Unlocking Filipino Youth Potential: ASSIST Asia and Its Corporate Partners Drive Workforce Development

Manila, Philippines - May 15, 2026 -  Across the Philippines, millions of young people are doing everything right — finishing school, seeking jobs, building skills — and still finding themselves locked out of the economy. Even as overall unemployment eases, college graduates are among the hardest hit, with the number of unemployed degree-holders rising by 2.6 percentage points in 2025 alone. The problem is not a lack of ambition. It is a system in which the most in-demand TVET courses remain misaligned with the industries most likely to grow, and where the private sector’s voice in shaping education remains weak.

For the Philippines to boost the competitiveness of its young workforce, the answer lies in smarter, faster, and more industry-aligned skills development. ASSIST Asia (Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation) through partnerships with leading global corporations, is building exactly that. The results of that commitment are visible across three programs in Education, Skills, and Employment. 

NextGen Workforce 2.0  |  In partnership with EY GDS Philippines

In collaboration with EY Global Delivery Services (EY GDS) Philippines, ASSIST Asia is preparing young Filipinos for careers in a rapidly evolving economy with NextGen Workforce 2.0. This program goes beyond technical training and builds the critical thinking, communication, and workplace readiness that employers increasingly demand. With EY GDS professionals serving as mentors and industry guides, participants gain real-world exposure alongside structured skills development, creating a direct pathway from the classroom to the corporate world.

sustainABILITY  |  Supported by J.P. Morgan

Launched with J.P. Morgan, Project sustainABILITY addresses unemployment and climate change in a single initiative. In the span of two years, the program is aiming to train 12,000 students and 750 instructors across Technical-Vocational Institutes in Metro Manila and Cebu, equipping them with green skills across construction, automotive, metals and engineering, and agriculture sectors. Trained instructors cascade learning to their students, multiplying the program’s reach and establishing 20 career guidance offices as permanent fixtures of institutional support,  building a green workforce pipeline that serves both people and the planet.

Success360  |  success360.assistasia.org

Since its launch in May 2025, Success360 has established itself as ASSIST Asia’s flagship program for holistic job readiness, successfully training 80 educators and empowering 470 students within its first year alone. This comprehensive toolkit transforms traditional learning into an engaging experience through gamified modules and interactive guides designed for seamless delivery in classrooms and communities. By bridging the gap between technical preparation and personal growth, Success360 equips youth with the essential life skills and resilient mindsets needed to thrive in both their professional careers and their daily lives.

Each of these programs reflects ASSIST Asia’s conviction that the private sector is not just a funder — it is a co-architect of change. For organizations seeking to make meaningful, measurable investments in human capital and sustainable development in the Philippines, ASSIST Asia serves as a proven platform for nation-building impact.

To explore partnership opportunities, visit www.assistasia.org or reach us at info@assistasia.org.

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About ASSIST

ASSIST is a self-sustaining pan-Asian non-profit organization that seeks to achieve sustainable transformation to ensure improvement of social equity amongst all. Its goal is to empower target groups and make them resilient to social, economic and environmental challenges. It believes more good can be achieved through collaboration, open communication and capacity building, anchored to the philosophy "Partners for Progress". It has carried out over 500 projects funded by organizations across Southeast Asia, South Asia, China and Africa.