by Edmar Delos Santos, StratCom Correspondent

Mariano Marcos State University established a partnership with Han Chiang University College of Communication (HCUC) in Malaysia by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) today, November 5, via Zoom for the promotion of academic, research, and community development programs. 

The partnership was formalized by MMSU OIC President Dr. Prima Fe R. Franco, represented by Vice President for Planning and Strategic Foresight Dr. Virgilio Julius P. Manzano Jr., and HCUC Vice Chancellor Associate Professor Dr. Beh Kok Hooi. 

Under the MoU, MMSU and HCUC will cooperate for five years by jointly conducting conferences, research activities, and capacity-building initiatives. The partnership also includes the exchange of academic materials and publications, faculty, staff, and students for instruction, research, and community engagement programs. Both institutions will also develop and offer transnational education and short-term courses and promote the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Dr. Manzano expressed the university’s commitment to partnering with HCUC. “Through this memorandum of understanding, we are harnessing communication’s potential in education, research, community development, and intercultural relations.”

HCUC Vice Chancellor Associate Professor Dr. Beh also welcomed the partnership and expressed hope for a fruitful collaboration with MMSU.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by MMSU College of Arts and Sciences Dean Dr. Marlina Lino, communication faculty members and students, and HCUC officials and representatives, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor Ms. Jenny Khoo Gim Hoon, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dr. Teng Tjoon Tow, Head of International Office Dr. Yang Jie, School of Communication and Media Dean Mr. Chuah Chin Guan, and Program Manager cum Lecturer Dr. Lim Shiang Shiang.