- July 13, 2026
Strengthening Global Partnerships Through Learning and Collaboration: Mapúa MCL and ITS Hold Industrial Engineering Global Lecture Series
By: Cinderella Manalang
On July 1, 2026, Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL), through the Mapúa Institute of Technology at Laguna (MITL) and the Office of the Vice President for External Linkages, Internationalization, and Transnational Education (ELITE), in collaboration with Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), Indonesia, successfully conducted a series of academic and collaborative activities that strengthened international partnerships and promoted global learning opportunities for Industrial Engineering students.
The program commenced with SynergIE: Global Journeys and Professional Milestones, an engaging session that celebrated international collaboration, professional development, and the exchange of experiences among future industrial engineers. Spearheaded by Philippine Institute of Industrial Engineers and the Operations Research Society of the Philippines (PIIE-ORSP) – Mapúa MCL Student Chapter Participants were also given the opportunity to join a campus facilities tour, allowing the visiting delegates from ITS to explore Mapúa MCL’s academic spaces and learning environment.
A discussion on potential research collaborations followed, led by Engr. Katherine D. Gavino, Program Chair of the B.S. Industrial Engineering program. The session explored opportunities for joint research initiatives, faculty engagement, and future academic partnerships between Mapúa MCL and ITS, further strengthening the relationship between the two institutions.
Reflecting on the visit, Engr. Gavino shared how the experience became more than an academic collaboration, it also served as an opportunity for growth, resilience, and community building.
“Hosting our guests from Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) was both an inspiring and humbling experience as program chair of the BS Industrial Engineering program. Beyond the meaningful exchange of knowledge, the visit challenged me to think of more ways we can continuously improve our curriculum and learning experiences to better prepare our graduates for the rapidly evolving needs of industry.
What touched me the most was hearing our guests share how much they admired the genuine closeness of our IE community, a culture they observed from our morning sessions until the end of the day. It was a simple yet meaningful affirmation that while we strive to produce competent Industrial Engineers, we are also building a community where people genuinely enjoy learning, growing, and supporting one another.”
The day’s activities concluded with the Industrial Engineering (IE) Global Lecture Series: Connecting Classes, Knowledge Beyond Borders, a continuing collaborative initiative between Mapúa MCL and ITS that brings together faculty experts from both institutions to foster international knowledge exchange through specialized lectures. Building on the success of the earlier sessions led by Engr. Jomar R. Oblea and Dr. Rizki Revianto Putera, the latest installment featured Prof. Rahmatul Istighfarin and Dr. Retno Widyaningrum, who delivered a presentation on “NIOSH Lifting Guidelines.” Their lecture provided students and faculty with valuable insights while reinforcing the importance of global collaboration in advancing industrial engineering education and professional practice.
The event also highlighted the dedication and leadership of the student organizers who worked behind the scenes to ensure its success. Marjie Abalin, President of the PIIE-ORSP Mapúa MCL Student Chapter, reflected on the significance of the partnership and the valuable lessons gained throughout the experience.
“Upon hearing about the partnership with Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), I was thrilled for the opportunity to work on a project with them, particularly in preparing a special event where our community could connect and engage with our international guests.
What really made this experience truly meaningful was realizing that we gained far more than a successful event. Through the sharing of global perspectives and experiences, we were able to reflect on how we can improve our own practices and continue growing as future industrial engineers. Hearing the guests appreciate the team’s efforts, even the smallest details, was both rewarding and motivating.
This event reminded me that learning goes beyond the classroom—it happens through collaboration, cultural exchange, and genuine connections with others. In the end, it was an experience that strengthened not only our partnership with ITS but also my appreciation for the value of serving and learning with a global mindset.”
Through initiatives such as the Industrial Engineering Global Lecture Series, Mapúa MCL continues to expand opportunities for international collaboration, knowledge exchange, and academic excellence. The partnership with ITS reinforces both institutions’ shared commitment to preparing globally competitive engineers equipped with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives needed to address the evolving demands of the profession.
The partnership between Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL) and Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), Indonesia was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on March 26, 2025, during the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) 2025 Conference in New Delhi, India. The agreement provides a framework for collaboration in student and faculty mobility programs, including exchange programs, short-term academic engagements, and co-curricular initiatives; research collaboration; industry–academe partnerships; regional and global cultural exchange programs, including study visits and intercultural learning experiences; and collaborative initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This enduring partnership continues to create meaningful opportunities for academic excellence, innovation, and international engagement, empowering students and faculty from both institutions to learn and collaborate.
