NDMU Strengthens Internationalization through Academic and Research Collaboration with Chulalongkorn University in Thailand

Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU), Philippines, continues to advance its internationalization initiatives through an academic and research visit to Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, involving graduate students from the Master in Chemistry program, undergraduate students from the BS Biology program, and their accompanying professors and university administrators.

The visit provided students and faculty of the with valuable international academic exposure, particularly in laboratory facilities, advanced scientific instrumentation, research methodologies, and curriculum development. It also opened opportunities for future research collaboration between the two universities, particularly in the conduct of scientific experiments, laboratory analyses, and research data analysis. The NDMU delegation was warmly welcomed by the faculty members and academic leaders of Chulalongkorn University's Department of Chemistry.

Associate Professor Dr. Apichat Imyim, Head of the Department of Chemistry, delivered the opening remarks, welcoming the NDMU delegation and setting the tone for the academic exchange. An orientation on the department's academic programs, research activities, and laboratory capabilities was facilitated by Professor Dr. Paitoon Rashatasakhon and Associate Professor Dr. Kanet Wongravee, faculty members of the Department of Chemistry.

The delegation was also introduced to the Scientific and Technological Research Equipment Center (STREC) through Associate Professor Dr. Prompong Pienpinijthan, Head of STREC. The exposure provided participants with insights into the role of advanced scientific instrumentation and research facilities in supporting experimental investigations and scientific discoveries.

A laboratory tour was facilitated by Cherish Baylon, Joshua Osorio, and Tanawat Rerkrachaneekorn, who guided the NDMU delegation through the facilities and provided opportunities to learn about laboratory equipment, scientific procedures, and research applications.

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Beyond laboratory exposure, the visit provided an opportunity for academic discussions on curriculum development, research practices, and the integration of laboratory experiences into science education. For the graduate and undergraduate students, the experience offered a broader understanding of how scientific research is conducted in an international university setting and how advanced laboratory technologies contribute to the generation of scientific knowledge.

A significant outcome of the visit was the opening of opportunities for research collaboration between NDMU and Chulalongkorn University. Initial discussions explored the possibility of NDMU students conducting selected experimental procedures, accessing specialized laboratory facilities, and undertaking scientific data analysis at Chulalongkorn University as part of their undergraduate and graduate research projects, subject to further coordination and institutional arrangements.

Such collaboration would provide NDMU students with opportunities to undertake research requiring specialized instrumentation and laboratory expertise while strengthening research mentorship and academic exchanges between faculty members of the two institutions.

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The initiative supports NDMU's internationalization agenda, particularly in student and faculty academic mobility, research and innovation, international academic partnerships, and curriculum internationalization. By exposing students and faculty to international research environments, the University seeks to enrich science education, strengthen research competencies, and promote collaborative knowledge production.

The visit also reflects NDMU's continuing efforts to connect classroom learning with international scientific practices, allowing students to appreciate the importance of research collaboration, technological advancement, and interdisciplinary learning in addressing emerging scientific and societal challenges.

Through this engagement, NDMU and Chulalongkorn University have opened avenues for sustained academic and research collaboration, reinforcing the value of international partnerships in advancing quality higher education and scientific inquiry. The initiative underscores NDMU's commitment to providing its students and faculty with meaningful international learning experiences while expanding opportunities for research excellence, innovation, and global academic engagement.

The NDMU delegation was led by Dr. Wilter C. Friales, Vice President for External Affairs, together with Dr. Cecilie Sharon T. Porras, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Mr. Junar S. Cano, MST, Program Head of the Natural Sciences Department; and Dr. Noemi B. Silva, Graduate School Professor. Their participation reflects the University's commitment to strengthening international academic partnerships and providing meaningful research exposure for both undergraduate and graduate students.