On January 26, 2026, Mapúa University officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding with game industry veteran Capcom Singapore and Prime Manpower, formalizing a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening the Philippine gaming and digital entertainment industries. The signing marked a shared commitment among the three institutions to advance the country’s growing game and creative industry ecosystem.
For those not aware, Capcom is a global game developer and publisher behind influential franchises such as Street Fighter, Resident Evil, Monster Hunter, and Devil May Cry. Operating through its Singapore office as a regional hub, the company oversees key activities across Southeast Asia, making its involvement a significant milestone for the local game industry.
The partnership brings together Mapúa’s academic foundation, Capcom Singapore’s global industry expertise, and Prime Manpower’s workforce development capabilities. Together, they aim to better prepare the next generation of learners for careers in game development and digital entertainment.
Why this matters now
The collaboration comes at a critical moment for the Philippine digital economy, as global demand for skilled game industry professionals continues to rise. According to Statista, Southeast Asia is emerging as a major growth region in the gaming market, positioning the Philippines to move beyond participation and toward a more active role in shaping regional and global creative industries.
During the signing, Mapúa University President and CEO Dr. Dodjie S. Maestrecampo framed the initiative as part of a broader vision for the Philippine creative space.
“Today’s MOU signing represents a bold leap into the future of the Philippine creative economy… Here at Mapúa, we are not just training students for jobs; we are empowering Filipino innovators to own their craft and lead the digital culture and intellectual property revolution across the globe.”
Rather than centering on theory alone, the collaboration emphasizes industry exposure and real-world practice.
Positioning Mapúa as an industry innovator
Alongside the partnership, Mapúa University announced plans to launch a new academic program focused on games, intellectual property, and digital culture. The program is designed to address the increasing demand for professionals who possess not only technical and creative skills but also a strong understanding of everything else to do with the global digital economy.
The shared vision for talent development includes direct access to internship pipelines and defined career pathways aligned with the needs of the international gaming market. Program and course implementation will feature flexible learning modalities, while curriculum design,
specialized lectures, and learning modules will be developed in close consultation with Capcom to ensure alignment with international standards and industry practices.
While institutions such as De La Salle University, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, and CIIT have previously established partnerships with game companies and industry players, Mapúa has officially stamped itself in the same list. Through this collaboration, the university aims to cement itself as a leading innovator and a key contributor to shaping the future of the Philippine game and digital entertainment industry.
Beyond technical development
The collaboration goes beyond teaching students how to code games. It integrates business strategy, marketing, intellectual property, and long-term industry development into the mix as well.
Capcom Singapore Managing Director Ricky Brian Li highlighted the strong engagement of younger audiences across Southeast Asia and stressed the importance of supporting that momentum through education and industry collaboration. Prime Manpower President and CEO Rommel Roque, alongside Mapúa’s Dr. Maestrecampo, described the initiative as a milestone with impact extending beyond the Mapúan community.
With Capcom providing industry insight and Prime Manpower supporting workforce development, the partnership insists on strengthening the entire talent pipeline, not just traditional education.
While opportunities will begin with Mapúa students, the program is designed to expand, offering professionals and enthusiasts access to industry-recognized certifications and skills that reflect the full scope of the gaming industry.
Who stands to benefit
The partnership is expected to uplift multiple sectors within the creative ecosystem. Students gain access to industry-informed curricula, international exposure, and clearer career pathways. Working professionals and enthusiasts benefit from opportunities to upskill through flexible learning programs and globally aligned certifications. For the broader industry, the initiative strengthens the local talent pipeline needed to support studio growth, intellectual property creation, and the creation of globally competitive digital content.
Taken together, the collaboration signals a shift toward a more sustainable and interconnected game development landscape in the Philippines, where education, industry, and eventually culture can move forward together.
