By Norman Isaiah Rubio, STRATCOM Intern

Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) and Universitas Sarjanawiyata Tamansiswa (UST) in Indonesia co-hosted the Future of Work International Forum 2025 via Zoom on May 15–16, drawing over 200 participants from both institutions.

With the theme “Digitalization and Sustainability,” the forum explored emerging trends in human resource (HR) and marketing management, emphasizing how digital transformation and sustainable practices are reshaping global business landscapes.

During the first day, discussions focused on digitalization in management. Asst. Prof. Don McCartney Tugaoen of MMSU tackled the use of digital tools to enhance HR processes such as recruitment, performance evaluation, and employee engagement. He highlighted how automation and AI are redefining HR practices.

Prof. M. Ahyar of UST followed with a talk on the digital competencies HR professionals need today, stressing continuous learning and digital literacy. Prof. Dika Prawita from the same university discussed the integration of digital marketing strategies, including consumer behavior in online spaces and the rise of data-driven decision-making.

Prof. Mary Jean Tumamao of MMSU wrapped up the first day with insights on how Philippine small and medium enterprises are adapting digital marketing tools, citing successful transitions to e-commerce platforms.
The second day of the virtual forum shifted focus to sustainability in business management. Prof. Krismary Sharmaine Agbisit, MMSU alumni relations chief, opened with a presentation on embedding sustainability in HR through well-being programs, ethical labor practices, and green initiatives.

Dr. Tri Ratna Purnamarini of UST complemented Prof. Abisit’s topic with a discussion on the role of HR in advancing corporate sustainability through environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. 

Dr. Abdul Rokhim of UST then tackled sustainable marketing, highlighting ethical branding, long-term customer relationships, and balancing profitability with environmental responsibility.

To conclude the forum, Dr. Michael Lumabao, MMSU’s marketing management coordinator, shared how Philippine businesses are adopting green marketing through eco-friendly product positioning, responsible advertising, and sustainable packaging.

Each day ended with open forums, certificate awarding, and a virtual photo session. Students and faculty actively exchanged insights on aligning education, industry practices, and policy with global workplace shifts.

MMSU President Dr. Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr. and UST President Drs. H. Pardimin, M.Pd. delivered opening messages, highlighting the importance of international collaboration. Also present were Dr. Angelita Abrojena, dean of MMSU’s College of Business, Economics and Accountancy (CBEA), and Dr. Suyanto, SE, dean of UST’s Faculty of Economics.

Dr. Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr. commended both institutions for organizing the event and expressed hope for continued collaboration. “Human resources and marketing management are vital in any organization. At MMSU, we rely on dedicated people to manage our operations and uphold the image and reputation of the university,” he said.

The forum was attended by human resource management and marketing management students from CBEA and students from UST Indonesia.

The event was part of the institutions’ ongoing academic partnership. In March 2022, MMSU, UST, and Adamas University- India signed a memorandum of understanding to promote collaborative teaching, research, and educational exchanges.