The Technological University of the Philippines (TUP) takes pride in its recent participation in the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) Collaboration Workshop, held from May 6-7, 2024. Led by President Reynaldo P. Ramos, Engr. Nilo M. Arago, Director of the Integrated Research and Training Center (IRTC), and Dr. Lean Karlo Tolentino, Dean of the College of Engineering, TUP joined key figures from Philippine higher education institutions in an exploration of innovative academic and research collaborations.
This international event, organized by CHED-International Affairs Service (IAS) in collaboration with UTP, Malaysia's premier private university, aimed to foster international cooperation and enhance the global visibility of Philippine higher education institutions. Hosted at UTP's sprawling campus in Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia, the workshop featured in-depth discussions on collaborative models, including the 1+3 bachelor’s program, the 2+2+1 integrated bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and the 3+9 PhD program.
UTP showcased its world-class research institutes, such as the Institute of Self-Sustainable Building, the Institute of Health & Analytics for Personalized Care, and the Institute of Autonomous Systems for Autonomous Facilities. Participants had the opportunity to tour UTP's cutting-edge facilities, gaining valuable insights into potential collaboration opportunities.
A focal point of the workshop was student mobility, with UTP presenting various programs such as short-term exchanges, student exchange programs, and research attachment opportunities across the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Science and Information Technology. These programs offer students the chance to collaborate with top researchers in areas like Sustainable Energy, Emerging Digital Technologies, and Sustainable Smart Living.
In addition to student mobility, UTP proposed activities for faculty mobility, including visiting professor fellowships and staff development training. These initiatives aim to facilitate knowledge exchange and capacity development among faculty members from Philippine institutions. Furthermore, UTP offered consultancy services to assist Philippine higher education institutions in improving their institutional rankings and reputations. TUP's active participation underscores its dedication to fostering global partnerships and enhancing the quality of education and research. By engaging in such initiatives, TUP is committed to elevating Philippine higher education standards and providing enriched opportunities for its students and faculty.
To forge this partnership, a consortium will be established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between UTP and the participating SUCs in close coordination with CHED-IAS. The MOU signing will take place at Palawan State University, Puerto Princesa in June 2024.
Other participating state universities and colleges (SUCs) were Batangas State University, Guimaras State University, Kalinga State University, Palawan State University, Rizal Technological University, University of Southeastern Philippines, and Western Philippines University. This workshop represents a significant stride forward in advancing educational standards and research capabilities through global collaboration.