International Cooperation MOU Inked with Philippine House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez's Delegation
- Invitation to Join University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines' Science Park Project-
On Friday, September 8th, the Sogang University Research Foundation signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with 12 high-profile delegation members from the Philippines. The delegation includes notable figures such as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Rufus Rodriguez and the director and president of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP). The discussion focused on the establishment of a science park which will foster the development of the northern region of Mindanao, the second-largest island in the Philippines.
The visiting delegation, led by Rufus Rodriguez and representatives of the 2nd Misamis Oriental District, includes prominent figures such as Jo Mark M. Libre, Chairperson of USTP Foundation, and Ambrosio B. Cultura II, President of USTP, alongside board members and local government officials. During their visit, they examined various relevant institutions and infrastructures across South Korea, aiming to gather insights and expertise to support the creation of a science and technology infrastructure and a science park for nurturing startups. Notably, the USTP delegation enlisted the partnership of Sogang University due to the university’s successful track record for executing several Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects in the ASEAN region.
Over the past decade, Sogang University has successfully executed numerous science and technology ODA projects across Southeast Asia, which has included the construction of an innovation center in Indonesia and providing support to Cambodia's Royal University of Phnom Penh. Notably, Sogang University initiated the LINC 3.0 project in 2022 and has paved the way for a strategic partnership with the Scientists and Engineers Without Borders (SEWB) (chairperson, Shin Kwan-woo), setting the stage for international cooperation projects. They are currently gearing up for further international cooperation projects. SEWB will establish an innovation center for employment and startups in Nigeria and a youth science center in Indonesia. In Mongolia and Tanzania, the Sogang University Research Foundation and SEWB will establish a startup center and provide education programs on startup and science technology.
SEWB is Korea's sole science and technology non-governmental organization. It has around 4,000 members and supports Korean scientists in the realms of technology and science and technology education. In the Philippines, SEWB has established its Philippine branch, led by Dr. Lee Ho-Yong, a former professor at Sangji University. The organization has been actively involved in science and technology volunteer activities in partnership with local government bodies, universities, and NGOs.
With a focus on addressing global and local challenges, the Sogang University Research Foundation is dedicated to advancing its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) activities and pursuing SDGs for the university and the nation. Prof. Shin Kwan-Woo, President of SEWB and the head of the Sogang University Research Foundation expressed, "Following the visit by the Indonesian Technopark Project Preparation Team in July, Sogang University has been asked to participate in, cooperate with, and advise on the management of science and technology innovation clusters spreading across Southeast Asia, including science parks in the Philippines. We aspire to transform the Sogang University Research Foundation from an organization supporting university research into a model actively engaged in startups, technology transfer, research projects, and management."
