By Ana Mae Bantad-Cantel
The participants of the CPU-KNU Internation Visiting Program held at the Henry Luce III Library last July 13-19, 2023.
In the spirit of promoting education, research, and cultural exchange, the CPU-KNU International Visiting Program took place at Central Philippine University from July 13 to 19, 2023. Led by Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio, Vice President for Academic Affairs at CPU, and Dr. Jongwook Lee, Associate Professor in the Department of Library and Information Science (iSchool) at Kyungpook National University (KNU) in Daegu, South Korea, this program aimed to strengthen academic collaborative opportunities between the two universities.
CPU and KNU representatives convened in the Conference Hall of the Henry Luce III Library on July 14, 2023, for a series of collaborative discussions and a welcome program. The collaboration was built upon a Memorandum of Collaboration signed on October 20, 2022, at KNU, outlining various joint initiatives, including student and faculty exchanges, the sharing of academic publications and information, collaborative research projects, and the establishment of joint educational programs. The program’s concluding ceremony featured symbolic photo opportunities and token exchanges, symbolizing the commitment to nurturing academic partnerships. The guests from KNU also had the chance to explore various National Museums in Iloilo City and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Miag-ao Church, on July 15 and 16. One of the program’s highlights was the discussion on potential future research collaboration, encouraging academic engagement across various disciplines, held on July 17, 2023.
On July 18, 2023, the CPU College of Computer Studies (CCS) and KNU students engaged in an enriching exchange of research presentations. The event aimed to facilitate knowledge sharing and highlight the latest advancements in technology and academic research. Prof. Ma. Christina A. Quijano, Dean of the College of Computer Studies, expressed gratitude for the productive collaboration and emphasized the significance of academic partnerships in advancing research and knowledge.
The research presentations covered a wide array of topics, including text mining techniques, digital literacy, library Chatbot services, and digital literacy among older adults. CPU CCS students also showcased their innovative research projects, such as “CPU Companion: A Web-based Application for Central Philippine University Using Natural Language Processing” and “Kunú: an Interactive Folklore Storybook” by DMIA students.
Dr. Jongwook Lee of KNU expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and highlighted the importance of such collaborative endeavors in advancing global knowledge and understanding. Dr. Donie Jardeleza, Department Chair of the College of Computer Studies, delivered closing remarks, expressing gratitude to all participants, faculty, and researchers from both institutions for contributing to the success of the exchange research presentations.
The CPU-KNU International Visiting Program provided a valuable platform for networking and establishing meaningful connections among the student participants. The exchange of ideas and experiences demonstrated the significance of collaboration, information sharing, and technological developments in fostering a bright future for the global academic community. The program’s success serves as a testament of academic partnerships to push the boundaries of research and knowledge globally.
According to the ‘2024 QS World University Rankings’ recently published by the UK-based global university evaluation organization QS, Kyungpook National University (KNU) secured the top position among national universities in South Korea and was ranked 16th within the country and 520th worldwide. This marks the fourth consecutive year that KNU has maintained its top position among South Korea’s national universities.