By Karren Jay G. Asgar
Prof. Lesley Joy L. Dignadice, Acting Director of the Local and International Linkages and Affiliations Center (LILAC), represented Central Philippine University at the 3rd Inter-Regional Research Symposium (IRRS) held at Sukosol Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand.
On November 20-22, 2024, Prof. Lesley Joy L. Dignadice, Acting Director of the Local and International Linkages and Affiliations Center (LILAC), attended the 3rd Inter-Regional Research Symposium (IRRS) in Sukosol Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand. With the theme, “Transforming Higher Education: Towards Sustainable Development,” the event gathered inter-regional partners and colleagues in higher education from different regions of the country.
The symposium’s objectives include to provide a dynamic learning platform for policymakers, senior officials, and stakeholders from SEAMEO and partner countries to share visions and update regional progress; to generate insightful policy recommendations to actively contribute to tackling pressing regional challenges; to encourage knowledge sharing, networking, and the development of collective intelligence across disciplinary and geographical borders; and to strengthen research capacity and provide capacity enhancement opportunities for researchers.
“The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in the Philippines emphasizes the importance of creating flexible, accessible, and inclusive spaces in higher education institutions (HEIs). We have strong support from CHED for internationalization programs that align with internationalization standards through academic collaborations, faculty and student exchanges, and research,” Prof. Dignadice said in an online interview.
According to the event’s concept note, the Inter-Regional Research Symposium, initiated by SEAMEO RIHED in 2019, is a crucial platform for navigating megatrends. The symposium, held biennially from 2022 to 2030, aligns with Priority Area 6 (Harmonisation of Higher Education and Research) of the SEAMEO Education Agenda and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
“Through this symposium, I have been able to build partnerships with other institutions, discuss lifelong learning, and gain insights into the global transformation driven by AI and other emerging trends that will impact our educational system. This is a call for us to engage in global collaboration and to strengthen CPU’s international initiatives, particularly in the areas of research and student exchange programs. These efforts will undoubtedly enhance the quality of education, in line with the university’s mission and vision, and help make CPU more globally competitive,” she added.
In a span of three days, the event featured a talk on the following components including Regional Policy Dialogue, Plenary and Keynote Presentations Concurrent Presentations of Original Research, and Gender Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Tracking.
“Among the higher education institutions in Region VI, CPU was the sole institution invited to attend the symposium. The invitation was extended due to CPU’s qualification as one of the top-ranking institutions in the region. This invitation was a significant accomplishment for us,” she emphasized.
The 2024 SEAMEO RIHED Inter-regional Research Symposium invited research proposals
aligned with the said theme of “Transforming Higher Education,” encompassing three
interconnected themes which are the following: Track 1 – Digital Sustainability: Navigating Digital Transformation in Higher Education, Track 2 – Flexible Pathways: Fostering Lifelong Learning (through Micro-credentials), and Track 3 – Climate Actions: Advancing Sustainable Future through Higher Education’s Role in Climate Change.”
“It is a great honor to be nominated by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) – International Affairs Staff (IAS) to represent Region VI at the symposium. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation for their recognition of CPU. We are deeply grateful to CHED IAS for consistently acknowledging CPU’s contributions, especially within the entire Region VI,” Prof. Dignadice remarked.
CPU’s participation in the 3rd Inter-Regional Research Symposium reaffirmed its role as a vital contributor to addressing regional and global challenges by fostering connections, exchanging ideas, and presenting innovative solutions.