Today, 26 September 2024, the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) and Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU) celebrated a significant partnership by signing both a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at KMU, Taiwan, coinciding with the International University Social Responsibility Forum. These agreements aim to enhance academic collaboration and drive initiatives focused on university social responsibility.
The MOU, signed by UPOU Chancellor Dr. Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria and KMU President Ming-Lung Yu, establishes a framework for cooperation in key areas such as joint academic activities, faculty and student exchanges, consultancy services, and resource sharing. This collaboration will be instrumental in advancing the institutions’ missions to provide quality education and address global challenges.
Following the MOU signing, the MOA was executed, detailing the specific project objectives and responsibilities of both institutions. This agreement emphasizes their commitment to University Social Responsibility (USR) and outlines collaborative efforts in areas including: 1. Strengthening Global Citizenship; 2. Promoting Sustainable Development; 3. Fostering Intercultural Dialogue; and 4. Addressing Global Challenges and Creating Courses, Programs, and Projects related to USR.
The ceremony was witnessed by key figures from UPOU including Professor Joane V. Serrano, Dean of the Faculty of Management and Development Studies and KMU Professor Fan-Hao Chou, Senior Vice President, Professor Hsueh-Wei Chang, Dean of the College of Life Sciences, and Associate Professor Yong-Chao Su, highlighting the collaborative spirit of this initiative.
The signing of the MOU and MOA aligns with achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), particularly SDGs 4 and 17 and marking an exciting new chapter in the relationship between UPOU and KMU, paving the way for meaningful contributions to education and social responsibility on a global scale. Both institutions look forward to fruitful collaboration that will enhance their educational offerings and impact.
Written by Donalyn Piamonte ♦ Edited by Larry N. Cruz ♦ Contributed by FMDS