dr. Suresh Kumar Madhusudhanan
My recent participation as a keynote speaker at the SYNERGY 2025 International Conference organized by the University of Batangas, Lipa City, Manila, offered a deep and inspiring opportunity to engage with students, faculty, and global delegates on one of the most crucial topics of our time—The Changing World of Work and Emerging Trends in Global Business Management. I have witnessed first-hand the seismic shifts taking place in the global economy. The conference provided the perfect forum to reflect on these transformations and to explore how young professionals, universities, and industry leaders can navigate the future with clarity and purpose.
We are living through a historic moment of transition. Technology—Al, data analytics, automation, cloud computing—is reshaping industries with unprecedented speed. At the same time, global conflicts, supply-chain disruptions, healthcare crises, and climate threats are forcing businesses to rethink their strategies. For the youth, this transition brings both immense opportunity and understandable uncertainty. Traditional career paths are giving way to flexible, skill-based journeys where lifelong learning, adaptability, and global exposure matter far more than rigid job titles.
The question before us is clear, How do we prepare for a world that keeps changing? At SYNERGY 2025, I outlined a few powerful megatrends shaping business worldwide:
I. Digital-First Business Models
Technology is no longer the domain of IT alone, it drives marketing, finance, HR, operations,
logistics, and even leadership decisions.
2. Rise of Ecosystems and Platforms
Companies today build networks, not products. Grab, IJber, Amazon, Shopee—these are
complex ecosystems requiring holistic management.
3. Sustainability & ESG
Green supply chains, ethical sourcing, carbon commitments—these are now strategic priorities
for global firms.
4. Remote & Hybrid Work
Teams spread across continents demand new skills in cross-cultural collaboration and digital
communication.
These trends define the professional world awaiting today’s students.
India and the Philippines: Natural Partners in the New Economy
I emphasized that India and the Philippines are uniquely positioned as global talent
powerhouses, thanks to their:
- Young population
- Strong English proficiency
- Strength in services (IT, BPO, healthcare, hospitality)
- Deep cultural values and work ethic
Far from being competitors., our nations stand to benefit immensely from collaboration in
education, skilling, healthcare, technology, and global workforce mobility
At SYNERGY 2025, I proposed several avenues for deeper cooperation:
- Joint academic and skill development programs
- Student and faculty exchanges
- Partnerships between Indian and Filipino universities
- Collaboration in IT—BPM, healthcare, and global mobility
- Structured Global Skill Corridors for safe, ethical overseas employment
Future of Work: Skills Over Degrees
Around the world, employers are moving from a degree-centric view to a capability-centric one.
The professional of the future must be T-shaped:
- A deep expertise in one domain
- A broad understanding of communication, digital tools, teamwork, and problem-solving
Critical skills for students now include:
- Fluency in communication
- Digital and analytical proficiency
- Ability to collaborate across cultures
- Capacityto learn, unlearn, and relearn
The message is simple but powerful:
Don’t prepare for a single job. Prepare for a lifetime of careers.
Global Opportunities for Filipino & Indian Youth
Countries across the GCC, Europe, Australia, Japan, and parts of Asia face acute talentshortages. Opportunities are growing in:
- Digital & Technology
- Healthcare & Life Sciences
- Logistics & E-Commerce
- Logistics & E-Commerce
- Renewable Energy & Green Jobs
- Engineering & Infrastructure
- Creative and Digital Industries
But to participate meaningfully, youth must be technically skilled, globally oriented, and ethically mobilized.
That is where structured Global Skill Corridors—combining training, certification, and ethical recruitment—become vital.
Learning from Global Best Practices
I shared key skilling models the world can learn from:
- Germany’s dual vocational system
- Japan’s Monozukuri and Kaizen culture
- Finland’s learner-centric education
- South Korea’s Meister schools
- China’s industry-cluster training zones
These countries succeed because they respect skills as much as academics—a mindset shift
that Asia must embrace
The Crucial Role of Universities
Universities like the University of Batangas can lead this transformation by becoming:
- Innovation and skill hubs
- Centers for industry-integrated curricula
- Nurturers of student startups and entrepreneurship
- Platforms for multidisciplinary collaboration
- Bridges between academia, industry, and government
Classrooms must evolve from teacher-centric systems to experiential, project-driven, joyful
learning environments.
SIMAT & 3D Learning: A Model from India
I had the opportunity to share my own educational initiative—SIMAT (Seagull Institute of Management & Technology) and our 3D Educational Theatre in Kerala. By enabling children to visualize science in three dimensions—human anatomy, space, geology—learning became not only easier but more joyful.
Such innovations, I believe, can be replicated across the Philippines to spark curiosity and confidence among students.
A Mindset for Global Youth
I encouraged the students to cultivate:
- A Growth Mindset
- Commitment to lifelong learning
- Entrepreneurial attitude
- Ethics, empathy, and trustworthiness
These qualities will define the professionals and leaders of tomorrow.
A Shared Vision for the Future
The future of work demands a triple helix partnership:
- Academia — knowledge and talent
- Industry —jobs, mentorship, and real-world challenges
- Government & Chambers— policy, mobility frameworks, global links
Together, we can design pathways that empower our youth, strengthen industries, and elevate
national reputations.
SYNERGY 2025 was not just a conference—it was a powerful reminder that the world is ready for bold collaborations between India and the Philippines. Universities like the University of Batangas are central to this transformation through innovation, global partnerships, and forward-thinking leadership.
I remain deeply grateful to the University of Batangas, its Vice-Chancellor, faculty, organizing committee, and the brilliant students who made this event meaningful and energizing.
It was a privilege to share insights on this global platform in Manila, a country that continues to contribute exceptional talent to the world.
The future belongs to those who prepare—a nd together, we can shape a future that is ski [led,
ethical, inclusive, and globally connected.
