Mariano Marcos
State University

MMSU-ILP director joins EU-ASEAN education talks to explore global opportunities

By Dhanie John Padulip

Seeking to broaden the international linkages of Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), Director for Internationalization, Linkages, and Partnerships Jeanette Dials joined regional policymakers and academic leaders at the 4th EU-ASEAN Policy Dialogue on Higher Education, which opened on October 27 in Quezon City.

Through discussions and networking sessions, Prof. Dials engaged with representatives of European and Southeast Asian universities to pursue potential collaborations that could support MMSU’s academic and research initiatives and create broader learning opportunities for students and faculty.

Organized by the European Union (EU) in collaboration with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), led by Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis, the two-day dialogue brings together policymakers, university leaders, and technical-vocational education stakeholders to strengthen cooperation in higher education, academic mobility, and university-industry partnerships.

This year’s dialogue focuses on innovation and skills development to support the ASEAN Blue Economy, which promotes the sustainable use of marine and aquatic resources. Discussions highlight how higher education and technical-vocational training can help develop a skilled workforce for sectors such as fisheries, maritime transport, coastal tourism, and renewable energy.

The dialogue is part of the EU-ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package–Higher Education (SCOPE-HE), a €9.3-million initiative funded by the EU and implemented by Nuffic, the Dutch organization for internationalization in education, in partnership with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

The initiative supports cooperation among European and Southeast Asian higher education institutions, including efforts to improve the recognition of qualifications and expand student mobility.

Prof. Dials’ participation reflects MMSU’s continuing efforts to strengthen its international connections and explore partnerships that could bring shared expertise, new perspectives, and wider academic opportunities closer to the university.