#GoingGlobal: VSUI, Universitas Brawijaya bolster collaboration in academics, research

“We promise that this office will not let this MOU sit on a shelf,” said Engr. Darry Mhei Morales, Head of the International Affairs Relations Office of VSU Isabel, adding that her office is committed to breathing life into every clause.

The agreement establishes a framework between DBM and Universitas Brawijaya’s Faculty of Agriculture, aiming to expand research, extension collaborations, and instructional development. It also encourages interdisciplinary work integrating business management with agricultural sustainability. 

Universitas Brawijaya in Malang, East Java, has over 60,000 students. Its Faculty of Agriculture—one of the oldest and largest at UB—offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in Agronomy, Agribusiness, Agricultural Socioeconomics, Plant Protection, and Soil Science. 

VSU Isabel Chancellor, Dr. Catherine L. Chan, said the partnership aims to create opportunities for joint research, academic exchanges, and capacity-building programs. She also emphasized the shared responsibility of both institutions in shaping future leaders. 

“Together, we embrace the responsibility of nurturing future leaders who are equipped to address both local and global challenges,” the VSUI Chancellor added.

Dr. Noer Rahmi Ardiarini, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, spoke on behalf of their Dean, Prof. Mangku Purnomo, noting that VSU Isabel’s strong foundation in agriculture complements their faculty. 

“When agriculture meets business management, the farm becomes not only the field of production but a field of enterprise and innovation for rural families,” she said.

Ms. Jheanne T. Lubiano, head of VSU Isabel’s Department of Business Management, described the agreement as “a meaningful collaboration” that strengthens the department’s vision of providing quality education and broader international exposure for students and faculty."

The collaboration marks a significant point in VSU Isabel’s continued pursuit of global engagement, aligning with its university-wide global initiatives aimed at strengthening international linkages and enhancing academic excellence through cross-border partnerships.

The broader VSU-UB partnership began in 2024, with prior initiatives including co-convening the International Conference on Public Administration and Governance (ICOPAG), virtual summer classes, and webinars—engagements that laid the groundwork for this new DBM-led agreement.

This article is aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4: Quality Education; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.