Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) formally welcomed the officials and faculty of Institut Teknologi Dan Bisnis Asia Malang – Indonesia through a Midweek Reception held at Rico Fajardo Hall, NEUST Sumacab Campus, Cabanatuan City on 19 February 2024.

The Midweek Reception was organized by the College of Management and Business Technology (CMBT) and the College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT) to formally welcome the delegates from the Institut Asia Malang since their arrival last 15 February 2024. Institut Asia is NEUST’s partner in student and faculty exchange, research, and extension programs.

Dean Marilou P. Pascual of CMBT emphasized in her welcome remarks, the three (3) purposes of the partnership between NEUST and Institut Asia: foster meaningful connection, share knowledge holistically, and inspire innovation — moreover, Atty. Eric G. Claudio, the director of the Office of International and Domestic Institutional Linkages (OIDIL) of NEUST, shared how the partnership between NEUST and Institut Asia Malang started in 2020. He also mentioned that despite the negative effects of the pandemic, a positive outcome has been established through the agreement signed by the NEUST and Institut Asia Malang, the first partner institution in Indonesia.

NEUST President Dr. Rhodora R. Jugo also gave a welcome and inspirational message to the visitors. She stated that the partnership represents an exciting opportunity to foster greater global connection, intercultural understanding, and impactful collaboration between the two great institutions. Through this, the Information Technology and Business Administration programs of NEUST will have a chance to immerse themselves in a diversity of perspectives and experiences to broaden global competencies. Dr. Jugo highlighted the global values that NEUST always strives to embody in everything they do: Global Mindset, Lifelong learning, Openness and inclusion, Bridging communities, Academic excellence, and Leadership and service. These principles reflect the commitment of NEUST to equipping students, faculty, and staff with the mindset and skill sets needed to thrive in the interconnected world.

After the messages of the key officials that bridged the partnership of NEUST with the Institut Asia Malang, the Indonesian visitors were amazed and entertained by the NEUST Folkloric Group by performing the local Filipino Dance, Balse ng Desposorio and Binasuan.

Ms. Nur Lailatul Aqromi, the Head of the International Office of Institut Asia Malang, introduced the Indonesian delegates: Ms. Risa Santoso, Rector of Institut Asia Malang; Ms. Rina Dewi Insashari, Vice Rector of Innovation and Development; Ms. Siti Nurul Afiyah, Secretary of International Affairs; Mr. Samsul Arifin, Head of Computer Engineering; and the faculty members namely Mr. Karolus Danar Kurniawan, Ms. Setyorini, Ms. Adriani Kala Lembang, Mr. Hari Kurniawan, Mr. Shendy Setiawan, and Ms. Reza Ramadhania.

Furthermore, the Rector of Institut Asia Malang, Ms. Risa Santoso, thanked NEUST for the warm welcome. She acknowledged the university as their best international partner because of its very active and collaborative actions. Hence, created stronger programs and collaboration through the exchange of faculty, students, and ideas.

Institut Asia awarded NEUST a plaque of appreciation as a form of partnership and gratitude for its hospitality. In return, NEUST gave a certificate of recognition to Institut Asia for its remarkable and outstanding contribution as a partner institution through academic visits, faculty exchange with research collaboration, and extension programs between the two institutions.

During the program, NEUST also introduced the three (3) CMBT students and three (3) CICT students who will undergo the student exchange program at Institut Teknologi Dan Bisnis Asia Malang. Later, Ms. Alma Pia G. Reyes, CMBT Focal Person, presented the schedule of activities to the visitors.

Dean Arnold P. Dela Cruz of CICT concluded the Midweek Reception by expressing his gratitude to the CMBT and CICT departments, OIDIL, and the Office of the University President for continuously implementing the internationalization program of the university. He also thanked Institut Asia for its commitment and passion for learning, continuous partnership, active participation in faculty/student exchange, research collaboration, and extension programs.

Some Administrative Council Members, Faculty Members of CMBT and CICT, and students also joined the program and Ms. Vivien Amor Viloria of CMBT served as the moderator of the Midweek Reception.