SM SUPERMALLS, through SM City Mindpro, sealed its very first academic partnership in Western Mindanao with Ateneo De Zamboanga University (Adzu) to help students in internship programs and future job placements during the memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing held at the Level 4 of SM City Mindpro on Tuesday, September 13.
Gracing the ceremonial signing were Ateneo De Zamboanga University Academic Executives, namely President Fr. Karel San Juan, SJ, Vice President for Higher Education Fr. Rene Tacastas, SJ, Assistant to the Vice President for Higher Education Dr. Evelyn Chavez, School of Liberal Arts Dean Dr. Robin delos Reyes, School of Management and Accountancy Dean Mr. Dexter Velez, and SM Supermalls representatives led by Mindanao-2 Assistant Vice President for Operations Engineer Jonathan Nick D. Santos.
The deal signals exciting collaboration in areas of learning and development, as well as recruitment and future job placement, providing future graduates with vast career opportunities. SM City Mindpro will also provide students the opportunity to take part in the company’s internship programs and learning sessions which will help students be equipped with knowledge and skills when they embark in the corporate sphere.
“Through the spirit of mutualism, SM Supermalls and the university bring about an innovative learning approach through this formal academic partnership which aims to provide an opportunity for students to apply the theories they learned from the classroom to the workplace and broaden their knowledge through market exposure and practical experience,” Santos said.
Aside from Adzu, Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) and Universidad de Zamboanga (UZ) are expected to forge the same partnership with SM City Mindpro in the coming days.
SM’s academic partnerships and participation in job fairs are just some of the many ways SM gives back to its community. With the recent partnership, SM City Mindpro hopes to contribute to the community development in the city through academic linkages. (PR)