From 25–30 August 2025, the Worlddidac Delegation to Manila brought together forward-thinking education providers and thought leaders from around the globe for a powerful week of strategic exchange, immersive learning, and institutional engagement across Southeast Asia.
Through curated meetings, field visits, and participation in WorldSkills ASEAN 2025, delegates experienced first-hand how regional institutions are shaping the future of vocational education and how international partnerships can actively support these efforts.
Engaging with the Asian Development Bank (ADB)
One of the delegation’s anchor moments was the strategic meeting with the ADB Education Team. Delegates were offered a direct view into how education projects are prioritized, financed, and implemented across the region. This conversation revealed not only the current direction of ADB’s education portfolio, but also how international education providers can align their expertise with ADB-supported reforms, especially in TVET, green skills, and inclusive learning.
Participants came away with a clearer understanding of how to position themselves for donor engagement, and how to anticipate funding cycles and opportunities within large-scale multilateral initiatives.
Building Government-Level Connections: TESDA and CHED
The delegation engaged in meaningful policy dialogue with two of the Philippines’ most influential education bodies: TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) and CHED (Commission on Higher Education).
These meetings shed light on national priorities around skills transformation, labor market responsiveness, and institutional capacity-building. Delegates explored future-oriented topics such as dual education, microcredentials, and the Philippine TVET Roadmap. More importantly, these exchanges laid the foundation for longer-term cooperation in areas like curriculum advisory, capacity development, and programme innovation.
Learning from Local Excellence: Don Bosco Makati
A site visit to Don Bosco Technical Institute offered a practical case study in how values-based education and industry relevance can go hand-in-hand. Delegates toured state-of-the-art labs and learned how Don Bosco engages directly with local industry to ensure that students graduate with job-ready skills.
For many participants, this was a moment of reflection on how similar models could be adapted in their own regions — especially regarding applied learning spaces, youth engagement strategies, and private-sector collaboration.
Benchmarking Future Skills: WorldSkills ASEAN 2025
The delegation’s active presence at WorldSkills ASEAN 2025 provided a unique opportunity to observe, interact, and benchmark across 32 skill areas. More than just a competition, the event served as a real-time snapshot of regional skill priorities, innovation in training delivery, and the commitment of ASEAN nations to invest in workforce development.
Delegates connected with national teams, educators, and employers — bringing home not only insights, but also potential cross-border project ideas, partnerships, and an informed sense of where global demand for specific skills is heading.
Watch our delegate UNOWA’s full video reflection on participating in this meaningful delegation
Their insights capture the spirit of international cooperation and the real impact of engaging directly with leading institutions in education, skills development, and inclusive innovation.
Ready to Join a Future Delegation?
Our next delegations will continue to explore opportunities where global education meets regional relevance. If you want to connect directly with public agencies, funding institutions, and key education leaders — Worlddidac delegations are the place to be.
Learn more about our past events and the strategic value of joining a delegation
