By Brett Andrew Rikke Bungcayao, STRATCOM Correspondent

Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) and Maejo University (MJU) in Thailand, both rooted in tourism hubs in Southeast Asia, forge a partnership to advance academic excellence, research innovation, and community development in hospitality and tourism management through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on January 7 via Zoom.

Signed by MMSU OIC-President Prima Fe R. Franco and MJO President Dr. Weerapon Thongma, both institutions agreed to cooperate for five years on the joint conduct of conferences, research activities, and capacity-building initiatives. 

The partnership, initiated by the MMSU College of Business, Economics, and Accountancy (CBEA), covers the exchange of academic materials and publications for faculty, staff, and students. MMSU and MJO will also develop and offer transnational education and short-term courses and the promotion of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Dr. Franco expressed optimism with this collaboration and vowed to make this partnership a progressive one. “At MMSU, we strongly believe in the transformative power of the Tourism, and Hospitality Management Department to connect people, foster cultural appreciation and drive sustainable development.” 

Meanwhile, Dr. Thongma shared that this partnership is rooted in the values of wisdom, innovation, and network, manifesting both institutions’ commitment to academic excellence, innovative research, and shared learning opportunities.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by CBEA Dean Angelina Abrojena, represented by Economics Department Chairperson Jay Pee Ilacas, Linkages and Partnerships Chief Quincy Savellano, and the faculty members of the tourism and hospitality departments.

Maejo University is a public educational institution located in Chiang Mai and is considered to be one of the oldest agricultural universities in Thailand.

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