SLSU Hosts HUTECH Delegates for a Week-Long Cultural and Academic Exchange Program
Southern Leyte State University (SLSU)-Tomas Oppus campus recently hosted a week-long Faculty and Student Exchange Program with Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH), aimed at fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange. The program, named "SUROY, SADYA UG DAYEG: A Culmination of Culture, Internationalization, and Campus Spirit," ran from February 27 to March 5, 2025, and included a series of academic engagements, cultural immersions, and collaborative opportunities.
The program kicked off on February 27 with the arrival of 23 HUTECH students and 8 faculty members, who were warmly welcomed by the university officials and faculty, specifically the SLSU-TO BSBA Faculty. The day’s events began with courtesy calls to university and local government officials, followed by a welcome program complete with cultural performances and a festive dinner. Dr. Norla Grace A. Betarmos, SLSU-TO Faculty Dean, extended a heartfelt welcome to the delegates.
On February 28, the delegates visited the Hinapo community in Tomas Oppus, where they participated in discussions on rural development challenges and opportunities. This site visit, attended by both faculty from HUTECH and SLSU-TO, provided insights into community-based initiatives such as the RICHA and BSBA Extension Programs. The delegates explored the current affairs and future of RICHA, followed by an open forum where ideas about rural development were exchanged.
Later in the day, a roundtable discussion took place at the SLSU-TO Conference Room. The event allowed faculty from both institutions to explore potential joint projects, share best practices, and discuss opportunities for academic growth and research. Dr. Nguyen Luu Thanh Tan, Vice Dean of HUTECH’s Faculty of Marketing-International Business, invited SLSU-TO faculty to visit HUTECH for further collaborations.
Days 3 and 4, March 1-2, were dedicated to an enriching cultural immersion experience. The delegation explored Southern Leyte, enjoying the province’s scenic beauty and engaging in interactive sessions that furthered their understanding of Filipino culture. Meanwhile, on March 3, the program held its highly anticipated Global Leadership Convergence at the SLSU-Main Campus Plenary Hall. This event emphasized leadership cultivation in a borderless world, and students were also given the opportunity to immerse themselves in SLSU’s courses on digital marketing and international business.
On March 4, students participated in immersive class sessions and peer-teaching activities in digital marketing and international business. HUTECH faculty led a session on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in digital marketing, stressing the importance of ethical AI usage in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. The discussions were complemented by SLSU-TO’s BSBA faculty, who presented business strategies and the intricacies of international marketing.
The day also included a company tour of Rhea Noemi Food Products in Libagon, Southern Leyte, where students observed firsthand the entrepreneurial spirit and innovations within the region.
The week concluded on March 5 with a heartfelt farewell ceremony. Students and faculty exchanged tokens of appreciation and performed various cultural pieces, further strengthening the bonds of friendship formed during the exchange. The closing ceremony featured performances by SLSU-TO’s Campus Idol finalists and a special rendition of "Hello Vietnam" by the HUTECH delegates. Dr. Betarmos expressed her gratitude for the enriching experiences.
As the delegates from HUTECH returned to Vietnam, they took with them not just academic knowledge, but also a deeper appreciation for Filipino culture and the potential for future collaboration.
Throughout the week, both institutions emphasized their commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on quality education, gender equality, and fostering global partnerships. By exploring issues related to rural development, community empowerment, and innovation, the collaboration between HUTECH and SLSU-TO furthered progress towards SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. These shared experiences demonstrated the importance of building bridges across borders to create a more inclusive and sustainable future.
[Photo courtesy | The Light Publication (The Official Student Publication of SLSU - Tomas Oppus]
