Zeroing in on Strategic Cooperation between Philippines and Myanmar TAU inks MOU with KTU

By Mr. Jerome L. Duque, TAU-ELIA

Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) and Kyaing Tong University (KTU) in Myanmar formalized their partnership in a Ceremonial Signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 16 November via Zoom. TAU was represented by its President, Dr. Max P. Guillermo, and Dr. Christine N. Ferrer, Director of the Office of External Linkages and International Affairs (ELIA). Their counterparts from KTU, Dr. San San Mar, Rector, and Dr. Shwe Wah, Pro-Rector, were also present.

The five-year joint venture shall cover streamlining student and faculty exchange programs and conducting research seminars, conferences, and publications until 2026.

Introduced to TAU by Chiang Rai Rajabhat University of Thailand, KTU is TAU’s first partner Higher Education Institution (HEI) in Myanmar. Situated in the city of Kengtung, KTU consists of 12 academic departments and offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees to more than 4,000 students.

In his statement of purpose, Dr. Guillermo reiterated TAU’s mandate to expand reach in the international community and benchmark with KTU to learn from its best practices and share TAU’s brand in return. “I am jubilant to engage with one of Myanmar’s leading HEIs,” he added.

Similarly, Dr. Mar expressed her appreciation of TAU’s undertakings especially the ones related to Sustainable Development Goals and internationalization. “I share the same view with TAU that universal access to quality education should be a priority. We are committed to taking our relationship forward,” she stressed. KTU is not new to TAU as it already participated in the ASEAN Festival which was launched by TAU – ELIA on 25 August.

Also in attendance were Dr. Arnold E. Velasco, TAU’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Asuncion G. Beltran, TAU’s Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training, who both verbalized their support for TAU’s international visibility and acknowledged the significance of tying up with recognized HEIs outside the country to beef up TAU’s reputation in academics and research. College deans and directors from both institutions also graced the event.

Photos Courtesy of Planning and Development Office and Mr. Abner Mañebog of TAU-ELIA