By Jerylvin Rabago

Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) continues strengthening its global ties forging promising strategic partnerships as faculty members and medical staff represented the university at the ASEAN Medical and Health Vocational Education Exchange held on November 23-24 at Guangxi Health Science College (GHSC) in China.

The MMSU delegation comprised Dr. Robert Salvador from the College of Industrial Technology, Prof. Judith Valenzuela from the College of Health Sciences, and Mr. Christian Jay Subaste from the MMSU Health and Wellness Directorate. Alongside delegates from Malaysia, Laos, and other Southeast Asian industry leaders, they discussed healthcare management, household services, culinary arts, garment and textile production, and e-commerce.

Key outcomes of the conference included plans for MMSU to collaborate with Chinese institutions. The Guangxi Economic and Trade Vocational Institute and the Guangxi Pengyuzu Vocational Training Center expressed interest in partnerships, announcing their intention to visit MMSU for skills mapping, collaborative discussions, and the signing of Memoranda of Understanding.

Dr. Salvador, representing MMSU, delivered a well-received presentation representing the university’s capabilities and commitment to global partnerships. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase MMSU’s role in advancing education and research across borders.

Further initiatives with GHSC are set for December, including the launch of the China-Philippines Institute of Modern Craftsmanship in Household Service, faculty training programs, and healthcare simulation equipment upgrades. Dr. Qiming Zheng, a renowned expert in traditional Chinese medicine, is also scheduled to visit MMSU as part of this collaboration.

In addition, the Guangxi Economic and Trade Vocational Institute will engage with MMSU to promote TVET programs in culinary arts, textiles, and e-commerce. Beyond its collaboration with China, MMSU is also in discussions with the National University of Malaysia (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia) for potential partnerships in health sciences and occupational health.

MMSU sustains its pursuit of strategic international linkages that improve education, research, and community development