APC pursues university status with international certifications, partnerships

Asia Pacific College (APC), a cornerstone of the SM group's commitment to education, is aggressively pursuing university status, fueled by international certifications and strategic collaborations.
APC, founded in 1991 through a partnership between SM Foundation, Inc. and IBM Philippines, is solidifying its position as a provider of quality education with a strong focus on social good.
"APC envisions becoming a leading institution in the region," stated APC President Dr. Ma. Teresita ‘Tata’ Medado. "Aiming to become a university is our mission in the next four to five years. APC has proven excellence in innovative teaching and learning. It is our goal to expand programs and reach out to more students especially those from underserved communities."
Recent milestones underscore APC's dedication to academic excellence. The institution earned ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) certification for its Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, and Multimedia Arts programs. This recognition affirms APC's adherence to rigorous standards in teaching, research, and academic delivery.

"This recognition is a testament to our commitment to excellence in education and our dedication to providing top-tier academic programs," Dr. Medado emphasized.
Further validating its academic prowess, APC has maintained its Autonomous Status from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for seven consecutive years, a testament to its consistent high performance in curriculum development, faculty qualifications, research output, and community service.
APC's commitment to internationalization is evident in its strategic partnerships. Following a landmark collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University-Australia (CMU-A) in 2022, the institution has expanded its alliance with the University of Adelaide (UofA) in 2024. These partnerships facilitate capacity-building programs for faculty, staff, and government professionals, supported by Australia Awards Scholarships.
Recognizing the importance of student welfare, APC recently launched the Digital Defender Program in collaboration with Gogolook, the developer of the Whoscall anti-scam application. This initiative aims to empower students with cybersecurity awareness. "We seek to empower students with greater awareness of online safety and cybersecurity through this app," Dr. Medado explained. "The value of GogoLook extends to professional ethics and character formation. We are preparing our students to become responsible global citizens."
As APC strives to achieve university status, it is focusing on aligning its programs with industry needs and expanding access to quality education. The institution aims to maintain its QS 5-star ratings across categories such as inclusivity, online learning, flexible teaching methods, and employability, where 92.8 percent of graduates secure key industry positions.

Looking ahead, APC is prioritizing internationalization, emphasizing transnational collaborations, exchange programs, and international student initiatives. This strategic focus reinforces the institution's mission to provide differentiated and enhanced pathways for students to become productive citizens in the global economy.