Universidad de Manila and Politeknik Negeri Jakarta Forge Alliance for Educational Excellence and Innovation
Manila, Philippines – On October 28, 2024, Universidad de Manila (UDM) hosted Politeknik Negeri Jakarta (PNJ) for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing and benchmarking event, which marked an important step toward strengthening international academic collaboration. This partnership, held in UDM’s Accreditation Room, highlights both institutions’ commitment to fostering innovation, cultural exchange, and shared educational goals. Key UDM officials attended the event, including Mr. Manfredo A. Marcellano, Vice President for Administration; Mr. Jeffrey Litan, Vice President for Comptrollership; and Atty. Rodolfo V. Castillo, Vice President for Student Success and Support Services. All deans from various colleges, as well as officials and chairpersons of the College of Technology, were present, underscoring the university’s strong support for this international partnership.
Highlights of the Program
The event began with a formal registration and warm welcome for the PNJ delegation, followed by a ceremonial exchange of national hymns and a welcome address from UDM President Dr. Ma. Felma Tria, who welcomed the PNJ delegation and set the tone for a day focused on academic synergy.
The MOU signing ceremony was a significant milestone, with both institutions agreeing to collaborate on research, faculty exchanges, and joint programs, particularly in computer technology and engineering fields. Dr. Ronald A. Herrera, Vice President of Academic Affairs, delivered a special message emphasizing the vision for transformative educational opportunities through this alliance.
The morning session provided insight into each institution’s history and academic focus. UDM emphasized its legacy as a center for educational advancement in Manila, while Dr. Indra Hermawan of PNJ spoke about the institution’s pioneering work in IoT and networking. The presentation was followed by Mr. Iik Muhammad Malik Matin, the head of ICT. An open discussion between CET faculty and PNJ representatives revealed numerous avenues for joint research, student exchanges, and collaborative projects in technology and engineering.
The afternoon agenda included discussions about potential joint projects, research initiatives, and faculty and student exchange programs between UDM and PNJ. The roundtable session highlighted research accomplishments and facilitated brainstorming on future joint conferences, symposiums, and collaborative programs aimed at strengthening both institutions’ impact in the international research community.
Following the roundtable discussion, the PNJ delegation was given an exclusive tour of UDM’s facilities, which provided PNJ faculty with firsthand knowledge of UDM’s resources, research laboratories, and technological hubs. These facilities highlight UDM’s dedication to fostering student learning and innovation.
Future Prospects for Global Collaboration
The event concluded with an afternoon roundtable discussion about opportunities for collaborative research projects, conferences, and technological innovation in higher education. Both UDM and PNJ envision a future characterized by enhanced learning experiences and forward-thinking research contributions that transcend borders.
With this MOU, facilitated by University Research, External Linkages, and International Affairs (URELIA), Universidad de Manila and Politeknik Negeri Jakarta envision a future of enhanced academic and cultural exchanges, fostering a global perspective for both Filipino and Indonesian students and faculty. The partnership lays the groundwork for cross-border collaboration in research and technology, contributing to both institutions’ missions of educational excellence and innovation.
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