Spotlight Series: Jose A. Quiroga, Director of Global Development at Arizona State University, on Empowering Southeast Asian Learners Through the STIC Talent Mobility Portal
Exploring the Vision and Impact of a Transformative Educational Platform
In the dynamic landscape of global education, initiatives that foster inclusive access to quality learning opportunities are invaluable. At the forefront of this endeavor is Jose A. Quiroga, Director of Global Development at Arizona State University's Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. With a steadfast commitment to advancing opportunities for learners, Jose spearheads outreach initiatives for the STIC Talent Mobility Portal, a transformative platform aimed at empowering individuals across Southeast Asia.
Overview of the STIC Talent Mobility Portal and its Objectives
The STIC Talent Mobility Portal is one of the core activities of the US-ASEAN Science, Technology, and Innovation Cooperation (STIC) Program, a cooperative agreement between the US Department of State’s Bureau of East and Asia Pacific Affairs (EAP) and Arizona State University (ASU). The STIC Portal is an online platform that organizes upskilling and reskilling content into three learning tracks:
Science and Technology (S&T)
Entrepreneurship and Innovation (E&I)
Industry Professional Credentials (IPC)
Each track provides a portfolio of courses developed by top US Universities and high-tech companies, which have been curated around priority topics for the ASEAN community. As a strong, reliable, and durable partner of ASEAN, the United States supports initiatives like STIC to increase the knowledge base and foster sustainable economic growth in the region.
Target Audience and Benefits of the STIC Talent Mobility Portal
Anyone in Southeast Asia with an interest in advancing their educational or professional careers can benefit from enrolling in the portal. Licenses are provided free of charge, giving access to carefully curated courses in multiple science, technology, and innovation subjects. Whether people want to learn a new skill, advance their careers, or start a new business, the STIC Portal has something for everyone. ASU built this portal through a partnership with Coursera, a vast online learning platform that keeps growing on a daily basis. Coursera runs on a powerful platform that uses advanced data analytic techniques and AI tools that help personalize the learning experience for individual learners.
Besides gaining new skills, learners who complete the S&T or E&I tracks qualify to apply for funding to help jumpstart their ideas. Each year, the STIC Program awards 100,000 USD in grants to support early-career scientists and entrepreneurs through a competitive application process. Participants whose proposals are selected to compete are funded to attend the STIC annual conference and present their ideas to a panel of judges, where the top 4 scientists and top 4 entrepreneurs are awarded 12,500 USD to implement their ideas. In 2024, the annual conference will be in Laos PDR. Learn more about the business venture seed grant HERE and the research and publishing seed grant HERE.
Director of Global Development's Key Responsibilities
ASU is a university that assumes a fundamental responsibility for the economic, social, cultural, and overall health of the communities it serves. At the ASU Fulton Schools of Engineering, Jose’s role is to engage with partners globally on key STEM workforce development subjects to implement models that promote inclusive access to a quality education. The STIC Program aligns with our values at ASU, which is why our proposal was selected by the US Department of State to implement this program. In his role, he had the privilege of being the architect of the STIC program, including the learning portal. He also has an amazing team that helps him run the day-to-day operations of the program and great partners at the US Department of State and the ASEAN Secretariat that make all of this possible.
Travel Experiences in SEA Countries
Traveling to 9 out of the 10 ASEAN member states (only missing Brunei) has been an integral part of Jose’s work, allowing him to engage directly with local educators, students, and policymakers. These travels have not only provided him with a deeper understanding of the diverse educational landscapes across the region but have also highlighted the unique challenges and opportunities present in each country. For instance, visiting local universities and innovation hubs has shown me the hunger for knowledge and the eagerness to engage in global science and technology networks. This first-hand experience has reinforced the importance of the STIC Talent Mobility Portal in providing accessible, high-quality educational resources. It has also informed their approach to tailoring the platform to meet the specific needs of learners in the region, ensuring that they support them in the most effective and impactful way possible.
Personal Growth and Development as Director of Global Development
Since assuming the role of Director of Global Development, Jose has experienced significant personal and professional growth. Navigating the complexities of international collaboration and program management in diverse cultural contexts has honed his skills in diplomacy, strategic thinking, and empathy. One of the challenges he has faced is aligning the diverse needs and expectations of their stakeholders across different countries, which taught him the value of listening and adaptability. These experiences have shaped his leadership style to be more inclusive and consultative, always seeking to understand the perspectives of those they aim to serve. Moreover, they've instilled in him a deeper commitment to advocacy for accessible education, reinforcing his belief in the transformative power of learning and innovation.
Future Goals and Aspirations for the STIC Talent Mobility Portal
Looking ahead, Jose’s aspirations for the STIC Talent Mobility Portal are twofold: to broaden its reach and to deepen its impact. He envisions expanding the range of courses and learning paths offered, integrating more localized content that addresses the specific challenges and opportunities within the Southeast Asian context.
Additionally, fostering stronger partnerships with regional industries and organizations will ensure the portal's offerings remain relevant and closely aligned with the evolving needs of the job market.
By continuously enhancing the platform's technology to support more personalized and engaging learning experiences, he believes they can empower an even greater number of learners to achieve their full potential. Ultimately, his goal is for the STIC Talent Mobility Portal to become a cornerstone of lifelong learning and innovation in the region, catalyzing sustainable development and bridging the gap between education and industry.
🚀 Registration for the STIC Talent Mobility Portal is open here. Licenses are provided free of charge to all ASEAN nationals (including Timor-Leste).
This article sheds light on the vision and impact of the STIC Talent Mobility Portal, showcasing Jose A. Quiroga's dedication to empowering learners across Southeast Asia. Through his leadership and advocacy, the platform continues to pave the way for inclusive access to quality education, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable development in the region.
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