MANILA, Philippines - Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI) chairman emeritus Richard Lee celebrated his Lasallian roots and affirmed his personal advocacy for innovation in the sciences with the donation of the soon-to-rise Richard L. Lee Engineering and Technology Block.
This significant addition to the De La Salle University (DLSU) Science and Technology Complex in Sta. Rosa, Laguna will serve as a hands-on research and learning space for the university’s College of Science and Gokongwei College of Engineering.
It is envisioned to enhance the premier university’s reputation as a Commission on Higher Education (CHED) “Center of Excellence” for the sciences, servicing the country’s network of Lasallian institutes as well as over 50 other Metro Manila colleges and universities that have access to DLSU as a CHED Zonal Research Center.
“My dream for this new center for learning is that it will be a source of the country’s next generation leaders in the sciences: a dynamic, comprehensive and forward-thinking space that will unlock the talents of our young people,” Lee said.
Bro. Ricardo Laguda, president and chancellor of DLSU, expressed deep appreciation for the generous donation. “I hope this partnership will continue to bear fruit, not only for this particular building, but also for the students of De La Salle University who we are forming to become the next generation leaders.”
Raymond Tan, vice chancellor for research and innovation, said DLSU can strive not just to be a national resource but an institution that is a resource for the region and for the entire world. “Science and technology are foundations of economic growth. This is why in Laguna we have a 50-hectare campus which is the future of De La Salle University,” he said.
Also present was the DLSU team of students and faculty that competed and won 3rd place in the Adventure Class of the 2013 World Solar Challenge in Australia.
As the team presented their winning project, Sikat II Solar Car, they shared their sense of fulfillment at having successfully applied what they learned from school to an activity outside the classroom walls, reaffirming how meaningful innovation can benefit the country and the world.
The Richard L. Lee Engineering and Technology Block is expected to broaden the applied learning experience of the academic community.