Life Academy International College (LAI College), a modern Christian college in Ortigas, Pasig, is aggressively seeking to revolutionize Philippine higher education by developing globally prepared, value-based entrepreneurs. The college is not undertaking this endeavor single-handedly.
Borne out of cooperation with Honorable Gregory W. Slayton, a venture capitalist from Silicon Valley, a professor at one of the Ivy League schools in the United States, and once a U.S. Ambassador, LAI College has just conducted its first run of masterclass series. In these masterclasses, Filipino scholars are given information from top-ranked international experts. Slayton, who helms the drive, is steadfast in bringing top global expertise closer to local learning and making LAI a global center for excellence in entrepreneurship teaching in the Philippines.
"I want LAI to be the Harvard of the Philippines," Slayton explained to Daily Tribune, echoing the institution's aspirational vision. "The greatest teacher is you." As a guest lecturer and executive consultant for LAI, he plays a key role in crafting specialized tracks in entrepreneurship such as technology, social impact, family business, agribusiness, and corporate innovation, all geared towards empowering nation-building.
Established on a vision to harmonize world's best practices with local context, LAI College is revolutionizing conventional tertiary education paradigms. At the heart of its philosophy lies the emphasis on mentorship, global exposure, and experiential learning in preparation for the dynamism of today's business and leadership.
Edric Mendoza, the Managing Director of LAI College, opines that learning needs to be both experiential and transformative. "Why not partner with some of the brightest minds who also have a shared passion?" said Mendoza about the school's faculty and international partners. "Through field work, mentorship, and overseas immersion, our students learn business, not just about it."
LAI College has a Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship with five industry-specific tracks, coupled with real-life experience through its Field Work Program and World Insight Program. These programs offer students exposure to networking with mentors and business leaders, and internship opportunities in the Philippines, Singapore, Australia, and the U.S.
Students will be mentored by key leaders like Glenn Yu, CEO of Seaoil, and Ramon Manzana of Honda Prestige Traders, among others. The college's 20-level vertical campus in Ortigas offers state-of-the-art smart classrooms, innovation laboratories, sports facilities, and think rooms to encourage innovation, collaboration, and leadership.
In an exclusive interview with DAILY TRIBUNE, Slayton highlighted the unique potential within Philippine agribusiness, one of LAI’s five focus tracks. “Agribusiness presents a tremendous opportunity for entrepreneurs in the Philippines. The geographical advantages here cannot be replicated in the U.S.,” he noted, emphasizing how future-ready education can significantly impact national development.
The masterclass is the first of a series of future sessions that will be conducted by renowned international and local leaders. These events are intended to enrich the student life at LAI while making the institution a business education leader in Southeast Asia.
With its pioneering model, world-class faculty, and global connections, LAI College is set to cultivate the next wave of Filipino entrepreneurs who are not just business-oriented but also purpose-driven.
