A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed virtually between UTAR and Davao Del Norte State College (DNSC) of Philippines via ZOOM on 14 December 2020 to formalize the partnership.

Signing the MoU were UTAR President Ir Prof Dr Ewe Hong Tat and DNSC President Dr Joy M. Sorrosa, while witnessing the signing were UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Yow Ho Kwang and DNSC Vice President for Academic and Research Dr Girley S. Gumanao.

Also present were Director of UTAR Division of Community and International Networking (DCInternet) Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, Deputy Director of DCInternet Dr Chen, I-Chi, Dean of UTAR Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FAS) Dr Lee Lai Meng, FAS lecturer Pong Kok Shiong, Dean of DNSC Institute of Education Dr Arnold M. Duping, Representative of DNSC Department of Communication Daniel Fritz V. Silvallana and staff from both UTAR and DNSC.

Emphasising on the importance of international collaboration among the higher learning institutions, Prof Ewe in his speech said, “We are indeed delighted to associate with Davao Del Norte State College. We welcome Davao Del Norte State College as our new partner and we look forward to initiating more collaborative activities in research, and students and staff exchanges. I also believe today’s signing of MoU with Davao Del Norte State College also will lead to many joint initiatives such as collaborative research and training, people and information exchange, staff and student developmental activities, student internship opportunities, and so on to keep abreast of the latest knowledge and developments.” He concluded, “I have great confidence that both institutions will benefit from this MoU that will open new doors for our staff and students to work together and learn from each other.”

Echoing the sentiment of Prof Ewe, Dr Joy enthused, “Davao Del Norte State College indeed feels privileged to be able to work closely with UTAR and I hope the partnership between UTAR and Davao Del Norte State College could support each other to generate new ideas and collaborative projects where both parties could share the positive results and benefits.” She introduced, “The Davao del Norte State College is a public college in New Visayas, Panabo City, Philippines which provides instruction and progressive leadership in education, engineering, arts, sciences, fisheries, and other fields. The Davao del Norte State College was formerly known as Davao del Norte School of Fisheries, a secondary school located at Bayawa (now San Pedro, Panabo City) prior to its establishment as a college.” She added, “Today’s MoU is indeed a great privilege for us to introduce and reintroduce the Davao Del Norte State College to one of the ASEAN economies such as Malaysia. I strongly believe that this MoU will pave the way for a rewarding journey for both UTAR and Davao Del Norte State College.”

With the signing of this MoU, UTAR and DNSC will officially begin their strategic partnership to initiate joint projects/researches, staff and student exchanges, study visits, industrial placement opportunities, co-supervision of the postgraduate studies and et cetera. The MoU will enable both parties to work even more closely in creating platforms which will enrich both staff and students’ academic experience, as well as empowering them to explore learning opportunities beyond the classrooms.