MSEUF, SmartBridge formalize partnership for industry-ready tech training

Expanding access to industry-relevant technology training and professional credentials, Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, through the College of Computing and Multimedia Studies, formalized its partnership with SmartBridge through a memorandum of agreement signing on Oct. 5 at the University’s main campus in Lucena City.

MSEUF President and Chief Operating Officer Naila Leveriza represented the University, while CCMS Dean Rodrigo Belleza Jr. joined faculty members and students during the introductory program. SmartBridge, the implementing partner, was represented by Founder and CEO Amarendar Katkam and Lawrence Mohanraj, chief growth officer for Southeast Asia.

The partnership opens access to programs designed to develop practical technology competencies among students and faculty, including the MongoDB Faculty Development Program, Google Generative AI Accelerator Program and the upcoming LastMile Program.

“What started with a simple email has quickly developed into a partnership that is already creating opportunities for our faculty and students,” Belleza said.

Initial discussions began before the opening of the first semester after SmartBridge contacted the University by email around June or July. CCMS responded to the proposal and subsequently held a virtual meeting with SmartBridge to discuss its programs, leading to the development of the formal agreement.

Implementation had already begun by September. CCMS faculty members and educators from other colleges and universities in Quezon Province participated in the MongoDB Faculty Development Program, while the first batch of the Google Generative AI Accelerator Program for CCMS students launched on Sept. 25.

MSEUF is also preparing for the LastMile Program, a 12-week, 480-hour initiative featuring hands-on training, micro-projects, self-paced learning and skill badges, a mentor-supported capstone project, global certification preparation, and interview and career readiness sessions. Selected students may choose from specialization tracks in Salesforce Platform Development, Salesforce Business Analysis, ServiceNow App Development, MongoDB Development using MERN, and Google Gemini AI Development.

The collaboration provides students and faculty with access to training, mentorship and credential-building opportunities aligned with technology industry requirements. It also supports MSEUF’s efforts to strengthen graduate employability, modernize learning opportunities and expand industry-linked programs for the wider academic community.

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The partnership supported MSEUF’s commitment to global competitiveness, learning by doing and outcomes-oriented education by connecting students and faculty with practical training, professional credentials and emerging technology platforms. It also reflected the core values of Excellence and Fortitude by encouraging continuous skills development and readiness for rapidly evolving digital careers.

• SDG 4: Quality Education — The partnership expands access to industry-aligned training, faculty development, mentorship and certification preparation in emerging technologies.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth — The programs strengthen employability and career readiness by developing skills relevant to current and future technology-sector jobs.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals — The agreement strengthens collaboration between MSEUF and SmartBridge in technology education, industry engagement and professional development.