Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – October 15, 2025. The University of Batangas Lipa City (UBLC) College of Management and Tourism (CMT), under the leadership of its Dean, Dr. Irene R. De Villa, proudly represented the institution at the Philippine Association of Collegiate Schools of Business (PACSB) 5th International Research Conference, held recently in Vietnam. The participation underscored the college’s continuing pursuit of academic excellence, research advancement, and global collaboration.
As part of the same event, Dr. De Villa also joined the Educational Mission organized by the Council of Deans and Educators of Business (CODEB) Region IV-A, which featured benchmarking sessions, cultural immersion activities, and international partnership initiatives with higher education institutions across Vietnam. The mission aimed to promote cross-cultural understanding and strengthen academic linkages within the ASEAN region.
A highlight of this academic engagement was the signing of two landmark partnership agreements, reflecting UBLC’s expanding global network and dedication to international cooperation. The first was the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Dong Nai Technology University (DNTU) on October 14, 2025, followed by a Partnership Signing Ceremony with Saigon Business School (SBS) on October 15, 2025. These collaborations aim to promote joint research, academic exchanges, faculty mobility, and student learning opportunities that align with UBLC’s vision of becoming a globally recognized institution.
Through these partnerships, the College of Management and Tourism actively contributes to UBLC’s internationalization efforts, which seeks to broaden the university’s global engagement through academic alliances, intercultural learning, and collaborative research agreements. Such efforts ensure that UBLC students and faculty are equipped with international perspectives, competencies, and opportunities essential in today’s interconnected world.
The participation of Dr. De Villa in both the PACSB International Research Conference and the CODEB Educational Mission exemplifies UBLC’s steadfast commitment to fostering innovation, academic excellence, and meaningful global partnerships – further cementing the university’s role as a dynamic institution in the global academic community.