Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU) hosted a significant academic engagement today with delegates from Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) and the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), marking a major step forward in strengthening regional and international collaboration in the fields of Engineering, Technology, and Graduate Studies.
The meeting was led by SKSU University President Samson L. Molao, EdD, whose forward-looking leadership continues to guide the university’s efforts in expanding academic partnerships at the local and international levels.
The meeting focused on exploring future partnerships that will enhance academic exchange, joint research initiatives, faculty and student mobility, and the development of graduate programs aligned with global and industry-driven standards. The discussions underscored a shared commitment among the three institutions to foster innovation, research excellence, and cross-border academic cooperation.
Representatives from UTeM expressed their deep gratitude and appreciation to SKSU for the strong and enduring partnership between the two institutions. The UTeM delegation also conveyed their sincere thanks for the very warm accommodation and hospitality extended to them during their visit, reflecting the strong spirit of friendship and mutual respect between Malaysia and the Philippines.
SKSU likewise conveyed its heartfelt appreciation for the unwavering support of the Provincial Government of Sultan Kudarat, led by the visionary and dynamic Governor, Hon. Datu Pax Ali S. Mangudadatu. His leadership and commitment were instrumental in the success of this milestone engagement and in sustaining the university’s internationalization initiatives. Special recognition was also given to the continuing support and vision of Hon. Suharto T. Mangudadatu, whose foresight helped open doors for partnerships beyond borders, and to the Provincial Tourism Officers for their invaluable assistance in ensuring the comfort and accommodation of the visiting delegates.
The UTeM delegation was led by Associate Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Jeefferie Bin Abd Razak, Deputy Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies; Dr. Mohd Rizuan Bin Baharon, Deputy Dean for Research and Postgraduate Studies; and Dr. Nor Aiza Moketar, Software Engineering Specialist. Their participation highlighted UTeM’s strong interest in expanding collaborative academic and research initiatives with Philippine higher education institutions.
Joining the discussions from the University of Southern Mindanao were Dr. Leorence C. Tandog, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Leonard Paleta, Director for Instruction; and Prof. Sofia G. Molao, Dean of the Institute of Middle East and Asian Studies (IMEAS). Their presence reinforced USM’s commitment to inter-university collaboration and shared academic advancement.
The SKSU delegation was led by University President Samson L. Molao, EdD, and joined by Vice President for Academic Affairs Marites P. Java, along with campus directors and deans from various colleges. University officials emphasized SKSU’s dedication to building meaningful international and local partnerships that will benefit students, faculty, and the broader academic community.
This meeting marks another milestone in SKSU’s pursuit of academic excellence and global engagement, laying a strong foundation for future collaborative programs that will advance engineering, technology, and graduate education across institutions and borders. This initiative directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
