In a significant move to strengthen international academic and industrial ties, a team of eight personnel from Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU) successfully concluded a six-day international immersive industrial exploration in Thailand and Malaysia. The event, held from August 11 to 16, 2024, aimed at establishing partnerships for cultural exchange, On-the-Job Training (OJT) deployment, networking events, and other mutually beneficial activities.
The delegation, led by Dr. Ernie C. Cerado, Vice President for Academic Affairs, included prominent university officials such as Dr. Marites B. Java, Director for Instruction; Dr. Abraham S. Accad, Dean of the College of Industrial Technology and Master of Arts in Teaching Livelihood Technology Education; Ms. Evora H. Dioneza, International Relations Officer; Ms. Jena Mae M. Fatagani, Program Chairperson of the Bachelor in Technical-Vocational Teacher Education; and CIT faculty members Mr. Randy T. Berina, Mr. Cirilo C. Evangelista, and Mr. Josue V. Guinsan.
The journey commenced early on August 11, with the team departing from General Santos City to Manila, followed by an afternoon flight to Bangkok. Upon their late-night arrival in Bangkok, they traveled to Pattaya City, arriving at 12:30 AM, in preparation for the next day’s activities.
Capitalizing on Thailand’s holiday in honor of H.M. Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother’s birthday, the SKSU delegation immersed themselves in an authentic Thai culinary experience at Nong Nooch Pattaya. They honed their skills in preparing traditional Thai dishes such as Pad Thai and Tom Yam, guided by expert chefs. Their stay in Pattaya also included visits to iconic locations such as Pattaya Park, renowned for its world-class botanical gardens, and a brief stop at Gems Gallery Pattaya, the world’s largest jewelry store.
On the third day, the delegation visited notable Thai industry and academic institutions. Their first stop was the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), where they explored the Space Inspirium and discussed potential collaborations, particularly in OJT deployment and training programs. The team then proceeded to King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) for discussions on joint training, seminars, research, and student mobility.
The day culminated with a visit to Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University (SSRU), where the SKSU team was warmly welcomed by the Dean of the Faculty of Industrial Technology, Asst. Prof. Dr. Chonmapat Torasa. This visit highlighted the long-standing friendship between SKSU CIT-Dean Dr. Abraham Accad and SSRU Senior Lecturer Prof. Dr. Somkiat Korbuakaew, both alumni of the of the Technological University of the Philippines Manila Campus.
On the fourth day, the delegation reunited with old partners at School and University Multimedia (SUM) System Inc., led by CEO Ms. Ubon R. Suttana. This visit underscored the partnership between SKSU and SUM, dating back to 2017. The team also visited Planet Communications Asia Plc., where discussions centered on internship programs, joint training, and research opportunities. The afternoon tour included an immersive experience at the Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited, where the team gained insights into the digital and automotive activities of Bangkok’s train transit system.
The fifth day began with a tour of Ichitan, a leading Thai beverage company, where SKSU participants explored the factory and discussed potential collaborations in research and academics. The team then headed to Don Mueang International Airport for their flight to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, marking the end of their Thai experience.
In Malaysia, the team first visited Istana Negara, the residence of the King of Malaysia, before proceeding to Lincoln University College (LUC) in Kuala Lumpur. There, they met with the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Assoc. Prof. Dati’Ir. Jamaludin Bin Non, to discuss academic collaborations. Both parties expressed interest in partnering through OJT deployment, cultural exchange, student exchange, research publications, and the potential offering of dual degrees.
The afternoon sessions offered the SKSU delegates a blend of industrial and cultural experiences. They visited Royal Selangor Visitor Center to experience pewter craft, followed by a tour of the iconic Petronas Towers and Batu Caves, a site of significant cultural and religious importance.
The SKSU delegation’s visit to the landscaping and parks, temples, and other structures in Thailand and Malaysia allowed the participants to be immersed in both traditional and advanced architectural and civil technology that reflect rich cultural heritage of these Southeast Asian nations, fostering a strong sense of ASEAN citizenship that can be transcended across borders of diversity in the classroom and beyond.
The exploration concluded on August 16, with the team returning to the Philippines. This international immersive industrial exploration marks a significant step in SKSU’s efforts to expand its global footprint, fostering collaborations that are expected to yield long-term benefits for both the university and its students.
