Southern Leyte State University hosts the IZN Summit: Ascend 2025
Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), through the External Linkages and International Affairs Office, successfully hosted the IZN Summit: Ascend 2025: Celebrating Partnerships and Advancing Growth, on March 5 to 9, 2025, at the SLSU Main Campus, bringing together global academic leaders, researchers, and institutional partners.
The event welcomed distinguished representatives from various partner institutions, including Tra Vinh University in Vietnam and the Vietnam Association of Community Colleges, represented by Ms. Nguyen Thi Mai Khanh, Director of International Affairs at TVU and VACC; Universitas Multimedia Nusantara in Indonesia, represented by Dr. Ika Yanuarti Loebiantoro, Vice Rector for Student Affairs; Wadhwani Foundation in the Asia Pacific, represented by Mr. Lucrecio D. Delgado Jr., Regional Manager for Southeast Asia, and Ms. Angelica F. Añabeza, Senior Associate; and the Software Development Center of the University of Danang, represented by Dr. Ha Huy Cuong Nguyen, Director of UD-Software Development Center. The University of Negros Occidental – Recoletos was also in attendance, represented by Dr. Agnes Sequiño, Director of the Internationalization Office; Engr. Ashraf Khater, Director of the Research and Development Office; Engr. Lea Joy Hiponia, Dean of the College of Engineering; and Dr. Elmer Haro, Dean of the College of Information Technology.
As part of its 21st-anniversary celebration, SLSU used this milestone event to highlight its achievements in global engagement while strengthening ties with international partners. The summit featured a dynamic lineup of events that reinforced partnerships and showcased the best in academic collaboration. One of the key highlights was the SLSU Talks: Ideas Worth Sharing, a TED Talk-style session where distinguished speakers shared insights on education, research, and international collaboration. Among the esteemed presenters were Dr. Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno III, Founder and Managing Director of GHF University Excellence, who provided thought-provoking perspectives on global higher education through Scopus-indexed journals and other academic publications. Additionally, SLSU Talks: Innovations Worth Sharing highlighted impactful initiatives from SLSU, with Dr. Gladys Ludevese-Pascual, Campus Director of SLSU Bontoc Campus, and Dr. Clemente H. Cobilla, Campus Director of SLSU Tomas Oppus Campus, sharing their expertise and institutional advancements.
To encourage innovation, the summit hosted a Speed Networking segment, allowing the faculty deans to present proposals, explore collaboration opportunities, and discuss potential academic exchanges, research collaborations, and faculty development programs. Additionally, the Savoring Partnership: Global Food and Craft Street provided a unique cross-cultural culinary experience, celebrating Filipino heritage through our very own flavors.
SLSU President Dr. Jude A. Duarte emphasized the significance of the summit. “Our commitment to internationalization is not merely vision, but has slowly become a reality. At this summit, let us embrace the spirit of “Lupad” as we ascend together, driven by the power of collaboration and fueled by the pursuit of excellence.”
Closing the event, A Toast for Lasting Partnership was led by Dr. Francis Ann R. Sy, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services, symbolizing SLSU’s dedication to enduring collaborations and shared academic growth.
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the IZN Summit: Ascend 2025 contributed to key areas such as Quality Education (SDG 4) through knowledge exchange and academic collaborations, and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17) by strengthening global alliances for sustainable progress.
Through IZN Summit: Ascend, SLSU reaffirmed its role as a leader in global education, fostering international relationships that transcend borders.
