BatStateU and USM Launch Project IMMERSED: Strengthening Academic and Cultural Ties Through International Exchange
George Town, Penang, Malaysia — In a bold step towards enhancing global academic collaboration, Batangas State University, The National Engineering University (BatStateU), in partnership with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), particularly the School of Languages, Literacies & Translation, successfully launched Project IMMERSED: INTERNATIONAL MOBILITY and MULTIDISCIPLINARY ENGAGEMENT for RESEARCH and SCHOLARLY EXCELLENCE DEVELOPMENT. This short-term academic program was held from 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 27 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐲 3, 2025 for faculty members, and 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 27 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐲 10, 2025 for students, in George Town, Penang, Malaysia.
Project IMMERSED is a strategic initiative designed to provide both faculty and students a platform for cross-cultural academic engagement and multidisciplinary learning. More than just an academic endeavor, the project reflects BatStateU’s commitment to fostering global competencies, advancing research collaborations, and promoting intercultural understanding—key components in achieving the university’s internationalization goals.
Representing BatStateU – Pablo Borbon were two faculty members:
𝐃𝐫. 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐚 𝐃. 𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐥, Program Chair of BAELS/MA English/PhD English under the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)
𝐃𝐫. 𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐀. 𝐂𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧, Department Chair of Undergraduate Programs under the College of Teacher Education (CTE)
Accompanying them were 𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐞 (9) 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 from CAS and CTE:
𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬
Emmanuel Ebreo
Pierre Miguel Lacorte
Kim Abigail Abag
Hariette Cabale
𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
William Aldueza
Allyson Claire Geron
Derek Jieter Gube
Shanlie Renz Gutierrez
Jed Harry Ortega
Throughout the program, the participants engaged in collaborative academic activities, workshops, and cultural exchanges aimed at enhancing their understanding of international educational practices. The initiative also explored opportunities for research collaboration, curriculum development, and sustained partnerships between BatStateU and USM.
Project IMMERSED exemplifies Batangas State University’s proactive approach to internationalization, opening avenues for academic excellence, cross-disciplinary engagement, and meaningful cultural immersion.
