By Daniel P. Tapaoan, Jr.      

Two reputable universities in India and Indonesia have tied up with the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) to jointly explore on innovative teaching methods and research activities, and to further promote educational exchanges. 

Starting this year, the Adamas University (AU) in India and the Universitas Sarjanawiyata Tamansiswa (UST) in Indonesia are collaborating with MMSU, with the signing of memoranda of understanding by MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis, AU School of Education Director Shauli Mukherjee, and UST Rector Drs. Pardimin on March 15. 

MMSU and AU have agreed to jointly conduct faculty and student mobility for study, research and lectures, and publications.

Also, MMSU and UST agreed to develop short courses and transnational education programs; organize academic symposia, workshops, conferences, internships and immersion programs. 

Dr. Mukherjee expressed hope the collaboration will open avenues and opportunities for mutual sharing between the partner institutions. 

“We look forward to the mutual sharing of faculty expertise and visiting lecturer opportunities, student exchange programs, access to library resources, and benchmarking,” Prof. Pardimin said.

For her part, Dr. Agrupis affirmed the university’s commitment to work with the two foreign universities to promote international exchanges which will also include cultural activities. 

“As we brace for globalization, we need to focus on enhancing our programs to enhance the competencies of our faculty and students who will form the future human capital of the world,” she stressed, adding “We shall identify our strengths and weaknesses so that we can complement each other.” 

The College of Teacher Education (CTE) will serve as lead implementer of the academic exchanges with the AU and UST. 

“Our MOUs show our collective aspirations to succeed in collaborative activities,” expressed CTE Dean Aris Reynold V. Cajigal as he thanked the foreign universities for the trust and confidence to MMSU. (HLY/JVBT, StratCom)