NDMU and UMN Indonesia Strengthen Global Academic Ties Through Faculty Exchange and Research Collaboration for Architecture Program

Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU), Philippines, and Universitas Multimedia Nusantara (UMN), Indonesia, have officially launched a dynamic international partnership that aims to elevate architectural education, research productivity, and global engagement between the two institutions. Formalized through two five-year Memoranda of Agreement on Faculty Exchange and Research Collaboration, this initiative marks a significant step in NDMU’s expanding internationalization efforts.

The collaboration is spearheaded by NDMU’s Internationalization Officer, Dr. Wilter C. Friales, together with the College of Engineering, Architecture, and Computing (CEAC) administrators, Engr. Rolly S. Tambe (Dean) and Ar. Gladys Amor D. Bautista (Architecture Program Chair). Both institutions have been in active discussions since September 2025, culminating in the signing of the agreements in November 2025.

These MOAs underscore both institutions’ commitment to global partnership, academic innovation, and mutual capacity building. As outlined in the agreements, the cooperation is designed to facilitate joint research, faculty exchange, academic enrichment, and cross-cultural understanding.

On December 4, 2025, the partnership officially commenced with the first academic activity: a two-hour online guest lecture by Ar. Faith Serisola, faculty member of the NDMU Architecture program. She delivered a lecture on “Location Theory – Foundation of Planning” to UMN architecture students.

Her session introduced planning theories, spatial decision-making principles, and foundational concepts that underpin urban and regional development—topics crucial in preparing future architects to design socially responsive and sustainable built environments. Students and faculty from UMN actively participated, reflecting the program’s role in fostering international academic dialogue.

This inaugural activity sets the tone for upcoming exchanges involving more faculty participants, joint studio projects, planning and design workshops, and research collaborations on architecture, sustainability, and urbanism.