MMSU commended for internationalization feats

Among higher education institution heads in the Philippines, one university president stood out as the best in internationalization leadership.

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis received the Internationalization Leadership Award during the 1st ASEAN Philippine Higher Education International Champions of Nation-Building and Sustainability (ICONS) Internationalization Awards held today, August 26, at the Hilton Hotel in Pasay City. The award is given to an HEI executive official who exemplifies transformative and futuristic leadership in internationalization of Philippine Higher Education. MMSU was also commended as an internationally ranked and rated Philippine higher education institution.

Thanking CHED for this recognition, President Agrupis largely credited the feat to the very supportive MMSU Board of Regents, currently chaired by CHED chairperson J. Prospero E. De Vera, which “guided and inspired us to craft and carry out our strategic internationalization plan.” Dr. Agrupis also mentioned former BOR chair and CHED Commissioner Lilian A. De Las LLagas, who served as MMSU’s “yardstick in pursuing excellence in internationalization.” 

“We did not pursue IZN to win any award, we did it with the end view of preparing our students for success in the competitive VUCA (volatility uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity) World. This makes this honor more meaningful and extraordinary,” she expressed, after expressing appreciation to all MMSU personnel involved in internationalization initiatives. “This award is not just a testament to MMSU’s milestones in IZN but also a testament to the Commission on Higher Education’s stalwart leadership and strong support to HEIs.”

Moreover, CHED commended MMSU’s feats in the Quacquarelli Symonds Stars Rating, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, and the World Universities with Real Impact Rankings. The university was also a finalist for the Global Citizenship Award, and the Outstanding Contribution to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Award. President Agrupis was accompanied by futures thinking and strategic foresight director Saturnina Nisperos and alumni relations chief Krismarie Yapo. The MMSU Internationalization, Linkages and Partnerships Office is headed by Dr. Mee Jay Domingo. 

The ASEAN ICONS IZN Awards recognizes HEIS which championed the global reputation of the Philippine higher education through their commendable performance in recognized international rankings and ratings, trailblazing efforts to advance internationalization of HEIs, and innovative initiatives to contribute to the country’s economic and societal goals. It coincided with the celebration of the 55th Founding Anniversary of the ASEAN. (HLY/JVBT/DPTJ, StratCom)