UNO-R Bacolod’s global journey continues through the advancing of Augustinian Values and sustainable development goals through International collaboration and enduring legacy in Bangkok Thailand, Feb. 5-12.
Advancing Academic Engagements
Rooted in the Augustinian values of Caritas et Scientia, UNO-R Inc. has once again demonstrated its exemplary leadership and profound commitment to academic excellence, internationalization and sustainability, while visiting the top tier institutions in Thailand. The delegation led by the University President, Rev. Fr. Joel Alve, who was accompanied by Dr. Agnes Sequiño, the Director of Internationalization Office, Engr. Ashraf Khater, Director of Research and Development, Engr. Lea Joy Hiponia, Dean of the College of Engineering, and Dr. Annabee Magbanua-Claur, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, were warmly greeted by key officials of the top-tier institutions in the “Land of the Free”- King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Kasetsart University, and Chulalongkorn University.
The exploratory meeting at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi headed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chawin Chantharasenawong, Vice President for Internationalization, Ms. Sasima Juwasophi, Director for International Affairs Office, and Ms. Parichart Kreaktarvuth, International Coordinator, provided a platform for the team, especially for Fr. Alve and Engr. Hiponia, for an insightful exploratory discussion, focusing on the future of robotics, artificial intelligence, and engineering innovation. The enriching exchange set the stage for the future signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions, solidifying a collaborative partnership aimed at advancing education, research, student mobility, and internship.
On the other hand, the trip to Kasetsart University paved the way to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding which provided two institutions to collaborate on various areas but not limited to Agriculture and Technology, Engineering and Innovations, Research and Development, Arts, Culture, and Community Engagement, and for the provision of Student Mobility and Exchange program for Tropical Agriculture and Engineering. Representing Kasetsart University on this momentous signing was Assoc. Prof. Apisit Songsasen, Ph. D., Vice President for Academic Affairs and Lifelong Learning, as assisted by Dr. Tanee Sreewongchai, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, and witnessed by Asst. Prof. Dr. Supapatpimol Simlee, Assistant to the President for International Affairs, and Dr. Donludee Jaisut, Associate Dean of International Affairs. Dr Donnie’s office made this event possible through the assistance of Ms. Monta. This signed document has also provided a platform to integrate the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the conversation, positioning these global goals at the heart of future collaborations.
At the forefront of the discussions were thematic initiatives, vividly articulated by Fr. Alve and supported by the directors and deans. This was integral to shaping its internationalization efforts, ensuring that the global partnership framework is not only academically beneficial but will also foster a more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive world for the next generations.
Father Alve also expressed his sincere gratitude to the late Kasetsart University President, Dr. Chongrak Wachirinrat, whose early demise left a profound sadness not only to KU Academic community but to the global partners as well. Despite his physical absence, Father Alve highlighted the legacy he has left, as a champion of international collaborations, to be celebrated and continued just as how he started his leadership journey in the largest agricultural university in Thailand.
The jubilant exchange of institutional gifts and tokens between UNO-R Bacolod and the partners at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Kasetsart University, and Chulalongkorn University exemplified the spirit of mutual respect, and the genuine desire to create lasting, meaningful partnerships.