SLSU Professors Join VACC 2026 Conference in Vietnam

Three professors, Dr. Constantino G. Medilo Jr., Dr. Clemente H. Cobilla, and Dr. Frederick C. Aniga, from Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) participated in the 2026 Annual Conference and Scientific Symposium of the Vietnam Association of Community Colleges (VACC), held on January 21–26, 2026, at Da Lat College, Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province, Vietnam. The conference, themed “Education Innovation for Adaptation to a Changing Labour Market,” brought together educators, researchers, and academic leaders from various countries to discuss emerging trends, innovative practices, and collaborative strategies in community college education across the ASEAN region and beyond.

The main conference program, conducted on January 23, 2026, took place at the Auditorium of Da Lat College and featured a plenary session that highlighted key developments in educational innovation. The event formally opened with an Opening Ceremony, which included the presentation of certificates to conference sponsors, the keynote speaker, and recipients of the Best Paper Awards. Representatives from ABE Global (United Kingdom) and the Center for Application and Innovation (AIC) delivered sponsor remarks, emphasizing international collaboration and innovation in education.

A major highlight of the conference was the keynote address titled “Pedagogical Innovation in the Digital Era: From Core Competency Frameworks to the New Workforce Profile,” delivered by Dr. Le Thi Thanh Tinh of the University of Education, University of Da Nang. The keynote explored how educational institutions can redesign teaching and learning approaches to better prepare graduates for the evolving demands of the global labor market.

During the conference, Dr. Constantino G. Medilo Jr. delivered a presentation highlighting the role of Southern Leyte State University within the Vietnam Association of Community Colleges (VACC). In his speech, Dr. Medilo expressed appreciation for the continued partnership between SLSU and VACC and formally presented the University’s Doctor of Education (EdD) program to the VACC community. He noted that “it is a privilege to speak here in Da Lat City, a place known not only for its natural beauty, but also for its strong commitment to education, skills development, and community advancement.”

Throughout the conference, participants engaged in academic discussions, networking activities, and knowledge-sharing sessions aimed at strengthening institutional partnerships and advancing community college education. The event provided SLSU faculty with valuable insights into innovative pedagogical models, curriculum alignment, and international best practices relevant to workforce development. SLSU’s participation in the VACC 2026 Conference highlights the University’s continuing commitment to academic innovation, international collaboration, and regional engagement, contributing to the enhancement of teaching, research, and extension initiatives within the institution.

This activity supports Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) by promoting inclusive, equitable, and innovative learning through international academic collaboration.