For a second time, Rizal Technological University (RTU), through the International Affairs and Linkages Office (IALO) under the leadership of Assoc. Prof. Donato Z. Estocada, successfully hosted an International Mobility Program between Rizaliano students and Singaporean students from Temasek Polytechnic of Singapore on May 12. RTU and Temasek also conducted a cultural exchange program last year in 2025.

Themed “Culture Learning. Global Learning: RTU x Temasek”, the initiative brought together 102 students from the Humanities, Design, and Business clusters, along with seven distinguished faculty members from Temasek Polytechnic, fostering a dynamic exchange of knowledge, culture, and academic perspectives.

Representing the Business Cluster were Dr. Benson Tan, Dr. Mark Fong Kim, and Dr. Aileen Loh. The Design Cluster was led by Dr. Julius Pang and Dr. Mohamed Adil Bin Mohd Yusoff, while the Humanities and Social Sciences Cluster was represented by Dr. Goh Qiu Ting and Dr. Anthony Yeo. Their participation underscored Temasek Polytechnic’s commitment to global collaboration and interdisciplinary learning.

The program was organized in close coordination with several RTU academic units, including the College of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Accountancy (CBEA), College of Education (CED), College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), and the Institute of Human Kinetics (IHK). This collaborative effort ensured a well-rounded and meaningful engagement for all participants.

A key highlight of the event was the Plenary Talk delivered by Instr. Aira F. Mitra, Faculty Member and Program Head for the Bachelor of Secondary Education in Filipino at the College of Education. Her talk set the tone for the program by emphasizing the importance of cultural understanding as a foundation for global learning and cooperation.

Following the plenary session, participants engaged in specialized Breakout Sessions tailored to their respective academic clusters. The Business Cluster sessions featured insights from Instr. Rogelyn Laforteza, Instr. Cyril Mae De Leon, Assoc. Prof. John Eric O. Estrellado, and Instr. Abigail Mendoza, who facilitated discussions on contemporary business practices, research innovation, and market dynamics in a globalized context.

The Design Cluster session explored the topic “Design in Motion: Animation for Commercial and Digital Media.” The session was led by Instr. Rancess S. Cuare, whose expertise in design gave students a glimpse into the evolving landscape of digital creativity and its practical applications in industry. 

Meanwhile, the Humanities and Social Sciences Cluster session was facilitated by Instr. John Ramon C. Eisma, who delivered a compelling discussion on “Bridging Cultures: Understanding Filipino Values Through Singaporean Perspectives.” The session encouraged participants to reflect on cultural similarities and differences, promoting mutual respect and deeper intercultural awareness.

Adding a vibrant cultural dimension to the program was the “Palarong Pinoy,” spearheaded by the Institute of Human Kinetics (IHK) under the leadership of  Dr. Mark Joseph D. Santos. This interactive segment introduced traditional Filipino games, allowing international participants to experience local culture in an engaging and immersive way, further strengthening camaraderie among students and faculty.

The RTU x Temasek International Mobility Program stood as a testament to the power of international collaboration in education. By integrating academic discourse, cultural exchange, and experiential learning, the program not only enriched the participants’ global perspectives but also strengthened institutional ties between RTU and Temasek Polytechnic. It embodied the essence of its theme—where culture becomes a bridge and learning transcends borders—preparing students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.