FEU Tech students and Top 1 Placers of the 10th, 11th, and 12th TOPCIT (Test of Practical Competency in Information and Communications Technology) Philippines examinations were formally invited by the Institute of ICT Planning & Evaluation (IITP) to participate in the prestigious TOPCIT Human Resource Development (HRD) Program in South Korea.
Their exceptional performance placed FEU Tech at the forefront of ICT excellence in the country, and earned them a rare opportunity to join an exclusive, all-expenses-paid educational and cultural immersion—reserved only for the highest-performing TOPCIT examinees worldwide.
Carl Justin Yanuario, Patrick Daniel Belarmino, and Dane Ross Quintano, along with their faculty guardian, Prof. Beau Gray Habal, share highlights from their adventure in this two-part feature.
PART I: A Week of Technology, Innovation, and Cultural Discovery
The TOPCIT HRD Program offered a remarkable blend of technology exposure, industry visits, and Korean cultural immersion. The itinerary brought FEU Tech’s representatives to several of South Korea’s most influential tech hubs and experiential centers.
The delegation’s journey began at the LG Science Park, where they explored futuristic displays, holiday installations, and large-scale digital art walls—the perfect backdrop for their first group photos.
They later visited the Samsung Store in Hongdae, known for its interactive product zones, immersive concept rooms, and hands-on demonstrations of Samsung’s latest devices and digital ecosystems. Here, the students experienced firsthand how global tech brands integrate creativity and engagement into consumer technology.
Another remarkable stop was the Hyundai Motor Studio in Goyang, where the group discovered Hyundai’s advanced mobility concepts, automotive engineering innovations, and future-forward design principles. From autonomous driving simulations to eco-friendly mobility showcases, this visit highlighted Korea’s role in shaping the future of transportation.
Their itinerary also included the Samsung Innovation Museum, which displayed a timeline of technological progress tracing the evolution of electronics and communication devices. The exhibits offered the students a meaningful way to reflect on the foundations of the modern digital world.
At SK T Factory in Seongsu, they were introduced to futuristic retail technologies, AI-assisted customer experiences, and next-generation mobile services—a perfect match for ICT students eager to see real-world applications of emerging tech.
The group likewise attended the COEX AI Convention, where they witnessed cutting-edge developments in AI and industry applications showcased by global and Korean companies. This exposure allowed the students to observe live demonstrations, participate in discussions, and broaden their understanding of AI-driven innovation.
