A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed between Festo PTE LTD, a leading Singapore-based industrial automation company, and Rizal Technological University (RTU), marking a significant milestone in advancing industrial automation education in the Philippines. This agreement establishes a comprehensive framework for technology transfer, faculty development, and educational advancement in Industry 4.0 technologies.
The MOU, which represents a significant step in academic-industry collaboration, outlines several key areas of cooperation, including faculty training, curriculum development, and technological knowledge transfer. As the first major initiative under this agreement, Festo’s CDTI facility in Singapore hosted five distinguished faculty members from RTU’s College of Engineering (CEng) for an intensive technical training program.
The participating educators from RTU CEng included Engr. Armando Matias, Engr. Ruben Dichoso, Engr. Odilon Yangco, Engr. Orlando Echaluse and Inst. Jayros Amar. These faculty members underwent specialized training from September 30 to October 3, 2024, as part of the MOU’s commitment to building institutional capacity in advanced manufacturing technologies.
The agreement facilitates immediate knowledge transfer and establishes a long-term framework for continuous collaboration between RTU and Festo. The training program, certified by Festo Didactic Asia Pacific under the supervision of Educational Services Manager Fou Teck Kong, exemplifies the high standards outlined in the MOU.
The memorandum specifically outlines provisions for ongoing collaboration, including regular faculty training sessions, curriculum development support, and access to Festo’s state-of-the-art facilities. The agreement also establishes pathways for RTU students to benefit from industry-aligned education and practical training opportunities.
Looking ahead, the MOU provides a robust foundation for expanding the partnership between Festo and RTU. Future initiatives under this agreement will include additional faculty development programs, joint research projects, and the potential establishment of specialized training facilities at RTU. This comprehensive partnership agreement represents a significant investment in preparing the next generation of engineers for the demands of Industry 4.0, particularly within the ASEAN region.