Mapúa MCL joins Times Higher Education (THE) Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
“Internationalization drives institutions to open their doors wider to welcome international students and form global alliances. Universities attract talent and cultivate a cross-cultural exchange that helps graduates thrive in an interconnected world.
Universities must align curricula with industry needs and provide their graduates with practical skills, making them employable and boosting economic growth to address the employability and skills gap.
By upholding values of empathy, integrity, and honesty, and through the cultivation of ethical leaders and compassionate citizens, universities cement their role in shaping a future that is academically brilliant, socially conscious, and responsible.”
The statement above serves as the inspiration of Times Higher Education (THE) in organizing the 2024 Asia Universities Summit last April 29 to May 1, 2024 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Co-hosted by Sunway University, the Summit was able to gather close to 1,000 university leaders and stakeholders to get valuable inputs on the following sessions:
- Day One: Transnational education: Building bridges across countries and campuses
- Day Two: Employability and skills gap: Building bridges with industry
- Day Three: Communities and authorities: Building bridges with society
Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL) participated in the Summit as part of its efforts to build a reputation among regional networks, including the Asia Pacific through THE. The delegation was composed of the following:
- Dr. Dodjie S. Maestrecampo, President and Chief Executive Officer
- Engr. Anthony Hilmer S. Medrano, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
- Prof. James Ronald O. Mesina, Assistant Vice President for External Relations and Global Linkages
- Engr. Rachel C. Villanueva, Assistant Vice President for Planning and Quality Management
The Summit was opened by the Keynote Addresses of Malaysia Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Zamby Abdul Kadir who stressed the importance of globalization in education and how the Malaysian Government supports universities in meeting global standards. In the opening ceremonies, similar thoughts were shared by Phil Baty, THE’s Chief of Global Affairs; and Sunway University President, Dr. Sibrandes Poppema. It was followed by panel discussions and networking sessions with education solution providers, and exhibitor universities.
The Mapúa MCL delegation was also given the chance to meet and greet Sunway University President, Dr. Poppema, to briefly discuss the partnership between the two universities as facilitated by Cintana Education.
Prof. James Ronald O. Mesina stressed the importance of keeping the network among global higher education stakeholders in positioning Mapúa MCL strategically in its journey into becoming a reputable institution in teaching, learning, research, and extension services. In breaking into this global higher education arena, internationalization efforts such as faculty and staff mobility, student exchange, and research collaboration must be arranged with partner institutions for a mor meaningful engagement.
The next THE Asia Universities Summit will be held on April 2025 at Macau Special Administrative Region in China.