Universidad de Manila Strengthens International Academic Partnerships through MOU Signing at AGRASS 2026

Tagaytay City, Philippines – May 26, 2026

Universidad de Manila (UDM), under the leadership of President Dr. Ma. Felma Carlos-Tria, reaffirmed its commitment to academic excellence, internationalization, and collaborative research through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during the Asian Graduate Research and Academic Summit (AGRASS) 2026 held at Alta D’ Tagaytay Convention Center, Tagaytay City, on May 26, 2026.

The MOU brought together higher education institutions and academic organizations from the Philippines, Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, South Korea, Timor-Leste, Malaysia, and the United States, Hong Kond, Malaysia, South Korea establishing a regional and international network dedicated to advancing research, academic exchange, and capacity-building initiatives.

Representing Universidad de Manila, Dr. Ma. Felma Carlos-Tria joined university presidents, deans, directors, and academic leaders in formalizing a collaborative agreement designed to strengthen institutional linkages and foster innovation in higher education.

The Memorandum of Understanding outlines several key areas of cooperation, including:

• Joint research projects and scholarly publications;
• Faculty and student exchange programs;
• Capacity-building initiatives through seminars, workshops, and training programs;
• Collaboration in conferences, research summits, and graduate forums;
• Sharing of academic resources, research materials, and digital learning tools.

The agreement seeks to promote knowledge exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration among participating institutions while addressing regional and global challenges through research and innovation.

As a signatory to the MOU, Universidad de Manila will have opportunities to engage in collaborative research endeavors, expand international academic partnerships, and provide enhanced learning experiences for its faculty members and students. The partnership also supports the university’s strategic direction toward global engagement and research productivity.

According to the agreement, participating institutions will designate focal persons to coordinate collaborative activities, explore funding opportunities for joint initiatives, and regularly evaluate the progress of partnership programs. The MOU shall remain in effect for five years, subject to renewal by mutual agreement of the signatory institutions.

Among the participating institutions were Burapha University (Thailand), Politeknik Piksi Ganesha (Indonesia), Svay Rieng University (Cambodia), Phom Penh Teaching Education College (Cambodia), Virscent University (USA), Prestige Management Services (HK) Ltd. (Hong Kong), Le Quadri Hotel UCSI University (Malaysia), Cheju Halla University (South Korea, Institute of Business (Timor Leste) University of Perpetual Help System-DALTA, Quezon City University, Bataan Peninsula State University, Bulacan Agricultural State College, Mountain Province State University, Occidental Mindoro State College, Taguig City University, Holy Trinity University, Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology, Mountain Province State University, IAcademy-Makati and several other academic institutions and organizations from across Asia and beyond.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Dr. Myrna Q. Mallari, , Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), highlighting the significance of regional academic cooperation in promoting quality education, research excellence, and sustainable development.

Through its participation in AGRASS 2026 and the signing of this international MOU, Universidad de Manila continues to strengthen its role as a dynamic institution committed to fostering global partnerships, advancing research collaboration, and preparing future leaders in an increasingly interconnected world.