Geared toward digital transformation and regional collaboration, Mindoro State University (MinSU) has officially forged a strategic alliance with the Passage to ASEAN (P2A) Secretariat and the ASEAN AI Council (AAIC), positioning itself at the forefront of Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovation in higher education across the MIMAROPA region.
The partnership was formalized through a virtual signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on December 22, 2025. The agreement establishes a comprehensive framework for the ethical and responsible integration of AI into MinSU’s academic programs, research initiatives, and student services. The collaboration aims to develop AI capacity among students and professionals, promote academic mobility at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and facilitate joint research projects and knowledge exchange across ASEAN institutions.
Central to the agreement is the involvement of the ASEAN AI Council (AAIC). Under the MOU, the council will serve as the governing body responsible for approving specific programs and monitoring the progress of cooperative activities. The AAIC will be co-chaired by representatives from the P2A Secretariat and partner institutions to ensure timely and effective implementation.
During the signing ceremony, Dr. Enya Marie D. Apostol, University President emphasized that the alliance aligns with the University’s vision of global visibility and internationalization. “By joining this network, we empower our students,” Pres. Apostol said. “As we bridge cultural gaps, we look forward to transitioning from students of Mindoro to students of ASEAN. Enhanced virtual and physical mobility will provide access to cross-border internships, study tours, and cultural exchanges.”
Moreover, President Apostol also highlighted the importance of the collaboration in preparing the MinSU community for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. “We focus on future-ready skills, including AI and digital transformation, which are vital in today’s rapidly evolving world. In this virtual space, physical distances are erased by our shared commitment to education,” she added.
Joining the ceremony were Dr. Ciedelle P. Salazar, MinSU Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Services; Dr. Ethel Agnes P. Valenzuela, Chair of AAIC; and Mr. Tuan Kee Aw, Co-Chair of AAIC. Dr. Hang Le, Director General of the P2A Secretariat, closed the event by describing the partnership as a shared vision for a responsible, inclusive, and future-ready higher education ecosystem across ASEAN.
The agreement is set to remain in effect until 2028, with provisions for automatic renewal to ensure sustained growth of AI-driven educational initiatives at MinSU. Reflecting on its broader impact, Dr. Valenzuela emphasized that this collaboration is more than just about technology. “This partnership is not just about technology; it highlights the opportunities regional cooperation brings to the broader ASEAN community,” she said.
With this landmark collaboration, MinSU is poised to lead the integration of AI in regional education, equipping its students and faculty with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to thrive in a digitally connected ASEAN.
#SDG4 #SDG17
302 Staff
10531 Students
9 Colleges
4 Years
