The official Newsletter of ASEACCU – The Association of Southeast and East Asian Catholic Colleges and Universities
Aseaccu Newsletter
July 2025
The Newsletter is published two times a year (Summer and Winter) by the Association of Southeast and East Asian Catholic College and Universities.
In the eight months since our January issue, the ASEACCU network has witnessed one of those periodic moments of change and continuity in the life of the Church. The passing of Pope Francis invited a season of contemplative mourning across our campuses, exemplified by the Paulinian community’s candle‑lit tribute in Manila. Just weeks later the conclave elected Pope Leo, whose first homily urged Catholic universities to “let scholarship become friendship for the world,” offering continuity without complacency. The theme of hope grounded in the unique promise of God made man in Jesus Christ has resounded strongly in Pope Leo’s early addresses. The universities and colleges of ASEACCU are a concrete sign of that hope and of the Church’s commitment to it in our vast and diverse region.
It is that hope that summons and animates the activities of our members. In this newsletter we learn that the University of San Agustin convened ethicists and data scientists to examine Artificial Intelligence for the common good. De La Salle–Dasmariñas and the University of Saint Joseph engineered floating wetlands that purify lake water while training student engineers in indigenous sustainability. Adamson University’s technopreneur hub reframed innovation as neighbour‑care rather than celebrity start‑ups, while Colegio de San Juan de Letran Calamba deepened faith formation through immersive service in Laguna. The EU Ambassador’s visit to Parahyangan Catholic University reminded us that academic diplomacy can still model strategic autonomy without rivalry. There is so much more: I urge you to spend an hour looking at the articles and be, as I have been, filled with hope, joy and admiration at the work of our members.
These stories all point us toward Taichung and Providence University, where our 2025 General Assembly will gather under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope: Spiritual Development and Action of Gen Z.” The Assembly working group has put together a fantastic programme and our hosts at Providence University have been working hard to make this an unforgettable few days.
Finally, on behalf of my University, I want to thank you all for the privilege of leading ASEACCU over the last three years. When USJ was elected as the Executive Secretariat in Cambodia in 2022, in succession to Fr Richard Ang OP and the University of Santo Tomas, we had no idea what was in store for us. It has been, apart from anything else, an incredibly enjoyable time. Our General Assemblies at Saint Louis University in Baguio City and at ACU in Sydney were as inspiring and energising as I know this year’s will be. We have developed stronger links between our members and the academic collaboration between us grows and grows. I thank you for the opportunity to be a part of that.
The Rev’d Professor Stephen Morgan, Rector
University of Saint Joseph Macao ASEACCU Executive Secretary
ASEACCU Activities & Events
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ILOILO CITY, Philippines— The University of San Agustin (USA) hosted its first Augustinian speakers from around the world. The conference, themed "Embracing Change and International Research Conference (AIR-C) from July 8-10, 2025, featuring distinguished Transformation in the Age of AI," marks the culmination of the university's 120th Foundation Anniversary celebration.
Four plenary speakers headlined the event Dr. Thanapan Laiprakobsup, Deputy Executive Director of the ASEAN University Network and an accomplished academic in the field of political science and administrator with the Chulalongkorn University, Dr. Rigoberto C. Advincula, University of Tennessee (UT)-Oak Ridge National Laboratory Governor’s Chair, one of the leading experts in polymer science and advanced and nanostructure Materials, Mr. Yukio Toyoshima, special advisor to PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) LLC, a leading industry expert in global business strategies, tourism innovations, and hospitality management, and Dr. Marieta B. Sumagaysay, former executive director of Department of Science and Technology-National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP) and a distinguished professor and researcher in her field.
The conference was organized into four clusters: Business and Education, Allied Medical Health, Science and Technology, and Social Sciences. Each cluster featured presentations from keynote speakers including Rev. Fr. Gary McCloskey, Dr. Rozzano Locsin, Dr. Shahrul Nizam Bin Amad, and Hon. Zaldy Trespeses, among others. "This groundbreaking event will provide an avenue for scholars, researchers, and industry leaders to examine the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence across various sectors," according to the University's announcement.
The Institute of Science and Environment (ISE) at the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) Macao recently led a dynamic Nature-Based Solutions Workshop on Floating Wetlands at De La Salle University-Dasmariñas (DLSU-D) in the Philippines. Academics from the two institutions led students on this impactful workshop as part of a broader faculty exchange programme between USJ and DLSU-D, under the framework of a signed MoU.
The workshop was conducted by Prof. Karen Tagulao of ISE/USJ and Prof. Cristina Calheiros of the CIIMAR/University of Porto. More than 100 students from DLSU-D were first introduced to the scientific background and environmental significance of floating wetlands. They then applied their knowledge by designing and constructing floating island wetlands using locally sourced materials such as bamboo, coconut fibers, and native wetland plants. The projects were successfully deployed and tested in the DLSU-D campus lake. The hands-on experience was met with great enthusiasm, providing students with a practical opportunity to implement sustainable solutions in a real-world setting.
This impactful workshop was part of a broader faculty exchange programme between USJ and DLSU-D, under the framework of a signed Memorandum of Understanding. Both institutions are committed to global academic collaboration and advancing environmental stewardship through education and research.
The 29th series of Makipamuhay was successfully conducted in three rural barangays of Mabitac, Laguna on April 4 to 6, 2025. A total of 117 volunteer college students, along with 19 personnel and alumni facilitators, participated in the three-day community immersion project. The participants were warmly welcomed and accommodated by the barangay officials and 58 host families, reflecting the strong community spirit of the town.
Makipamuhay is a flagship service-learning project of Colegio de San Juan de Letran Calamba, which has been transforming lives since its inception in 2000. The project is designed to increase social awareness, deliver relevant community services, and strengthen the faith of the immersionists.
The first day focused on building connections, allowing immersionists and host families to get acquainted and establish rapport. The second day was dedicated to hands-on community service and a solidarity activity that brought everyone together. Among the key services rendered were the installation of 25 solar-powered lights, hygiene seminar, community gardening, clean-up drive, and art workshop for children. These activities aimed to address immediate community needs while nurturing a sense of shared responsibility.
To conclude the immersion, a Eucharistic celebration was held on the third day in each of the three barangays. The Masses were presided over by the town’s parish priest, with two Dominican priests from the Convent of Saint Albert the Great in Calamba City concelebrating, deepening the spiritual experience for both participants and residents.
A project evaluation was conducted with 138 respondents, consisting of immersionist students, facilitators, and host families. The results showed a grand mean of 4.61, indicating a Very High Level of Success.
The success of the 29th Makipamuhay underscores Letran Calamba’s steadfast commitment to community engagement with the Municipality of Mabitac, Laguna and transformative education. The Colegio remains dedicated to fostering social responsibility and faith-driven service, with the aim of continuously reaching and uplifting more communities in the years to come.
Colegio de San Juan de Letran Calamba, a Dominican institution located in Calamba, Laguna, offers a comprehensive spiritual formation program organized by the Campus Ministry Department. These spiritual formation programs cover recollections and retreats designed in fostering spiritual growth, personal reflection, and community integration among the students, faculty, and employees.
A hallmark of Letran Calamba’s spiritual formation program is the three-day retreat for graduating students held at Caleruega Retreat Center, Batulao, Nasugbu, Batangas, Philippines. Various themes for the retreats are a.) PAGSIBOL: Retreat for Grade 6 students; b.) PAGHAKBANG: Retreat for Grade 10 students; c.) PAGLAKBAY: Retreat for Grade 12 students; d.) PAGHAYO: Retreat for Graduating College Students; and e.) PAGYABONG: Retreat for the Graduate School students.
These immersive experiences encourage the student-participants to engage in deep reflection, promote reconciliation with oneself, with others, with nature, and of God. Through these retreats, students are guided towards a holistic development aligned with the institution’s mission of transformative education.
For non-graduating students, the Campus Ministry Department annually facilitates daytime recollections, specifically, students from Grade 3 to the Collegiate level. Each recollection offers modules to ensure that the needs of the students are met, providing opportunities for spiritual enrichment and developing strong bonds with the community, laying a foundation for students' personal and academic journey.
Moreover, the personnel of Letran Calamba hold their spiritual formation program known as GINHAWA Retreat annually. It aims to provide a meaningful rest and spiritual renewal for the Letran Community. This event underscores the institution’s commitment in nurturing the spiritual well-being of its members.
The recollections and retreats of Letran Calamba are integral to its educational philosophy which emphasizes the holistic development of the individual. These structured spiritual formation programs ensure that Letran Calamba students and personnel are not only academically equipped but also spiritually grounded and deeply rooted in Dominican values.
Written by Kenneth A. Ramos
Photos taken by Campus Ministry Department and Mr. Allen Angelo Villanueva
Innovation at Adamson University (AdU) is a deliberate pursuit– a mission rooted in our Vincentian identity and the imperative to serve. Through a culture that blends scientific inquiry with social responsibility, AdU shapes future technopreneurs ready to be catalysts of meaningful change in both industry and society.
At the heart of this mission lies the Technology Business Incubator (AdUNEST-Adamson University Neo-Science and Technology Incubation Center), where ideas evolve into real-world solutions. It nurtures student, faculty, and alumni ventures that address practical challenges through socially conscious innovation.
The Platinum Award from the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), earned by the university’s Intellectual Property and Technology Support Office (ITSO) in 2023, 2024, and 2025, affirms the strength of Adamson’s innovation ecosystem, reflecting a consistent dedication to advancing knowledge, protecting intellectual property, and enabling technology- driven education and enterprise.
Technopreneurship at AdU is framed as a vehicle for transformation, with students encouraged to develop innovations that uplift communities, bridge social gaps, and create new opportunities for marginalized sectors. From low-cost diagnostic tools to sustainable energy systems for off-grid areas, innovation must always respond to human need.
Flagship initiatives like The HATCH, Technopreneurship Summit, and TALK-N-TECH underscore this vision by offering platforms for cross-disciplinary collaboration, exposing aspiring technopreneurs to reverse pitching, co-creation sessions, and real-time design challenges. Such experiences broaden the view of entrepreneurship from an individual pursuit to a collaborative effort to solve issues in sectors often overlooked or underserved.
Students from engineering, business, education, health sciences, and the liberal arts work side by side, fostering a learning environment where technological creativity meets cultural insight, and empathy drives innovation. This approach prepares graduates to design with purpose and lead with vision.
While partnerships with government and industry help scale ideas, Adamson’s guiding principle remains service to the common good. Collaborations are chosen for their alignment with university values, with emphasis on improving access, promoting equity, and enhancing life in under-resourced communities.
The university also embeds ethical awareness in its innovation training, teaching technopreneurs to consider the broader social, environmental, and moral impacts of their work, and reminding them that innovation must be guided by principles of justice, responsibility and compassion.
Many of Adamson’s initiatives align with global development goals. Faculty research and student-led startups tackle issues such as affordable healthcare, food security, renewable energy, and climate resilience, reflecting a commitment to a future that is inclusive and sustainable.
Vigormin, one of Adamson’s notable innovations, is a low-cost, eco-friendly water treatment solution developed to address sanitation issues in rural and disaster-stricken communities. It has received recognition in national innovation competitions and has been deployed to improve access to clean water across different areas.
Among AdUNEST’s success stories are startups STAPPL Inc., specializing in smart logistics solutions, and Herbaia Inc., a social enterprise producing plant-based health and wellness products—both examples of innovation with social impact. Strategic partnerships with government agencies, innovation hubs, and academic institutions sustain the culture of innovation and technopreneurship, providing access to tools, networks, and capacity-building opportunities. Such engagements support the development of solutions that are locally grounded yet globally relevant, reinforcing Adamson’s mission to produce leaders equipped to navigate complex technological and societal landscapes.
At Adamson, technopreneurship becomes more than commercial opportunity: it becomes a platform for advocacy, a response to injustice, and a means of empowerment. Innovations born from this mindset confront realities, seeking to transform not only technology, but also lives. In doing so, the university cultivates more than engineers or entrepreneurs, but also educators who integrate innovation into learning, liberal arts graduates who embed creativity and critical thought into solutions, and health sciences professionals who pioneer accessible health innovations– turning aspirants into changemakers who invent with knowledge and serve with heart.
As challenges grow more complex, AdU nurtures minds prepared to meet change with courage, creativity, and conscience. Technopreneurship, as envisioned by AdU, is a path of innovation infused with intention: building solutions with integrity, solving problems with empathy, and creating opportunities that are impactful and inclusive. With this approach, innovation leads not only to progress, but to social transformation– especially for those at the margins.
A solemn tribute to the late pontiff, Pope Francis, was held from April 25 to 29 at the Pedro Gil Lobby of St. Paul University Manila. Organized by students from the Religious Education classes, the mini-exhibit commemorated the life, ministry, and unwavering commitment of Pope Francis to humble service within the Catholic Church.
Following the Holy Father’s passing on Easter Monday, April 21, the Paulinian community put up a memorial space adorned with portraits of the Pope. Students and members of the Paulinian community were invited to offer prayers, light candles, and write messages in remembrance of the beloved pontiff.
The tribute formally commenced on the morning of April 25, with students from the Religious Education classes joining in a communal offering of songs and prayers for the eternal repose of Pope Francis. Heartfelt written messages expressing gratitude and admiration for the Pope’s compassion and dedication were likewise collected throughout the event.
In the afternoon, a Holy Mass was celebrated at St. Maurice Hall, presided over by Msgr. Gerry Santos. In his homily, Msgr. Santos reflected on Pope Francis’ enduring legacy, highlighting his embodiment of the themes of mercy and hope from the previous Jubilee Years. He also shared personal recollections of his encounter with the Pope during a visit to Rome, offering the faithful a poignant glimpse into the Holy Father’s humility and warmth.
Pope Francis faithfully served the Catholic Church for twelve years, following his election on March 13, 2013. Revered as the “People’s Pope,” he championed the cause of the marginalized and tirelessly worked to draw the faithful closer to God and His Church. His profound legacy of compassion, humility, and hope will continue to inspire generations to come.
ILOILO CITY, Philippines— The University of San Agustin (USA) hosted its first Augustinian speakers from around the world. The conference, themed "Embracing Change and International Research Conference (AIR-C) from July 8-10, 2025, featuring distinguished Transformation in the Age of AI," marks the culmination of the university's 120th Foundation Anniversary celebration.
Four plenary speakers headlined the event Dr. Thanapan Laiprakobsup, Deputy Executive Director of the ASEAN University Network and an accomplished academic in the field of political science and administrator with the Chulalongkorn University, Dr. Rigoberto C. Advincula, University of Tennessee (UT)-Oak Ridge National Laboratory Governor’s Chair, one of the leading experts in polymer science and advanced and nanostructure Materials, Mr. Yukio Toyoshima, special advisor to PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) LLC, a leading industry expert in global business strategies, tourism innovations, and hospitality management, and Dr. Marieta B. Sumagaysay, former executive director of Department of Science and Technology-National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP) and a distinguished professor and researcher in her field.
The conference was organized into four clusters: Business and Education, Allied Medical Health, Science and Technology, and Social Sciences. Each cluster featured presentations from keynote speakers including Rev. Fr. Gary McCloskey, Dr. Rozzano Locsin, Dr. Shahrul Nizam Bin Amad, and Hon. Zaldy Trespeses, among others. "This groundbreaking event will provide an avenue for scholars, researchers, and industry leaders to examine the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence across various sectors," according to the University's announcement.
