USM PENANG, 21 October 2025 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), through the School of Languages, Literacies and Translation (SoLLaT), has further strengthened its global engagement by conducting an academic and cultural exchange programme with Batangas State University (BSU), the Philippines.

The 14-day programme, held from 5 to 18 October 2025, involved 10 students and two accompanying officers from USM at BSU’s Pablo Borbon Campus in Batangas.

This initiative aimed to provide students with international learning exposure, promote intercultural understanding between Malaysia and the Philippines, and support the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

The closing programme was held on 17 October, in conjunction with a collaborative visit and meeting attended by the SoLLaT management team, led by the Dean, from 15 to 17 October 2025.

During the closing ceremony, Chancellor of BSU Pablo Borbon Campus, Dr. Expedito V. Acorda, highlighted the significance of this collaboration in advancing international student exchange and enriching the learning experience of students from both institutions.

He emphasised that such partnerships contribute to nurturing globally minded graduates capable of thriving in an increasingly interconnected world.

Meanwhile, Dean of SoLLaT, Professor Dr. Hazri Jamil, underscored that the programme offers a meaningful platform for students to engage in critical learning experiences that broaden intellectual horizons and enhance intercultural competence.

He also remarked that international exposure of this kind is essential in shaping globally competitive and socially responsible graduates, aligned with USM’s mission as an APEX (Accelerated Programme for Excellence) University.

This initiative marks another significant milestone in USM’s ongoing efforts to strengthen academic and cultural ties with international partners.

It also paves the way for future collaboration in teaching, learning, and research, bringing mutual benefits to students and academics from both Malaysia and the Philippines.

Text & Photos: Aizat Hisham Ahmad, School of Languages, Literacies and Translation (SoLLaT), USM