Vfs Global Empowers over 600 Filipino Youth to Drive the Future of Tourism

• Programme implemented by Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST)
• 16 VFS Global employees volunteer as mentors to bridge the gap between classroom and industry
• Introduced ‘Success360’ board game – a key programme feature – to gamify the development of professional skills, confidence, and collaborative thinking

VFS Global, the global leader in trusted technology services, empowering secure mobility for governments and citizens, has successfully concluded the first year of its ‘Trailblazers in Tourism Programme’, empowering over 600 Filipino youth, primarily across Metro Manila. The initiative equipped future tourism and hospitality professionals with critical career-readiness and professional development skills.

Implemented in partnership with Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST), the programme rolled out across multiple universities and digital platforms to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry needs.

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, engaged 172 students and 32 educators, featuring upskilling workshops, a Career Readiness Talk, and the ‘Success360’ Teacher Training session. The event also marked the debut of the Success360 board game, a gamified learning tool designed to build professional skills, confidence, and collaborative thinking.

In May, the programme moved to Taguig City University. Nearly 300 students from the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management and the College of Business Management participated. Using the Success360 board game, students learned practical strategies to secure employment, excel in their first jobs, and build foundations for long-term career success.

To expand its reach, the programme hosted a virtual session via Zoom, connecting over 100 students and educators nationwide. Participants explored professional development, sustainability, and job search strategies, followed by an interactive virtual gameplay session.

Aligned with VFS Global’s corporate volunteering programme, Champions of Change, employees in Manila underwent specialised training to serve as mentors and facilitators, sharing real-world insights directly with the students. 

“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 programme concluded on May 16, 2026, at the VFS Global Visa Application Centre at Parqal Mall in Parañaque City. This final event allowed participants to celebrate their achievements and interact directly with company leaders, connecting academic concepts to live industry practices.

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 of VFS Global and ASSIST, we enlighten aspirants with real-world tools, taking their careers and potential to the next level.”