FPLA, British embassy send Pinoy scholar to UK

MANILA, Philippines - A college education is one of the key factors in determining career growth. Accordingly, thousands of high school students undergo rigorous preparation and testing, in the hopes of being accepted in a top university.

Although the QS University Rankings lists five Philippine higher-learning institutions amongst the Top 300 in Asia (with the University of the Philippines leading the pack at #63), the United Kingdom still dominates the list on a global scale. Indeed, four of the top ten universities in the world – Cambridge, University College London, Imperial College, and Oxford –  were all established in the country.

Given this, the UK is considered a prime destination for international studies, even for Filipino students seeking education abroad. Fortunately, First Pacific Leadership Academy (FPLA), the nation’s first dedicated corporate university, has partnered with the British Embassy to sponsor the education of one Filipino student to study a Masters Degree in the United Kingdom at the University of London, through the Chevening Scholarship.

Established in 1983, the Chevening Scholarship is awarded to outstanding students who exhibit great leadership potential in the fields of business, politics, media, civil society, religion, and academia. For a scholar in pursuit of a masters degree, the Chevening Scholarship will undoubtedly be a feather in his or her cap.

At the recent contract signing between FPLA and the British Embassy, First Pacific chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan and British Ambassador Asif Ahmad were signatories. The Chevening Scholarship was awarded to Ely Carlos Tingson, a graduate from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) focusing on cyber security. Apart from his academic excellence, Tingson was chosen based on his patriotism, humble upbringing, and perseverance amidst difficulties. 

Of the opportunity granted to him by the Chevening Scholarship, Tingson said, “I will have a chance to become a part of an international network of cyber security professionals and contribute to a global collaboration for a safer Internet experience for everyone.” He added, “Ultimately, with my education and experience, I hope to take an active part in our country’s cyber security efforts.” Tingson has already left for the United Kingdom, eager to begin his Chevening education.

“We believe that by supporting Ely’s interest in cyber security, we can empower him to help defend the increasingly tech-savvy Filipinos from online lawbreakers and strengthen our government against the increasing rate of cybercrimes,” Pangilinan emphasized. “FPLA is an institution dedicated to developing our nation’s thought leaders, who are well-poised to meet tomorrow’s challenges. This is definitely one of the pressing issues we need to address,” he further noted.

Ahmad had this to say, “My profound thanks go out to Manny Pangilinan and the First Pacific Leadership Academy for becoming a corporate sponsor of Chevening. This will enable us to reach our goal of tripling the number of Filipinos doing a Masters degree in the UK. This is an enlightened approach to sponsorship as returning talented people will be making a contribution to the economic well-being of the Philippines.”

First Pacific Leadership Academy is a corporate university located in the heart of Antipolo, offering need-specific Executive Development programs with a focus on leadership and management, leadership succession, and organizational development. For more information please visit www.fpacademy.net