Melo Villareal
Introduced ‘Success360’ board game – a key program feature – to gamify the development of professional skills, confidence, and collaborative thinking.
MANILA, Philippines — VFS Global, a leader in trusted technology services that enable secure mobility for governments and citizens, has successfully completed the first year of its ‘Trailblazers in Tourism Programme’. This initiative has empowered over 600 Filipino youth, mainly in Metro Manila, by providing them with essential skills for career readiness and professional growth in tourism and hospitality.
VFS Global empowers over 600 Filipino youth to drive the future of tourism
The program, developed in collaboration with the Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST), was launched at various universities and on digital platforms to connect classroom education with industry requirements.
Highlighting the importance of the initiative, Atul Lall, Regional Head – North Asia, VFS Global, stated, “We believe in creating real, lasting impact through meaningful partnerships. Tourism is a vital driver of the Philippine economy, and we feel honoured to contribute to its growth. Following our successful tourism skilling initiatives across the region, including in India, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka, this programme reflects VFS Global’s commitment to empowering young talent with practical skills to meet the evolving needs of the tourism and hospitality industry. We are proud to partner with ASSIST to drive this initiative which contributes to the success and career readiness of the next generation of professionals.”
The initiative, launched in April at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, involved 172 students and 32 educators. It included upskilling workshops, a Career Readiness Talk, and the ‘Success360’ Teacher Training session. Additionally, the event showcased the debut of the Success360 board game, a gamified tool aimed at developing professional skills, confidence, and teamwork.
In May, the program transitioned to Taguig City University, involving nearly 300 students from the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management and the College of Business Management. Through the Success360 board game, students gained practical skills for securing employment, excelling in their initial jobs, and establishing a solid foundation for long-term career growth.
To broaden its impact, the program organized a virtual Zoom session that brought together more than 100 students and educators across the country. Attendees discussed topics like professional development, sustainability, and job search methods, then engaged in an interactive online gameplay activity.
As part of VFS Global’s Champions of Change corporate volunteering initiative, Manila employees received specialized training to act as mentors and facilitators, providing students with practical insights.
“At VFS Global, youth empowerment and community development are central to our global Corporate Social Responsibility agenda,” Atul Lall added. “Across our key operating regions, we run tailored programmes to empower youth through education, skill development, and entrepreneurial training. We are equally proud of our culture of employee volunteerism, with our Manila teams actively stepping up as mentors to contribute directly to the success of our communities.”
The program ended on May 16, 2026, at the VFS Global Visa Application Center in Parqal Mall, Parañaque City. This closing event gave participants the chance to celebrate their accomplishments and engage directly with company leaders, bridging academic ideas and real-world industry experience.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Mahesh Krishnamurthy, Director of Projects at ASSIST, said, “True leadership isn’t just about guiding the next generation; it’s about building the bridge between education and industry. By equipping youth with confidence and real-world tools today, we secure a sustainable, future-ready workforce for tomorrow. Through the partnership between VFS Global and ASSIST, we equip aspirants with real-world tools, taking their careers and potential to the next level.”
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