How the John Gokongwei, Jr. Innovation Center Is Set to Train the Industry Leaders of Tomorrow Today
The four-story, world-class educational facility within De La Salle University’s Laguna Campus was formally unveiled this month.
by JG Summit Team
Jan 14, 2019
On the morning of January 11, 2019, the founder and chairman emeritus of JG Summit Holdings added another feather to his cap, as the John Gokongwei, Jr. Innovation Center (JGIC) was officially launched at De La Salle University’s Laguna Campus. The four-story facility, which aims to be a major hub of multimedia gaming and interactive entertainment in the ASEAN region, is a fitting tribute to the man who has made innovation an integral part of his conglomerate’s corporate culture.
The John Gokongwei, Jr. Innovation Center houses the Philippine headquarters of game developer Ubisoft.
Attended by top officials, administrators, and faculty from the university as well as members of the Gokongwei family and the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation, one of the highlights of the low-key event was the unveiling of a marker which celebrated the life and values of the business visionary the center is named after. The marker succinctly revealed key details of John Gokongwei, Jr.’s life, from the trials and tribulations of his teenage years to his rise in eminent business circles, to his emergence as a philanthropist and nation-builder. In part, the plaque reads: “Understanding the importance of education in nation-building, Gokongwei, through the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation, strongly advocates the advancement of the education sector, particularly in the fields of science and engineering. The Foundation empowers youth through scholarship programs, supports reputable academic institutions, and creates synergies geared toward uplifting the Filipino.”
Gokongwei’s ties to the university go back more than 40 years. It is well known that he dropped out of school in Cebu to enable to support his family, but when he had achieved great things in life, he decided to finish his schooling. It was at De La Salle University Manila where Gokongwei graduated with master of business administration degree in 1977, an achievement which he considers one of the proudest moments of his life.
From left: Gerardo Amisola (DLSU Trustee), Cesar Purisima (DLSU Trustee), Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng (GBF General Manager), Tony Go (GBF Trustee), James Go (GBF President), Elizabeth Gokongwei (GBF Trustee), John Gokongwei Jr. (GBF Chairman), Br. Bernard Oca FSC (DLSU Chancellor), Lance Gokongwei (GBF Secretary), and Robert Coyiuto Jr.
The Gokongwei Brothers Foundation was established in 1992, “with the goal of having lasting impact on education in the Philippines. Guided by its mission to build the future through education, GBF works toward the advancement of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, believing that this is the driving force for sustainable national development.” In consideration of an endowment from the foundation intended for student scholarships, faculty development, research, and infrastructure building, DLSU’s College of Engineering was renamed "Gokongwei College of Engineering" in 2011.
Preceding the unveiling ceremony, Bro. Bernard Oca, FSC, chancellor of De La Salle University, delivered a short speech. In remarks that touched on the strong relationship between the university and the GBF, Bro. Oca said, “As we unveil the marker of the John Gokongwei, Jr. Innovation Center, we are reminded of our vision for this campus, that is to make this a research hub not just for the country but also for the ASEAN region. We prioritize, among others, the development of science and technology. This facility will house programs for international development to serve as chief training ground for local talents. This is an occasion for us in the university to express our deep gratitude to the Gokongwei family and the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation for being our steadfast partners in our mission to provide quality, empowering, Christian education.”
Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng, general manager of the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation, replied on behalf of the donor. In her message, she underlined the family’s belief that education is one of the driving factors behind national development. “Our family believes that access to education is critical in determining the future success of an individual, a family, and a nation. Through the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation, we hope to pay it forward by striving to make a lasting impact on education in the Philippines.
“We work toward leveling the playing field by providing education opportunities to our fellow Filipinos who may not have access to these otherwise. We are committed to advancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics education, believing that this is the driving force to attain sustainable national development.
“It has been a privilege for GBF to have found a partner in De La Salle University in pursuing these thrusts. We congratulate the De La Salle University Gokongwei College of Engineering for continuing to be a regional center for excellence in engineering education. We are fulfilled to learn that GBF’s support has enabled productive endeavors of Lasallian engineering students and faculty, and has sent over a hundred scholars to DLSU GCOE.”
At present, the John Gokongwei, Jr. Innovation Center houses the Philippine studio of international game developer Ubisoft. DLSU’s partnership with Ubisoft has resulted in joint curriculum development, collaboration in teaching and research, and industry-oriented on-the-job training. The University currently offers two related programs: Bachelor of Science in Interactive Entertainment major in Game Development and Bachelor of Science in Interactive Entertainment major in Game Art and Design.
Through this partnership, Gokongwei-Cheng stresses that the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation is confident that DLSU students “will be provided with the best technical training and education in interactive media and game development, a continuously emerging industry in the digital economy. More importantly, we are positive that this quality education will equip them with important 21st century skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, design thinking, and collaboration.”
In concluding her speech, she could not have put it any better: “Just as how our father is a visionary and a pioneer Filipino industrialist, may the De La Salle University John Gokongwei, Jr. Innovation center hone the leaders of the industries of the future.”
