The Pangasinan State University, through its International Affairs and Linkages Office (IALO), officially sealed partnership with INTI International University and Colleges in Malaysia during a ceremonial signing of memorandum of agreement (MOA).
The partnership aims to foster academic collaboration in education and to fortify cooperation in the advancement of key areas such as teaching and learning, employability, and research.
The MOA signing took place on January 26 via Zoom platform, with the leaders of the two institutions sealing the agreement – PSU President Dr. Dexter R. Buted and Chief Executive Officer Chong Kok Wai of INTI International University and Colleges.
IALO Director Dr. Sally A. Jarin expressed her elation to the realization of the partnership after several months of consultation. While Vice-President for Academic Affairs and Student Services Dr. Manolito C. Manuel shared that forging academic partnerships with international Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) like INTI is a testament to PSU’s commitment to its vision of becoming a premier state university in the ASEAN region.
Dr. Jesus Tinawin, vice-president for International Business Development of INTI, also shared how the initiative came about and how he is looking forward to executing the MOA’s provisions.
Under the agreement, the institutions will collaborate on efforts including Study Abroad Information Open Day, academic progression, placement and enrolment for Pre-University Foundation, diploma, Bachelor and Master, visiting scholar, as well as student and faculty exchange programs.
Dr. Buted, in his words of commitment, pledged that PSU commits its expertise and resources and will actively engage in carrying out the University’s responsibilities thereby set in the partnership as stipulated in the signed MOA.
Mr. Wai also expressed his excitement in partnering with PSU as INTI expands its academic partnership in the Philippines. “While people are wary of traveling and meeting people in person amid the pandemic, this does not stop or slow our efforts in academic partnership and collaboration. Many projects can be carried out using technology to further enhance students’ learning experience,” he said.
Distinguished guests in attendance at the virtual ceremony from INTI International University and Colleges included Dr. Jane Lim See Yin, chief executive of INTI- Subang; Ms. Roselyn Chua, chief executive of INTI-Sabah; Ms. Hemalatha Murugiah, chief executive of INTI-Penang; Ms. Ganeshwari Thangarajah, chief Executive of INTI- Kuala Lumpur; Mr. Jesus C. Tinawin, vice-president for International Business Development; Ms. Vimal Isha Kaur Harpajan Singh, legal counsel; and Ms. Ilyani Zahari, public relations and corporate communications manager.
Joining the PSU Team were Dr. Rosario DL. Valencerina, executive director of the School of Advanced Studies (SAS) ; Dr. Phillip O. Queroda, executive director of the Open University System; Dr. Gemma M. De Vera, SAS deputy director for Academics, Research and Extension; and Dr. Renato M. Salcedo, director of the Public Relations, Publication and Information Office.
