Western Philippines University (WPU) welcomed a delegation from Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP), Malaysia, for a week-long collaboration focused on technology, culture, and community development from April 25 to 30, 2025.
The visit brought together students and faculty from both universities and was made possible through the efforts of the WPU Internationalization and External Affairs Office, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), and the College of Engineering and Technology (CET). The collaboration aimed to exchange knowledge, promote cultural understanding and address real community needs.
One of the main highlights of the visit was the installation of the STEER – Solar-Powered Reverse Osmosis System in Green Island, Brgy. Tumarbong, Roxas, Palawan. The system is designed to provide a sustainable source of clean drinking water for the island’s residents. This initiative was a joint effort of second-year engineering students from UTP and students and faculty from WPU’s CAS and CET.
The UTP team also organized an intercultural activity for elementary school children on the island. They introduced traditional Malay games and led a short discussion on the importance of clean water, combining fun and learning while building meaningful connections with the community.
Earlier, on April 26, the Malaysian visitors toured the WPU campus and ended their day at the SAKA Agri-Tourism Farm, where they were received by Dr. Rogelio Lopez and WPU students. A formal opening ceremony was held in the afternoon at the WPU Training Center, where Dr. Amabel S. Liao, University President, graced the occasion and expressed her warm welcome to the visitors. This was then followed by a sociocultural night where students from WPU and UTP showcased traditional dances and music from both the Philippines and Malaysia.
The collaboration stemmed from a connection built during a presentation at UTP by Mr. Ardie Pinzon, Chair of the WPU-CAS Social Work Department. His talk on WPU’s community-based projects sparked interest among the Malaysian audience and inspired this partnership.
Assistant Professor Anne Gellie Pablo shared that this initiative reflects the growing relationship between the two universities. She believes that this is just the beginning of the many opportunities where both institutions can work together, especially in projects that benefit not just students, but entire communities.
Dr. Maribel Peneyra, Dean of the College of Engineering, and Assistant Professor Warlito V. Fanilag, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, also supported the collaboration, sending faculty and students to participate in various activities throughout the week.
The visit concluded with a send-off event titled “CASeyahan with UTP,” organized by CAS students as a gesture of gratitude and friendship.
For the Malaysian delegation, the warmth of the Filipino welcome and the opportunity to contribute to the community left a lasting impression. They expressed hope for more joint projects in the future, proving that meaningful partnerships can cross borders and create lasting impact.
[This article is in line with the SDGs 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 15 & 17]