Recent studies show a mismatch between the skills industries demand and what workers and students currently possess, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data science.

Infrastructure challenges, uneven access to quality training, and other barriers continue to limit digital learning opportunities.

To help address these challenges, SM Foundation has ramped up its education initiatives to equip and future-proof its scholars for the digital economy.

In collaboration with IBM, Asia Pacific College (APC), SM Group business units, the Foundation recently launched Future-Ready, Now!, an upskilling program that integrates digital training and workforce development for its scholars.

The program is designed to align education with market needs by providing scholars with globally recognized digital and professional credentials through IBM SkillsBuild, IBM’s free education program aimed at increasing access to technology education. It ensures access to relevant training and career pathways across the country while reinforcing SM Foundation’s commitment to inclusive education. The initiative also supports the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) 2025 micro-credentialing framework and the Private Sector Advisory Council’s inclusive development agenda.

Built around a three-phase framework, the initiative develops digital, professional, and industry-specific competencies—from foundational learning to specialized courses and ongoing assessment to ensure scholars gain practical, workforce-relevant experience.

SM Foundation Scholars will have access to more than 1,000 free courses and digital credentials in IBM SkillsBuild including foundational coursework in AI literacy, digital mindset, digital literacy, as well as specialized courses relevant to each learner’s field of study across business and accountancy, engineering, IT, and education.

IBM Philippines country general manager and Technology leader Aileen Judan-Jiao said the collaboration reflects IBM’s global effort to close the digital skills gap.

“Through IBM SkillsBuild and our collaboration with SM Foundation and APC, we hope to address the widening skills gap and equip Filipino learners with professional skills through customized practical learning experiences that would enable them to thrive in the rapidly changing world and workplace,” Judan-Jiao said.

“Together, we are building a future-ready Filipino workforce through flexible, industry-relevant education that meets the evolving needs of the job market,” she added.

APC president Dr. Teresita Medado said that the initiatives pave the way for inclusive education pave the way for inclusive education by opening opportunities for underserved learners to gain vital digital skills and globally-recognized credentials.

“It is a strategic opportunity to drive equity, empathy, and empowerment,” Dr. Medado said. “It allows us to reach students who otherwise would not have had the opportunity to study at all. That is the heart of inclusive education.”

SM Foundation Executive director for Education Programs Carmen Linda Atayde said that the Future-Ready, Now! is a continuation of the foundation’s mission to develop career-ready scholars equipped with globally recognized credentials and adaptable skills.

“By transforming education into opportunity, and opportunity into impact, we aim to prepare scholars for meaningful employment while empowering them to contribute meaningfully to their families and the community,” Atayde said.

Future-Ready, Now! is one of several SM Foundation education programs supporting scholars’ comprehensive development, including mentoring, networking initiatives, and regular assemblies that strengthen their core skills and professional readiness.