Last April 30, 2021, Malayan Colleges Laguna, A Mapúa School (MCL) took part in co-organizing the 6th Rangsit University (RSU) International Research Conference on Social Science and Humanity, Education, Management, and Arts.
The conference was a platform for academics, professionals, researchers, and other participants from around the world to discuss and share their experiences, knowledge, expertise, and best practices on Educational Research, Research for Liberal Arts, Business, Economic, Tourism and Aviation, Communication Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, Law, Criminal Justice, Political, Diplomacy, Arts and Designs, Performance Arts, Music, Architecture and Chinese Study.
The event aimed to provide opportunities for participants to gain new knowledge, share educational experiences, and create a professional network among colleagues in the same area.
During the conference, two papers written by Dr. Ellenita R. Red, faculty member from the College of Computer and Information Science (CCIS) and her B.S. Information System students were presented: “Resiliency through Financial Management Information System Innovations in the Impact of the CoViD-19 Pandemic” by Daniel Jonborgh Oliva Diaz and Dr. Red; and “Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic to a Financial Management Information System and Crisis Management” by Gene Joseph Villalobos Garcia and Dr. Red.
MCL’s ties with RSU began in 2018, when Dr. Red presented her paper in the conference, where she met the RSU Research Director. In 2019, she was invited to be one of the reviewers for the same conference, and in 2020, RSU extended an invitation to MCL to become a co-organizer for the conference for 2021.
“By being part of the organizing team for this conference, we gained experience in conducting similar activity in the future,” said Dean Khristian G. Kikuchi of MCL CCIS. “Aside from this, this is an opportunity for MCL to be introduced globally as an institution with capability of engaging in research activities. Lastly, being a co-organizer allows our faculty members and students to join and submit their research output to this conference free of charge.”
On July 13, 2021, MCL held a virtual Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing with Rangsit University, signaling the start of a new partnership with the university located in Pathum Thani, Thailand, with the aim to develop academic cooperation and promote mutual understanding between the two institutions.
In attendance from MCL were Engr. Anthony Hilmer S. Medrano, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer; Engr. Maribel G. Songsong, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Prof. James Ronald O. Mesina, Director of the Office for Strategic Partnerships and Global Engagement; and Dean Khristian G. Kikuchi and Dr. Ellenita R. Red from CCIS.
Representatives from RSU were also present, including Asst. Prof. Dr. Nares Pantaratorn, Vice President for Research; Asst. Prof. Dr. Patamaporn Sukplang, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chetneti Srisa-an, Vice President for Technology and Dean of College of Digital Innovation Technology; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chatchai Trakulrangsi, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Malivan Praditteera Suryadhep, Acting Dean, Suryadhep Teachers College; Mr. Thee Nabhindhakara, Director of International Office; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kanda Wongwailikhit, Director of Research Institute.
According to Engr. Medrano, who delivered the opening remarks during the MOU signing, this partnership between MCL and RSU is a timely response to the challenges that lie ahead, especially with the ongoing pandemic.
“Rangsit University, through the effort of Dean Ian Kikuchi has been collaborating with us in several activities, and this MOU commits us to work together more closely for a common goal. Our pursuit for a meaningful research and faculty exchange, will not only help our students but the society as well,” said Engr. Medrano. “I believe that this MOU will enhance the exchange of ideas between the Filipinos and the people of Thailand, creating synergy and sparking new ideas and innovation that are essential for today’s challenges.”
“Both institutions join hands to push for a meaningful collaboration for research and technology transfer. In the advent of Industry 4.0, international cooperation is a key to innovation and successful mobility of persons, knowledge, skills, and cultural interaction,” added Prof. Mesina about the partnership.