The Pandayang Rizalia, through its International Affairs and Linkages Office (IALO), proudly hosted the 9th Association of Universities of Asia and the Pacific (AUAP) Joint Events and Networking at Chardonnay, Astoria Plaza, Pasig City, on May 21, 2025.
The event for Day 1 opened by gathering representatives from esteemed universities across the Philippines, Asia, and the Pacific to share academic initiatives and best practices in support of internationalization. Through open forums and productive dialogue, participants explored collaboration opportunities and formalized partnerships by signing Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), with RTU among the proud signatories.
The event opened with welcoming remarks from AUAP Secretary-General Dr. Anoop Swarup, who extended his heartfelt gratitude to all attendees. He commended Dr. Ma. Eugenia M. Yangco, University President of Rizal Technological University (RTU) for making the gathering both meaningful and memorable. Marking AUAP’s 30th Anniversary, Dr. Swarup reflected on the organization’s growth and achievements, and reminded everyone of higher education’s vital role: “We shape our future generations, our young minds; to make a visible change to our world, to make it much, much better than what it was.”
Dr. Yangco followed with an inspiring message, stating, “This event is not just a conference. It is a convergence.” She emphasized the unity of people and institutions working toward an innovative, diverse, and sustainable academic future in Asia and the Pacific. She also highlighted the university’s strides in internationalization through partnerships, exchanges, and global engagement, reminding participants that a meaningful global presence begins with relevance at home.
Dr. Peter P. Laurel, President of Lyceum of the Philippines University–Batangas, encouraged participants to maximize relationships and seize opportunities to build bridges across universities through various initiatives such as research, student and faculty exchanges, and joint programs. “The deep relationships that you cultivate really last for generations to come… and I feel that this is truly the essence of AUAP,” he said.
Mr. Hari Mohan Gupta, AUAP President and Founder & Chancellor of Jagran Lakecity University, India, called for transformative leadership in higher education. He emphasized the need for universities to become beacons of innovation, equity, and sustainability amid rapid changes driven by AI, global instability, and social inequities. He urged academic leaders to transcend institutional boundaries and work collaboratively on inclusive and adaptive solutions to global challenges. His vision is one of a united academic community that actively reshapes the future of education with integrity, purpose, and shared responsibility.
Transcending the boundaries of the Asia-Pacific region, the President of the John von Neumann University Foundation in Hungary, Dr. Norbert Csizmadia, spoke about the evolving role of universities in the global landscape. He emphasized the importance of converging talent, knowledge, technology, and capital to address global challenges such as geopolitics, climate change, and rapid technological change. He also advocated for stronger ties between Europe and Asia through educational cooperation.
A series of special talks followed, bridging the academic and industry sectors. Dr. Donna T. Padilla Taguiba, President of Panpacific University, discussed the role of technology in academic connectivity. Dr. Cristina Padolina, President of Centro Escolar University, tackled policy frameworks for academic collaboration. Dr. Ruby B. Santos-Matibag, President of Bataan Peninsula State University, focused on cross-cultural competence in education. Dr. Erwin F. Cadorna, President of the University of Northern Philippines, shared insights on cultural heritage and internationalization. Dr. Augie E. Fuentes, President of Davao del Sur State College, addressed equity in academic resources and opportunities. Mr. Kok-Yin Lau, Managing Director of Krempl Communications International, concluded the morning session with a talk on preparing students for success beyond graduation.
The afternoon session resumed with Mr. Ritin Malhotra, General Manager and Senior Regional Director for Asia of Times Higher Education – World University Rankings, who shared models for successful global partnerships. JUDr. Slavomír Rudenko, PhD., Director for International Affairs, Slovakia, discussed best practices in university cooperation between the EU and HEIs in Asia-Pacific. Ms. Yi Yin Tham, Account Executive for APAC at Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings in London, presented an introduction to QS and its role as a key partner in higher education.
This remarkable gathering not only underscored the power of collaboration among educators but also reinforced Pandayang Rizalia’s steadfast commitment to global engagement and academic excellence for the benefit of its students and the wider academic community.