Forges Global Links: USJ-R keeps in step with industry updates

As part of its active international networking program, the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) recently forged an agreement with the China Agricultural University for mutual cooperation on several projects such as research and curriculum exchanges and be constantly updated with industry needs.

Students and faculty of CAU recently paid a visit to Cebu led by its University Council vice chairman Shicheng Qin to formalize the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the CAU and USJ-R.

“Initially, we were able to forge partnership on agricultural aspect. But with the MOU, we are going to go further and do more academic partnerships, especially in research and academic,” said USJ-R president Anthony A. Morillo, OAR.

According to Morillo, CAU with its expertise in agricultural courses, and other research based curriculum, will be able to coach USJ-R in introducing other courses and improve its curriculum also in other fields, like college of commerce among others.

Morillo said it is important for USJ-R to pursue aggressive international partnership because of the globalization.

This 60-year-old university already has current partnerships with colleges and universities in other countries including Thailand, Canada, United States and Japan.

 Aside from linking with foreign schools and universities, Morillo said constant partnership with industries is one of the main programs of the school to keep it abreast with the current industry needs in both local and international landscape.

At present, USJ-R has partnerships with over 80 industries worldwide, as part of their industry linkage program.

The school will also take advantage of its partnership with CAU to engage in networking with China-based industries, Morillo said.

In turn, USJ-R will offer CAU with its expertise in Arts and Sciences program, faculty members will be sent to China as part of the faculty exchange program that will be implemented soon as part of the two school’s MOU.

Morillo added that universities, like USJ-R need to have strong partnerships with the international education institutions, as well as industries, in order to establish a global name as well as get updated with the international demands and trends.

CAU is not only expert in its various agricultural and high technology courses in agriculture, but the university is also known for its good programs in commerce, research and development, among others.

There is also a possibility that USJ-R will venture into offering high-tech agricultural course, but this is something that will be carefully studied, Morillo said.