Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. (HCCCI), in partnership with Universitas Islam Bandung (Indonesia) and Sultan Kudarat State University (Philippines), successfully hosted a two-part Free International Masterclass in December 2024, bringing together students, professionals, and industry leaders for an in-depth exploration of Southeast Asia’s rapidly evolving financial ecosystem.

Held on December 13 and 20, 2024, the virtual masterclass examined sustainability in finance, the circular economy, and comparative ASEAN financial structures. Conducted via Zoom, the program equipped participants with practical analytical tools and data-driven perspectives essential for understanding global and regional economic trends.

As part of this collaborative initiative, the participating institutions exchanged country-level financial and sustainability data, enabling students and lecturers to analyze and compare indicators related to ASEAN economic performance, sustainable finance policies, and circular economy practices. This form of academic cooperation demonstrates how HCCCI actively participates in international data gathering, sharing, and comparative analysis that directly supports understanding and teaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly those related to Quality Education (SDG 4), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).

Distinguished speakers included Prof. Dr. Tasya Aspiranti, Head of the Doctor in Management Program at Universitas Islam Bandung; Prof. Rodel A. Catalan, LPT, MBA, Economics Professor at SKSU; and Prof. Neressa M. Montejo, MBA, CHRA, CFMP, Program Head for Business Studies at HCCCI. Their comparative lectures were anchored on evidence, case-based datasets, and SDG-aligned frameworks, deepening participants’ ability to interpret and evaluate sustainability indicators from both the Philippines and Indonesia.

In alignment with SDG 4 – Quality Education, the masterclass highlighted HCCCI’s commitment to providing accessible, equitable, and internationally relevant learning experiences. More importantly, the initiative served as a venue for cross-border academic collaboration, where partner institutions collectively analyzed regional sustainability data and trends—contributing to a broader global understanding of SDG progress in Southeast Asia.

Beyond knowledge exchange, the masterclass strengthened international cooperation on sustainable development, promoted data-informed dialogue, and encouraged the integration of SDG metrics into academic discussions. Through initiatives like this, HCCCI reaffirms its role as an institution that not only advocates for the SDGs but actively collaborates internationally in gathering, interpreting, and applying SDG-related data to enrich education and support global development efforts.