University of Luzon Forges Strategic International Partnership in South Korea

From September 24 to 26, 2025, the University of Luzon (UL) successfully participated in the highly regarded 2025 World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) Global Conference, hosted by Tongmyong University in the dynamic city of Busan, South Korea. The WURI conference serves as a vital international platform, gathering global academic leaders, scholars, and innovators to redefine the role of higher education. Unlike traditional rankings, WURI focuses on evaluating institutions based on their real contributions to society and industry through innovative programs, entrepreneurial spirit, and ethical leadership, underscoring a commitment to future-oriented impact.

The University’s delegation, committed to advancing UL’s global presence and academic standards, engaged actively in the conference’s sessions, which centered on critical themes such as visionary leadership, industrial application, and SDG-based responses to global challenges. This pivotal engagement culminated in a significant formal agreement that is set to expand educational horizons for all Luzonians.

A highlight of the visit was the ceremonial signing of a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the University of Luzon and the host institution, Tongmyong University. The agreement was formally signed by representatives of the University of Luzon and Dr. Sang Chun LEE, President of Tongmyong University, solidifying a long-term framework for comprehensive academic cooperation.

The core purpose of this collaboration is intrinsically linked to the Korean Ministry of Education’s pioneering RISE (Regional Innovation System for Education) initiative. RISE is designed to empower local governments to lead higher education development, aiming to foster highly skilled talent, drive regional innovation, and strengthen the crucial partnership between universities and their local communities. Through this MOU, UL and Tongmyong University will leverage the globalization aspect of the RISE project to develop richer and more diverse educational programs, positioning both institutions as key drivers of regional and international growth.

The strategic objectives outlined in the MOU are detailed and far-reaching, ensuring tangible benefits for both the students and faculty of the University of Luzon. These objectives include: the systematic exchange of students through cultural exchange programs, as well as focused summer and winter courses; the reciprocal exchange of faculty and staff to promote knowledge transfer and best practices; the joint development of comprehensive internship and field training programs in both the Philippines and South Korea, providing Luzonians with invaluable international professional experience; the creation of joint academic programs aligned with the goals of the RISE project; and the establishment of new language education and training programs, enhancing the global competitiveness of both student bodies.

This landmark partnership underscores the University of Luzon’s unwavering commitment to internationalization and the pursuit of excellence grounded in real-world impact. By actively engaging with global ranking systems focused on innovation and forging strategic alliances with leading international institutions like Tongmyong University, the University is ensuring that Luzonians are prepared not only for success within the country but also for leadership roles on the global stage.

The scope of this MOU and the objectives it sets forth align directly with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, the focus on faculty, staff, and student exchanges, along with the development of joint programs and training, directly supports SDG 4: Quality Education by improving access to diverse and inclusive learning opportunities. Furthermore, the emphasis on developing field training and internship programs contributes significantly to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, equipping Luzonians with the practical skills necessary for global employment. Finally, the act of signing a strategic agreement between two institutions from different nations, especially one centered on regional development and globalization, perfectly embodies SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, demonstrating how institutional cooperation is essential for achieving sustainable global impact.