The University of San Agustin (USA) proudly participated in the 14th Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Presidents’ Forum, which was held on October 7–8, 2025 at the Persada International Convention Centre (PICC), Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.
The University was represented by Rev. Fr. Arnel S. Dizon, OSA, University President; Director John Paul P. Mondejar of the International Relations Office; and Director Normon A. Laurista of the Research Publication Services.
This year’s forum gathered presidents of universities, administrators, and heads of international relations and research offices from across the globe with the theme “Navigating the Intelligent Age for Global University Excellence.” The forum was an avenue for leaders in higher education to share strategies utilizing artificial intelligence, digitalization, and research collaboration to drive institutional excellence.
In his participation, Fr. Dizon underscored the vision of the University of San Agustin to increase its presence worldwide through strategic global partnerships and collaborative research undertakings. He emphasized the necessity to foster innovation and cross-border interdisciplinary collaboration—grounded in the Augustinian values of veritas, unitas, and caritas (truth, unity, and love)—so that technological advancement remains guided by ethical and humanistic values.
Director Mondejar and Director Laurista participated in parallel sessions on internationalization, academic research, and AI-driven education ecosystems. Their involvement highlighted the University’s continuing thrusts to expand its research output, facilitate publication opportunities, and forge fruitful linkages.
The University of San Agustin’s active participation in the UTM Presidents’ Forum 2025 is again an expression of its determination to advance international collaboration and research excellence while remaining anchored on its Augustinian mission of forming globally competent and socially responsible leaders.
