#GoingGlobal: VSU Tolosa partners with Universiti Putra Malaysia to advance fisheries research and innovation

VSU-Tolosa further expands its global network through a ceremonial exchange of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) on February 24, 2025 to enhance research, extension, and innovation initiatives and drive growth in the regional fisheries industry.

This activity took place at the VSU Guesthouse with the presence of VSU President Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes, VSU Tolosa Chancellor Dr. Quenstein D. Lauzon, UPM Institute of Bioscience Deputy Director Professor Dr. Ina Salwany Md Yasin, and other team members from UPM.

Stipulated in the MOU are the necessary provisions which address the common vision of both universities to strengthen research collaboration and publication, and human resources development in the fisheries sector. 

Moreover, this linkage will address the need to develop and capacitate the faculty and students in terms of academics and research in the field of fisheries and aquatic sciences.

This collaboration was an offshoot after the exposure to SEARCA’s training by one of the MS Fisheries advisees of Dr. Lauzon in 2023. 

Initial discussion and inception meeting was made with the Head of the Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Health and Therapeutics of the Institute of Bioscience in UPM, Dr. Mohammad Noor Amal Azmai.

In addition to the MOU ceremonial exchange, UPM conducted scoping activities across key landmarks in Leyte and samar, while also engaging in a productive discussion with the Faculty of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences of VSU Tolosa to identify potential research collaborations, including opportunities for student, faculty, and staff mobility. 

VSU and UPM aim to make substantial strides toward innovations that will benefit both the Southeast Asian region and the world at large by combining resources and expertise.

As part of the MOU, both universities are committed to periodic reviews to ensure that the partnership remains relevant and productive, with an emphasis on continuous improvement and expansion of collaboration efforts.

This linkage is expected to not only foster academic excellence but also promote cultural understanding and foster innovation through shared knowledge and resources to boost the fisheries industry.

This article is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) No. 2: Zero Hunger; SDG 4: Quality Education; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; SDG 14: Life Below Water, and; SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals

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