The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) hosted the ASEAN Conference 2025 on October 15 at the Tadena Hall, in celebration of the University’s 60th Foundation Anniversary. Guided by the theme “Innovating Futures Together: Advancing STEM for a Sustainable and Connected ASEAN,” the conference served as a dynamic platform for academic collaboration and knowledge exchange among Southeast Asian institutions.
The event gathered officials, faculty, and students from leading universities across the region, including Segi University (Malaysia), Universitas Pakuan and Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (Indonesia), Silpakorn University and Chiang Rai Rajabhat University (Thailand), alongside representatives from UNP. Also joining were United States Peace Corps Volunteers underscoring the conference’s commitment to fostering international cooperation, innovation, and educational advancement within the ASEAN community.
The opening program featured inspiring messages from key education officials, setting the tone for the event’s regional significance. Dr. Christine Ferrer, Regional Director of the Commission on Higher Education, stressed the vital role of the ASEAN Regional Conference in promoting collaboration, innovation, and shared learning among member institutions. She highlighted that the gathering serves as a platform for educators, policymakers, and researchers across Southeast Asia to engage in meaningful dialogue on pressing educational concerns—from curriculum development and digital transformation to inclusivity and lifelong learning—thereby strengthening the region’s collective pursuit of educational excellence.
Dr. Erwin Cadorna, in his message, emphasized that the ASEAN Conference serves not only as a venue for the exchange of ideas but also as a vital force in strengthening the bonds of regional unity and cooperation. He explained that through shared experiences, best practices, and innovative research, the conference provides a strategic platform for aligning educational systems with ASEAN’s broader vision of a knowledge-driven, people-centered, and resilient community. Dr. Cadorna noted that this collaborative spirit enables academic institutions to move forward together, transforming differences into opportunities for growth and progress.
More significantly, Dr. Cadorna highlighted that education remains the cornerstone of sustainable development and regional advancement. By fostering stronger partnerships among universities and learning institutions across Southeast Asia, the conference opens new avenues for student and faculty mobility, joint academic programs, and cross-border research collaborations. These initiatives, he said, not only raise the standards of higher education but also deepen mutual respect, understanding, and solidarity among ASEAN learners and educators.
Dr. Pairoj Duangnakhon, President of Chiang Rai Rajabhat University in Thailand, also delivered a message of appreciation, expressing his deep gratitude to the University of Northern Philippines for including Chiang Rai Rajabhat University as a partner in the regional initiative. He emphasized that such collaborations strengthen the bonds of friendship and academic cooperation among ASEAN institutions, paving the way for more meaningful exchanges in research, innovation, and education.
Dr. Rolando Navarro, Vice President for Academic Affairs, warmly welcomed the participants, highlighting the significance of the event in fostering academic collaboration and intellectual exchange. He underscored that such activities play a vital role in advancing educational development, strengthening partnerships, and inspiring innovation among institutions and individuals alike.
The morning session featured a diverse lineup of distinguished speakers who shared insights on innovation, education, and cross-border collaboration. Dr. Wichit Thepprasit of Chiang Rai University, Thailand, opened the discussions with his presentation on “Developing a STEM Learning Management System Promoting the Study of Computational Science Subjects for Junior High School Students for Internationalization.” He was followed by Mr. Rohith Alexander Moolakatt, a Peace Corps Volunteer from the United States of America, who spoke on “Sustaining Shores and Communities: STEM Pathways from Ilocos to ASEAN.” Dr. Natthaphon Santhi, Assistant to the President for International Affairs of Chiang Rai University, then explored “Language Technologies and AI: Bridging Gaps in a Multicultural Region,” while Dr. Asih Wahyuni, Head of the Language Laboratory and Instructional Unit, discussed “Effective Strategies for Multimodal Learning in Southeast Asian Education.” The morning session was attended by faculty and some students of the Colleges of Teacher Education and Communication and Information Technology.
The afternoon session continued with equally compelling presentations. Dr. Naufal Ishartono, Lecturer in Mathematics Education at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Indonesia, tackled “Lifelong Learning and Digital Skills for a Future-ready Workforce.” Dr. Kreangkrai Kirdsiri from the Faculty of Architecture, Silpakorn University, Thailand, highlighted “Preserving Cultural Heritage through Innovative Design and Technology,” followed by Dr. Nu Rul Izzatul Lydia Binti Za’Ba, Head of the Department of Civil Engineering at SeGi University, Malaysia, who presented “Engineering Solutions for Disaster Risk Reduction in ASEAN.” The session was attended by faculty and some students of the Colleges of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology.
Together, the sessions showcased a rich exchange of ideas and best practices, reflecting the region’s collective commitment to advancing education, technology, and sustainable development across ASEAN.
The initiative was spearheaded by the International Affairs and External Linkages Office under the leadership of Dr. Sally Jarin, who played a key role in coordinating the event. Through the office’s efforts, the activity was realized as part of the University’s continuing commitment to foster international collaboration and academic partnerships across ASEAN and beyond.
