Mariano Marcos
State University

MMSU int’l programs chief advances ethical AI use, internationalization agenda in Maldives confab

By Ian Paul Villanueva

Aiming to advance ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) and international university partnerships, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) Chief for International Programs Mark Joseph Pastor shared insights as a panelist and research presenter during the 11th International Conference on Intellectual Advancement (ICIA) 2026, held on August 30–31 at the Islamic University of Maldives (IUM) in Malé, Maldives.

Joining academics, researchers, and higher education leaders from different countries, Dr. Pastor participated in the panel discussion “Restructuring Higher Education Alliances for a Sustainable Learning Society,” where he discussed strategies for developing institutional partnerships that translate into concrete programs and opportunities for students, faculty members, and researchers.

The discussion put emphasis on building active and mutually beneficial university alliances through joint research, student and faculty mobility, Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), capacity-building programs, and academic exchanges.

As a research presenter during the conference, Dr. Pastor contributed to discussions on artificial intelligence in education and its implications for teaching, learning, and higher education.

Prior to the conference, he delivered a talk titled “Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education,” where he covered the responsible use and integration of AI in teaching and learning. His presentation also delved into maintaining academic integrity and human-centered education.

Beyond his conference engagements, he also met with his international counterparts in a bid to expand MMSU’s network of international partners and participants for the 4th Global Conference on Teacher Education, Research, and Innovation (GCTERI) in 2027. 

Dr. Pastor’s participation in ICIA 2026 forms part of MMSU’s continuing efforts to strengthen its international presence, build productive global partnerships, and contribute to international discourse on responsible AI use, research, innovation, and sustainable higher education.