By AIT Public Affairs
4 February 2025: The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP), Philippines have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 3 February 2025, reinforcing their commitment to academic, research, and outreach collaboration.
Under this MoU, USTP scholars will have the opportunity to pursue doctoral and master’s programs at AIT as part of a capacity-building collaboration. The partnership also facilitates joint research projects among faculty members, encouraging academic innovation and knowledge exchange. Additionally, the agreement includes postgraduate student and academic staff exchange programs, joint publications—including articles, books, and book chapters—and the organization of collaborative workshops, training sessions, webinars, forums, and community engagement initiatives.
AIT President Prof. Pai-Chi Li highlighted the strong partnership between AIT and USTP, which has spanned nearly eight years. “AIT and USTP share a strong partnership, fostering capacity development through master’s and PhD programs. With 11 students supported so far—five already graduated and six soon to follow—we are proud of their contributions to the Philippines. Today marks an exciting moment as we extend our collaboration beyond capacity building to new opportunities in research and innovation. We appreciate USTP’s support in continuing this meaningful partnership.”
Dr. Ambrosio B. Cultura II, President of USTP, emphasized the impact of this collaboration. “USTP is proud to have AIT as a long-standing partner, fostering impactful collaborations through faculty exchanges and scholar programs. Our shared commitment to education, innovation, and industry engagement continues to open doors for new initiatives, including joint research and exchange programs. We sincerely appreciate AIT’s partnership and look forward to the transformative outcomes that will emerge, making a meaningful impact on our institutions and society” he stated.
Since the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) in 2017 AIT and USTP, the collaboration has significantly strengthened capacity-building efforts. The partnership has enabled USTP scholars to pursue Master’s and Doctoral programs at AIT, with a total of 11 scholars enrolled over the last 8 years. Among them, five have successfully graduated—three with doctoral degrees in ICT under the School of Engineering and Technology (SET) and two with master’s degrees in Industrial Systems Engineering (ISE-SET). Currently, six doctoral scholars from USTP are continuing their studies at AIT, specializing in areas such as ICT, Water Resources Engineering and Management (WREE-SET), Development and Sustainability (DDS-SERD), and Disaster Preparedness, Mitigation and Management (DECC-SERD), with two scholars enrolled in dual doctorate programs in collaboration with IIT-Kanpur, India. Over the years, institutional visits have further strengthened ties, with AIT’s Deans of SET and SERD visit to USTP in February 2024.
Attendees from AIT included Prof. Sangam Shrestha, Dean SET and Co-Director of GWSC; Prof. P. Abdul Salam, Dean SERD; Prof. Yuosre Badir, Dean SOM; Dr. Sumana Shrestha, Director, International Affairs, OIPA, who also gave the closing remarks; Mr. Sanjeet Amatya, Director, Public Affairs, OIPA and Ms. Indra Kumari, Senior Program Officer, International Affairs, OIPA.
The event was attended by several representatives from USTP, including Dr. Lory Liza D. Bulay-og, VP Academic Affairs; Dr. Ramir Philip Jones V. Sonsona, Director, International Affairs; Dr. Israel A. Baguhin, Dean, College of Engineering and Architecture; Dr. Junar A. Landicho, Dean, College of Information Technology and Computing; Dr. Elmer C. Castillano, Dean, College of Science and Mathematics; Dr. Grace S. Pimentel, Dean, College of Science and Technology Education; Dr. Ruvel J. Cuasito Sr., Dean, College of Technology; Dr. Jocelyn B. Barbosa, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Ms. Helen Grace B. Gonzales, Head, Academic Mobility Section-USTP CDO CIAC – COT. Similarly, Ms. Precious Jane F. Lapura, Head, Administrative & Project Management Section,- CIAC CSM; 15. Dr. Alexander L. Ido, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs; Dr. Eric Randy R. Politud, Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation; Dr. Maribel S. Tizo, Dean, College of Engineering and Technology; Ms. Altea Labita, Graduate Program Coordinator; Dr. Greg M. Cubio, Director, Research Center and Institutes; Engr. Alex L. Maureal, Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation / Director for Innovation and Technology Solutions; Dr. Ismael N. Talili, Director, Research Office and Ms. Anne Loraine R. Sitoy, Director, StratComm among others also attended.
Current USTP scholars Mr. Wendell Daaca Talampas, Mrs. Shella Ira Talampas, Ms. Kristina Palomo Badec, Ms. Vida Fe Kabingue Lagumbay, and Ms. Maricel Cultura Dalde, also attended the event.
