Pangasinan State University hosted the 2nd International Academic Summit with the theme, “ASEAN U-LINK: Sustainable partnership for Cross Border Convergence” wherein representatives from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member countries converged on June 28-30 for a comprehensive academic discussion and sharing of best practices in education necessary in setting standards for educational institutions in the region.
The three-day summit kicked off with academic discussions and sharing of best practices in education as well as cultural exchange highlighting the diverse heritage and artistry of the participants at Don Leopoldo Sison Convention Center, Alaminos City, Pangasinan wherein 150 University officials, directors and students gathered from HEIs in Thailand, Indonesia and from State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the Philippines.
Resource speakers of the said event included Dr. Made Nyandra, President of University Dhyana Pura in Bali, Indonesia with his topic, “Student Exchange Programs in the ASEAN Education Setting: Requisites, Standards and Challenges”; Dr. Chamnian Yosraj, President of Maejo University in Chiang Mai, Thailand on his topic, “Developing Institutional Competitiveness: The ASEAN Integration Perspective”; Dr. Nantana Gajaseni, Executive Director of ASEAN University Network in Bangkok, Thailand on her topic, “Harnessing the Robust Education – Industry Partnerships”; Dr. Pornpun Waitayangkoon, President of Institute of Teaching Science and Technology of Thailand (IPST) with her topic, “Strengthening STEM Implementation through Curriculum Design & Strategic Partnerships”; Dr. Zosimo Battad, Chancellor of University of the East in Caloocan City with his topic, “Fostering International Partnership & Collaboration through Enhanced Academic Networking & Cultural Exchange Program”; and Dr. Rene Bersoto, Project Manager of AIM ASEAN 2015 in Batangas City on his topic, “Quality Academic Exchange Across Cultural Barriers”.
According to Dr. Sally A. Jarin, Director for Local and International Linkages, the summit’s theme summarized the need for innovative approaches in response to global development and internationalization of educational institutions where international partnerships and networkings evolve as the most dynamic and vibrant avenues for facilitating and ensuring success of internationalization initiatives.
An in-depth glimpse of the varied dimensions of networkings were undertaken during the plenary sessions that boosted the appreciation of the participants to the power of collaboration and partnerships on what it can do to usher in success in the performance of the core functions of HEIs namely instruction, research, extension and production.
The event also featured the U-link (University Link) Fair where each of the participants freely exchanged information to strengthen institutional collaboration.
The said summit which seeks to transform HEIs into “global educational institutions” is organized by the International Affairs Office of the PSU in collaboration with the Southeast Asian Minister of Education Organization (SEAMEO-INNOTECH), Maejo University of Thailand and the City Government of Alaminos.
Registration fees were inclusive with the summit kit, lunch, snacks and conference materials. However, for the Regional and National participants (Filipino participants), Php 5,000.00 is allocated (no accommodation and tour) while for foreign participants, $350.00 is allocated (with accommodation and tour).