In a move set to strengthen academic and research collaborations, Western Philippines University (WPU) and National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology (NKUST) inked their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) yesterday, August 19, at the AV Hall of WPU Puerto Princesa City Campus.
The MoU and MoA outline a broad framework for cooperation between the two institutions, focusing on enhancing mutual academic exchanges and research initiatives with a focus on sustainable technology and marine studies. This joint venture sets the stage for opportunities such as exchange programs, joint research projects, and international linkages to be enjoyed by both students and faculty.
Dr. Amabel S. Liao, President of WPU, emphasized the significance of such collaboration, “Today, we ink our brotherhood; we are now brothers and family. We write down what we want our future to be because the challenges we are experiencing now are not just a concern of Taiwan or the Philippines alone but global concerns that require our united effort. ”
Dr. Ching-Yu Yang, President of NKUST, expressed excitement in building friendship with partners from WPU and in creating more avenues for academic growth and cross-cultural understanding. Dr. Hseih Shu Ling, Vice President of NKUST, along with Dr. Chen Chiu-Wen and Dr. Frank Paolo B. Albarico, both faculty members at NKUST, were also in attendance.
Meanwhile, the afternoon session featured a lecture by NKUST Professor and Marine Environmental Engineer Dr. Cheng-Di Dong, who spoke on the ecological and health impacts of microplastics in the oceans—an issue of significant relevance not only to Palawan but to the entire Philippines.
