STIWNU CBMA Boosts MSMEs with Tycoon Talk Series

STIWNU CBMA Boosts MSMEs with Tycoon Talk Series

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STIWNU CBMA Boosts MSME Development Through Tycoon Talk Series Year 3

The College of Business, Management, and Accountancy (CBMA) of STI West Negros University (STIWNU) continues to demonstrate its commitment to relevant, industry-linked education through the successful conduct of the second session of the Tycoon Talk Series Year 3 on April 29, 2026, at Teodoro Hall.

The initiative brought together academic leaders, industry practitioners, and international partners to examine how micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) can remain competitive in a rapidly evolving business environment. Anchored on the theme “Innovating Traditions: Empowering MSMEs for Sustainable and Culturally-Rooted Growth,” the forum focused on practical, experience-based insights grounded in real business and institutional expertise.

Anchoring MSME Growth on Real-World Experience

In her opening message, CBMA Dean Dr. Mima Villanueva emphasized that MSMEs are central to local and national economic development. She underscored the importance of equipping future entrepreneurs with not only theoretical knowledge but also exposure to real-world practices, partnerships, and innovation strategies.

The session was facilitated by Dr. Yasmin P. Dormido, Director of the External Affairs and Linkages Office, whose leadership in building academic-industry linkages continues to strengthen STIWNU’s external collaborations and learning initiatives.

Dr. Jojo Vito: Translating Creative Practice into Sustainable Enterprise

A key contribution to the discussion came from Dr. Jojo Vito, entrepreneur, award-winning mask designer, and owner of Jojo Vito Designs Gallery. Drawing from over three decades of hands-on experience in creative enterprise, design production, and business management, Dr. Vito provided grounded insights on how MSMEs can leverage culture as a strategic business asset.

His work in developing a recognized creative brand—producing masks, trophies, furnishings, and customized design pieces—demonstrates how cultural identity can be translated into viable, scalable products. As a recipient of the DTI SME Entrepreneur of the Year, his perspective reflects both creative expertise and proven business success.

Dr. Vito emphasized that sustainable MSME growth requires more than innovation alone. It requires authenticity, strong branding, and the ability to embed cultural meaning into products and services. His experience illustrates how enterprises rooted in identity can achieve both market relevance and long-term sustainability.

International and Institutional Expertise on Culture and Innovation

Providing a regional perspective, Dr. TB Dicky Faldy of Institut Bisnis dan Informatika Kesatuan (IBIK), Indonesia, shared insights on the role of indigenous knowledge systems in shaping resilient creative industries. His work highlights how traditional practices, when properly contextualized, can inform modern business models and product development.

Complementing this, Ms. Almira Andin of the University of the Philippines Open University discussed bayanihan as a framework for collaborative innovation, emphasizing the value of community-driven approaches in achieving inclusive and sustainable growth.

From a technical and policy perspective, Engr. Glady T. Reyes of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Negros Occidental presented how technology adoption and innovation systems can support MSMEs in improving productivity while preserving cultural integrity. Her insights reinforced the importance of aligning innovation with both efficiency and authenticity.

Strengthening Credibility Through Global Academic Partnerships

The event also underscored STIWNU’s growing role in international academic collaboration. In her message, Dr. Ratih Puspitasari, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs of IBIK, recognized the Tycoon Talk Series as a meaningful platform for Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL).

Such initiatives enhance academic credibility by facilitating cross-border knowledge exchange, enabling students and faculty to engage with diverse perspectives and global best practices in entrepreneurship and business development.

Building Trust Through Relevant and Applied Learning

The Tycoon Talk Series Year 3 reflects STIWNU CBMA’s continued focus on delivering applied, experience-driven education. By integrating insights from practitioners, academics, and industry experts, the program ensures that learning remains relevant, credible, and aligned with current business realities.

More importantly, it reinforces a key message for MSMEs: sustainable growth is achieved when innovation is guided by experience, strengthened by expertise, and grounded in cultural identity.

Through initiatives like this, STIWNU CBMA continues to build a learning environment that is not only academically sound, but also trusted by industry and responsive to the needs of emerging entrepreneurs.