Advancing technical education in emerging automotive technologies, the University of Northern Philippines, through its College of Technology (CTech), welcomed representatives of China’s Beifang Automotive Education Group and its authorized Philippine partner, Murakami Group of Companies, on October 26, 2027, for an on-site presentation of electric and hybrid vehicle training equipment and a technical orientation designed to introduce innovative tools and technologies for automotive instruction.
The visit gathered university officials, faculty members, and students of the College of Technology to gain firsthand insights into emerging automotive training technologies, particularly specialized equipment and systems for electric and hybrid vehicles. It also provided an opportunity to explore how industry-driven technologies and practical training approaches could enhance instruction, enrich students’ technical competencies, and support the continuing advancement of UNP’s automotive and related technology programs in response to evolving industry demands.
Dr. Julius Moises Albalos, Dean of the College of Technology, formally welcomed the visiting representatives and participants, emphasizing the college’s continuing commitment to advance technology education through exposure to emerging innovations and industry practices.
Meanwhile, Dr. Sally Jarin, Director of the International Affairs and External Linkages Office, presented the rationale of the activity, highlighting its significance in expanding the University of Northern Philippines’ international and industry partnerships. The engagement emphasized the value of connecting academic institutions with technology and training providers to explore collaborative opportunities, facilitate knowledge exchange, and enhance professional development in response to evolving technological demands.
UNP President Dr. Erwin Cadorna delivered his message expressing the university’s institutional support for the initiative and its continuing commitment to provide relevant, responsive, and industry-aligned education. His participation highlighted the importance of bringing international expertise and emerging technological advancements into the academic environment to help equip students and faculty members with knowledge and competencies responsive to the changing demands of the technology sector.
Representing Beifang Automotive Education Group, Mr. Lindsey Zhang, Global General Manager and Director of Americas Markets, conveyed his message through a visual presentation that introduced the organization’s role in advancing automotive technology education. His presentation provided the university community with an overview of Beifang’s engagement in technical training and automotive education, contributing to the exchange of industry perspectives and opening avenues for exploring potential collaboration in developing skills and competencies relevant to the evolving automotive industry.
A key highlight of the visit was the technical presentation conducted by Mr. Yusong Gao, Project Manager of Beifang Automotive Education Group, who introduced electric and hybrid vehicle training equipment and provided technical orientation on their applications in automotive education. Mr. Gao was accompanied by Mr. Ankang Zhang during the visit.
The presentation provided faculty members and students with insights into specialized training equipment and its potential applications in automotive instruction. For the participating CTech students, the activity offered valuable exposure to emerging vehicle technologies and the technical competencies increasingly required in the automotive industry. It also provided an opportunity to explore how these technologies could be incorporated into laboratory instruction, technical training, and hands-on learning experiences.
The engagement also featured the participation of Murakami Group of Companies, Beifang Automotive Education Group’s authorized Philippine partner. Ms. Mary Grace Olivan, Corporate Secretary and International Training Coordinator, delivered her message during the program, joined by Ms. Elaine Flores and Ms. Manilyn Hersane, Operations Manager of Murakami Group of Companies. Their participation facilitated the exchange between the international automotive training provider and the university, highlighting the role of industry partnerships in advancing technical education and exploring opportunities for collaboration.
Dr. Allan Guillermo, Assistant Dean of the College of Technology, delivered the closing remarks, formally concluding the activity. The visit provided UNP with an opportunity to examine emerging automotive training technologies and identify potential areas of cooperation that could enhance instructional capabilities, support faculty development, and expand hands-on learning opportunities for students.
Through this initiative, the College of Technology continued to promote closer alignment between academic instruction and advancements in the automotive industry. The engagement also reflected UNP’s commitment to develop industry-responsive programs that equip learners with relevant technical knowledge and practical competencies for an increasingly technology-driven future.
Article by John Jericho Arquines.
