The Embassy of Switzerland in Manila, for the first time, introduced “Day of the Future” in the Philippines last Nov. 9 at the BDO Equitable Building in Makati. In his remarks, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Nicolas Brühl shared that “Day of the Future” is a yearly event that celebrates the spirit of collaboration, education, and inspiration in order to bridge the gap between the classroom and the workplace. It gives young people a chance to see what is in store for them in their future professional careers. .
“Today, we spotlight the importance of breaking gender stereotypes in the workplace. Diversity is a fundamental asset in any society, and it is crucial to remove any barriers that limit opportunities for any gender. This is a very important characteristic of Switzerland’s work environment. We encourage both young men and women to explore diverse career choices, and we believe in a future where everyone has the freedom to pursue their dreams without discrimination,” Amb. Brühl explained.
“Day Of The Future,” which was held in partnership with the Department of Education, International Cooperation Office, and the Swiss Cultural Fund Philippines, let Filipino high school students participate in a one-day work immersion program. This gave them insights into possible career opportunities beyond the more traditional professions. More than 200 students from Manila, as well as other parts of the Philippines, participated this year. The participating Swiss companies included Roche, Novartis, Endress + Hauser, ERNI, Ivoclar Vivadent, SGS, Holcim, Impact Acoustic, and Nestle.
For its part, the Swiss Embassy hosted 15 students from Makati High School, and gave them a chance to experience what embassy work involves. Although this was the first time “Day of the Future” was brought to the Philippines, the Swiss Embassy’s Deputy Head of Mission Celine Furst said they look forward to holding the event annually.
Amb. Brühl said Switzerland has a long-standing tradition of valuing education, with dedication to vocational training as one of the hallmarks of their system. “We believe in empowering students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving world,” he explained. “The strong connection between our education system and industry allows our youth to explore various career choices, thus promoting a holistic approach to personal development and career fulfillment, which is why we wanted to introduce this tradition here to young Filipinos.”