The ceremony marked the formalization of two separate but complementary MOUs: (1) between Passage to ASEAN and Mindanao State University – Maguindanao, and (2) between the Passage to ASEAN Secretariat – ASEAN AI Council and Mindanao State University – Maguindanao. These agreements establish a collaborative framework for academic exchange, research cooperation, workforce development, ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence in education, and institutional capacity building within regional and international networks.

Under the signed MOUs, the partner institutions committed to collaboration in the following areas: 1) Scientific research projects, 2) P2A research initiatives, and institutional capacity-building programs, 3) Student-focused workforce development and academic mobility at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, 4) Joint AI capacity-building programs, ethical AI advocacy, and research collaboration, 5) Network engagement through member-led events, joint initiatives, and externally funded projects, and 6) Promotion of shared programs and mutually agreed areas of cooperation.

The ceremony was attended by key officials including Dr. Bai Hejira Nefertiti M. Limbona, Chancellor of Mindanao State University–Maguindanao, Dr. Raquel D. Santiago-Arenas, Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, Dr. Ramjie Y. Odin, Vice Chancellor for Student Services and Development, Assoc. Prof. Grant Warren D. Lu, Special Assistant to the Office of the Chancellor, and International Affairs Officer, Dr. Rolly James F. Cheng. Representatives from the ASEAN AI Council and The Passage to ASEAN (P2A) were led by Dr. Ethel Agnes P. Valenzuela, ASEAN AI Council Chair and Adviser to P2A, and Dr. Hang Le, Director of the P2A Secretariat.

The successful Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing underscores Mindanao State University–Maguindanao’s growing role in international academic networks, particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence in education, collaborative research, and sustainable development–oriented initiatives. This milestone strongly reflects the vision of the Chancellor to position MSU–Maguindanao as a globally engaged, innovation-driven, and socially responsive university, committed to peace-building and inclusive development. Through these strategic international partnerships, the University is expected to generate tangible outcomes in research productivity, faculty and institutional capacity building, and meaningful global academic engagement in the coming years.

#SDG4Quality Education
#SDG8DecentWork and Economic Growth
#SDG9Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
#SDG16Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
#SDG17Partnershipsforthe Goals