- October 16, 2025
Mapúa MCL Explores the Future of Transnational Higher Education
On September 4, 2025, the Office for Strategic Partnerships and Global Engagement (OSPGE) of Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL) organized an ASEAN Lecture at the Global Classroom, focusing on the role of transnational higher education in strengthening international linkages and advancing global academic collaboration.
The lecture was delivered by Dr. Pelagio Labang, Jr., Education Supervisor II and Internationalization & Transnational Higher Education (TNHE) Focal Person from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional IV-A, through a Masterclass on Transnational Higher Education. Dr. Labang provided an in-depth overview of how TNHE initiatives, such as student and faculty exchanges, dual and joint degree programs, and cross-border research collaborations, can enhance global learning opportunities and raise the competitiveness of higher education institutions.
The discussion highlighted that TNHE does not only benefit students and faculty by broadening their perspectives and academic experiences, but also contributes to institutional development through partnerships with universities abroad. Such collaborations, according to Dr. Labang, create platforms for sharing best practices, addressing regional challenges through collective research, and strengthening networks that drive innovation and sustainability.
The session further emphasized the alignment of transnational education with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by expanding access to inclusive and relevant academic opportunities, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by fostering stronger cross-border collaboration. These initiatives are viewed as vital in strengthening education systems, enabling collective responses to global challenges, and reinforcing ASEAN’s role in shaping international academic cooperation.
Through the ASEAN Lecture, Mapúa MCL reaffirmed its commitment to advancing internationalization and preparing globally competitive graduates. The event highlighted the institution’s role in promoting academic partnerships that not only broaden learning experiences but also serve as pathways for innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable development.
