USM, Penang, 21 October 2025 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), through the School of Languages, Literacies and Translation (SoLLaT) has further strengthened its global engagement by conducting an academic and cultural exchange programme with Batangas State University (BSU), the Philippines. The 14-day programme, held from 5 October to 18 October 2025, involved 10 students accompanied by two officers from USM at BSU’s Pablo Borbon Campus in Batangas.

The initiative aimed to provide students with international learning exposure, promote intercultural understanding between Malaysia and the Philippines, and support the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

The closing ceremony was held on 17 October in conjunction with the collaborative visit and meeting attended by SoLLaT management team led by the Dean from 15 October to 17 October 2025. During the closing ceremony, Dr. Expedito V. Acorda, Chancellor of BSU Pablo Borbon Campus in his address highlighted the significance of this collaboration in advancing international student exchange and enriching the learning experience of students from both institutions. He emphasised that such partnerships contribute to nurturing globally minded graduates capable of thriving in an increasingly interconnected world.

Meanwhile, Professor Dr. Hazri Jamil, Dean of SoLLaT, underscored that the programme offers a meaningful platform for students to engage in critical learning experiences that broaden intellectual horizons and enhance intercultural competence. He also remarked that international exposure of this kind is essential in shaping globally competitive and socially responsible graduates aligned with USM’s mission as an APEX university.

This initiative represents another significant milestone in USM’s ongoing efforts to strengthen academic and cultural ties with international partners. It also paves the way for future collaboration in teaching, learning, and research that will bring mutual benefits to students and academics from both Malaysia and the Philippines.

Credits

Text: Aizat Hisham Ahmad

Photos: Aizat Hisham Ahmad

Upload/Layout: Neoh Hun Keong