By AIT Public Affairs
3 March 2025: The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) has established partnerships with Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) and Central Mindanao University (CMU) in the Philippines through the signing of separate Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). The agreements were signed in the presence of Professor Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, Commissioner of the Commission of Higher Education Development (CHED), Philippines, on 3 March 2025.
Speaking at the signing, AIT President Professor. Pai-Chi Li expressed confidence in the collaboration, stating, “This partnership is a step toward a strong and lasting collaboration. The Philippines has long been part of the AIT community through our students, staff, and academic ties. While agriculture remains a key area, we see great potential to expand into engineering, technology, and more. With scholarships and joint research, we aim to build capacity and create real solutions, especially in climate change and sustainability.”
Professor Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis emphasized that strengthening ties between the Philippines and AIT is more than an academic partnership—it is about driving meaningful change in education, research, and sustainable development. With 22 government universities across nine regions under her oversight, she highlighted the vast potential for deeper engagement through government-supported initiatives. “Moving beyond university-to-university agreements toward a government-to-government partnership between Thailand and the Philippines will pave the way for enhanced transnational education, industry-relevant programs, and sustainable manpower development. By leveraging AIT’s expertise in innovation, technology, and capacity-building, we can bridge gaps in academia-industry collaboration, advance micro-credential initiatives, and equip future generations with the skills needed for emerging global challenges. Together, we can create a model of collaboration that strengthens educational ecosystems and fuels regional progress,” she stated.
NVSU President, Professor Dr. Wilfredo A. Dumale, Jr., shared his enthusiasm, highlighting the university’s strong programs in engineering and forestry. “We are fully prepared for this partnership and eager to collaborate. I look forward to welcoming you to our institution in the future,” he said.
CMU President Professor Dr. Rolito G. Eballe underscored the university’s academic strengths, noting that several of its programs hold Center of Development status. “We would like to establish AIT as one of the key destinations for our faculty, staff, and scholars, fostering academic and research collaborations. While only a few of our faculty members have previously trained at AIT, many have pursued studies at other institutions in Thailand. This visit presents an excellent opportunity to renew and strengthen our ties with AIT, ensuring mutual benefits for both institutions,” he said.
The agreements are designed to enhance cooperation between AIT and the Philippine universities, strengthening institutional relationships in fields of mutual interest and working collectively toward regional economic growth and sustainable development.
Under the MoUs, the scope of collaboration includes:
- Education and Continuing Education: Faculty and staff exchanges, student exchanges, and the joint development of curricula and training courses.
- Communication and Scientific and Technical Information: Sharing educational resources and enhancing institutional communication.
- Research Development and Technology Transfer: Organizing scientific events, launching research projects, and advancing technology transfer initiatives to promote innovation and sustainable development.
The signing was also attended by Atty. Regine Karla G. Tabas, Executive Assistant IV and Director for International Affairs at NVSU. From AIT Prof. Sangam Shrestha, Dean of SET and Co-Director of GWSC; Prof. Abdul Salam, Dean of SERD; Prof. Anil Kumar Anal, Chair of FINH/FEBT/FANR/SERD; Dr. Sumana Shrestha, Director of International Affairs, OIPA; Mr. Sanjeet Amatya, Director of Public Affairs, OIPA; and Ms. Indra Kumari, Senior Program Officer, International Affairs, OIPA were present.
