Advancing Taiwan–Philippines International USR Initiatives: Department of Biomedical and Environmental Biology at Kaohsiung Medical University Partners with UPOU to Build a Sustainable Collaboration Platform

A delegation from the College of Life Sciences at Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU) visited the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) on February 5, 2026, to engage in academic exchange and University Social Responsibility (USR) collaboration. During the visit, the opening ceremony of the “KMU Namasia USR Office in the Philippines” was held, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of international USR initiatives and higher education cooperation between KMU and UPOU.

The delegation was led by Professor Sodio C. N. Hsu, Dean of the College of Life Sciences at KMU, and included Professor Pei-Feng Liu, Chair of the Department of Biomedical and Environmental Biology, and Professor Yong-Chao Su from the same department. The UPOU delegation was represented by Vice Chancellor Dr. Aurora V. Lacaste and Assistant to the Chancellor for VINTA, Professor Lorena Jean Saludadez. During the visit, both institutions reflected on years of collaboration in teaching, social engagement, and international partnership, highlighting a stable and forward-looking cooperative relationship.

In fact, Professor Yong-Chao Su of the Department initiated the iUSR Lakbay Kaohsiung Program jointly with UPOU on September 26 last year, actively advancing International University Social Responsibility (iUSR) collaboration and establishing a solid and sustainable foundation for long-term partnership between the two institutions.

This visit further enhanced cooperation in areas such as cross-border social practice, digital learning, and environmental education. It also showcased the department’s interdisciplinary strengths that integrate biomedical sciences, environmental biology, and sustainable development, injecting new momentum into international USR and educational collaboration.

At the opening ceremony, Vice Chancellor Aurora V. Lacaste of UPOU and Dean Sodio C. N. Hsu of KMU delivered keynote remarks, emphasizing the vital role of USR and international higher education collaboration in promoting sustainable development and social engagement. Professor Lorena Jean Saludadez subsequently reviewed the history of cooperation between the two institutions and outlined their shared vision for the future. The ribbon-cutting and unveiling ceremony was jointly conducted by senior representatives from both universities, followed by a tour of the newly established office, officially inaugurating the facility.

This visit marks a new phase in collaboration between KMU and UPOU in the areas of internationalized USR, distance education, digital learning, and cross-cultural social engagement. Both institutions will continue to deepen long-term cooperation in education, social service, and the cultivation of globally minded talent.

Highlights of the Collaboration

• Digital Learning Collaboration: Leveraging UPOU’s expertise in distance education and multimedia content development to promote cross-national teaching and social engagement.
• High-Level Engagement and Institutionalization: Joint participation by senior leadership to solidify long-term partnerships and sustainable cooperation mechanisms.
• USR and Global Talent Development: Through the iUSR Lakbay Kaohsiung initiative and the overseas office platform, nurturing biomedical and environmental professionals with global perspectives and cross-cultural social practice competencies.