The Vice-President for Research, Development and Extension Services, Dr. Analyn C. Españo and the Vice-President for Internationalization and External Affairs, Dr. Danilo B. Pulma participated in the Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL) International Conference on Higher Education Reshaping for Resilience in Post COVID-19 Era at Sukhothai Treasure Resort and Spa, Sukhothai Province, Thailand on November 8-10, 2022.
The Eastern Visayas State University,a member university of the ASAIHL,was given three slots for participation and free of the registration fee.
With the University’s agenda to beef up research and internationalization programs, the engagement provided networking opportunities for the University to improve existing academic, research, and external affairs services.
The Opening Ceremony was attended by the key officials of the Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL) from member universities and colleges throughout the globe.
Welcome remarks and messages were heard from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sarintip Tantanee, President of Naresuan University; Prof. Dr. Bundhit Eua-arporn, Chairperson of ASAIHL Thailand and President of Chulalongkorn University; Prof. Dr. Yoshihisa Baba, President of ASAIHL; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ninnat Olanvoravuth, Secretary-General of ASAIHL.
Prof. Dr. Prasit Watanapa, M.D. ,Chair of the Naresuan University Council, served as the Keynote Speaker. His address on “Higher Education Reshaping for Resilience Policies” zeroed in on the importance of developing among learners not only the hard skills but as well the soft skills which often are neglected by teachers today. Communications skills are still the most important skills of all the skills as they serve as building blocks in the development of the personality and mentality of the individual. Metaskills which include self-awareness and view about oneself have to be developed among the learners of the 21st century. The keys to this include, knowing oneself, accepting reality, and self-acceptance. As averred, the speaker, “We cannot change what is happening in the world, but we can change how we react.”
In the same keynote address, it was emphasized that the real facts of life are: known knows, unknown knows, known unknows, and unknown unknows. Socialization is necessary in order to bridge one’s emotion to the circumstances around. So, empathy deficit affects collaboration and teamwork. It creates more division, complaints, especially for employees. Experimentation is another thing that classroom teachers and educationists would look into. It requires to be okay with living in constant uncertainty. When we do not know the answer, we use speculation to fill the gap. Research continues this tradition.
After the keynote speech, Country report on Higher Education Reshaping for Resilience in Post COVID-19 Era: A Case Study of Thailand was shared by Prof. Emeritus Dr. Chanita Rukspollmuang,Vice President and Dean of Graduate School of Education, Siam University, Thailand.
On a lighter note, the EVSU delegation together with other universities in the Philippines, was able to meet Mr. Athiporn Pothikun, International Relations Officer, Division of International Affairs and Language Development (DIALD). He served as the usher and contact person of the Eastern Visayas State University participants. The Philippine representative and liaison to the ASAIHL, Fr. Manny Manatimtim, and the Adamson University President, were also present during the event.
In the afternoon, the general assembly was done. After the meeting, elections of officers was done and the Philippines was able to retain its spot in the ASAIHL council of leaders as Fr. Manny was still chosen as the Philippine president to the ASAIHL.
A welcome dinner was sponsored by the organizers where participants were asked to wear the Attire: Thai Local Costume/Smart Casual. The whole delegation was invited to attend the well-known festival of Thailand – Sukhothai loi Krathong and Candle Festival.
The Day 2 of the event has been a busy day for research presentation. Function Room 1 was Moderated and Chaired by: Asst. Prof. Dr. Korakod Nusit and Asst. Prof. Dr. Panu Buranajarukorn
and the following paper presentations were noted:
- The Impact of Social Media on Thai Students’ Social Skills in Thailand by Ms. Kwanruan Pusaboon, Suranaree University of Technology, Thailand
- Profiles of Self-Directed Learning and Collaborative Learning with and without ICT among Thai Undergraduate Students by Selma Mupeniwo Iipinge, Suranaree University of Technology, Thailand
- Online Classical Guitar Package: A Delivering of University Module that Makes Students Feel at Home by Asst. Prof. Dr. Tat Amaro, Naresuan University, Thailand
- Perception of Health Sciences Students towards ‘Detective Statistic: Unravelling the Mystery during Malaysia Government Movement Control Order by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ismarulyusda Ishak, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia
- Application of GeoGebra in Teaching Transformation of 2D Graphs for PreUniversity Students by Mr. Mohamad Taqiuddin Anuar, National Energy University, Malaysia
In the morning open forum, participants engaged actively with the group and questions were raised.
The following papers were also presented:
- Using Online Virtual Cadaver Dissection Platforms to Improve Student Learning of Human Anatomy by Asst. Prof. Thanapon Chobpenthai, Princess Srisavangavadhana College of Medicine, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Thailand
- The Juxtaposition of Medium Theory and Lasswell’s Communication Theory in the Classroom by Dr. Chon NeVille, Naresuan University, Thailand
- Responsive and Enhanced Flexible UE Learning (REfUEl): Facing the Educational Challenges of the New Normal by Melvin A. Vidar, University of the East, Philippines
- The Knowledge and Awareness of Faculty and Students on Climate Change: For Curriculum Enhancement by Dr. Emily Almendral, Saint Michael’s College of Laguna, Philippines
- Examining Youth Tourists’ Travel Motivations (Study Case: University Student in Indonesia Traveling to Perform at International Folklore Festival) by Mr. Andris Adhitra, Naresuan University, Thailand
The platform was also an opportunity for the participants to have their conversation and academic exchange.
To wrap up the activity, the entire delegates had their cultural exposure and experiential learning episode at the last day of the conference.
