Valuing global academic collaboration, Pangasinan State University (PSU) welcomed an international partner through a courtesy call and dialogue between University President Dr. Elbert M. Galas and visiting Indonesian academic leader Dr. Poppy Febriana, Dean of the Faculty of Business, Law, and Social Sciences of Universities Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo (UMSIDA) on March 30, 2026.
The meeting provided a platform for both institutions to explore potential areas of collaboration, particularly in the fields of development communication, digital transformation, and public administration. Dr. Galas emphasized PSU’s strategic thrust of internationalization, emphasizing the importance of building sustainable partnerships that promote knowledge sharing, research collaboration, and cross-cultural understanding.
In response, Dr. Poppy expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and shared insights from Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo (UMSIDA), particularly its initiatives in community engagement and innovative academic programs.
The dialogue further delved into opportunities for faculty and student exchanges, joint research undertakings, and future academic engagements that would benefit both institutions.
This engagement is primarily driven by the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formally signed between PSU and Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo, which establishes the legal framework for their bilateral partnership and serves as the main basis for this visit. Executed by University President Dr. Elbert M. Galas and the UMSIDA Rector, the MOU outlines a mutual commitment to consolidate strategic alliances through specific collaborative areas such as staff and faculty exchanges, joint research activities,
and short-term academic programs.
Valid for a period of three years with provisions for automatic extension, the agreement mandates that all forms of collaboration be mutually discussed and agreed upon in writing, ensuring that the opportunities explored during this meeting are implemented in compliance with the norms and procedures determined by each institution.
In support of this initiative, key University officials and academic leaders were also present during the engagement, including Dr. Renato E. Salcedo, Acting Vice President for Local and International Affairs and concurrent Officer-in-Charge of SAS; Dr. Christian Thom Tabisola, Dean of the Professional Track Program of the School for Advanced Studies (SAS); Ms. Leizel Del Castillo, Director for International Relations; Associate Professor Zshyna Mae Ahmed, Chairperson of Public Administration at PSU Lingayen; Prof. Jeff De Asis, Coordinator for International Relations of the Bayambang Campus; and Dr. Pedro Jun-Jun Quimson, Program Chairperson of the Master in Development Management of SAS, all of whom contributed to the meaningful academic dialogue and exchange of ideas.
