The University of Negros Occidental–Recoletos, Inc. (UNO-R) and Huachiew Chalermprakiet University (HCU) in Thailand are exploring specialized academic collaborations in forensic science, medical laboratory practice, pharmaceutical manufacturing, nursing, and international research following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The partnership agreement, signed by Rev. Fr. Joel A. Alve, OAR, University President of UNO-R, and Dr. Jonathan Rante Carreon, Vice President of HCU, with Rev. Fr. Leo G. Alaras, OAR, Vice President for Academics and Research, opens opportunities for co-hosting international research conferences, faculty-led virtual lectures, student and faculty exchanges, and specialized immersion, simulation, and laboratory exposure programs.
The College of Criminal Justice Education will explore collaboration in Forensic Science, particularly in cadaver management and emergency medical response, disaster risk preparedness and management, and other activities designed to strengthen students’ technical skills and laboratory experience.
Meanwhile, the College of Allied Medical Health Sciences will engage with HCU’s Faculty of Medical Technology, Faculty of Nursing, and Faculty of Pharmacy in areas such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedures using blood samples, blood sampling and panel testing, virtual lectures, virtual simulations of nursing procedures, and actual laboratory exposure.
For Pharmacy students, proposed areas include pharmaceutical manufacturing, with emphasis on packaging and processing, quality assurance, and research.
Nursing students will explore community nursing and geriatric care, complemented by virtual simulations of nursing procedures that provide opportunities to develop and reinforce clinical knowledge and practical competencies.
For the College of Engineering, specifically the BS in Chemical Engineering students will be trained in analysis via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for quality control and industrial processing.
For the College of Education, qualified students will undergo practice teaching and relevant exposures to enhance their global competence.
In the field of research, possible interdisciplinary activities will be done involving the colleges of the partner universities to support Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4 and 17 which promote quality education and partnerships for the goals.
The signing ceremony and visits to partner schools were facilitated by the Office of Internationalization under the leadership of Dr. Yasmin Pascual-Dormido, with UNO-R delegates including Dr. Jean Pauyon of the College of Criminal Justice Education, Dr. Ma. Theresa Haro, Dean of the College of Education, Dr. Shiela Arnibal, Dean of the College of Allied Medical Health Sciences, and Engr. Ashraf Khater, Program Head of the BS Chemical Engineering Program.
The partnership strengthens UNO-R’s internationalization efforts by connecting its academic programs with specialized expertise, facilities, and global learning opportunities in Thailand.
