Strengthening its commitment to internationalization and academic excellence, a delegation from St. Dominic College of Asia (SDCA) embarked on a five-day academic and partnership mission in Brunei Darussalam from June 15 to 19, 2026, aimed at exploring new international collaborations, expanding academic opportunities, and strengthening engagement with the Filipino community abroad.
The delegation was led by SDCA President Dr. Gregorio A. Andaman, Jr., together with Dr. Nilda W. Balsicas, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Vice President for Research, Extension, and Linkages, and Dr. Philip C. Cuizon, Dean of the School of Arts, Sciences, and Education. The visit forms part of SDCAs continuing efforts to broaden its global footprint and establish meaningful partnerships that will benefit students, faculty members, researchers, and administrators.
A major highlight of the mission was the delegations visit to Laksamana College of Business (LCB) on June 16, 2026. The SDCA representatives were warmly welcomed by Dr. Sivarajah Subramaniam, Chief Executive Officer of LCB, together with Ms. Aranee Devanandan, Head of Marketing, and Ms. Liew Xinyi, Head of Business and Hospitality. During the visit, the delegation toured the LCB campus and gained firsthand insights into the institutions innovative learning environment, modern facilities, and industry-oriented academic programs. The visit also provided an opportunity for both institutions to exchange best practices in higher education, discuss emerging trends in international education, and identify areas for future collaboration.
The visit also marked the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between SDCA and LCB, formalizing a strengthened partnership between the two institutions. The agreement paves the way for a wide range of collaborative initiatives, including faculty and student exchange programs, summer camps, joint research projects, academic conferences, professional development activities, and the possible joint offering of graduate school programs. The partnership also seeks to foster cross-cultural learning experiences, promote innovation in teaching and research, and create opportunities for students and faculty members to engage in international academic activities.
Dr. Andaman and Dr. Subramaniam expressed their shared commitment to developing a long-term and mutually beneficial partnership that will contribute to the advancement of higher education in Southeast Asia. Both institutions look forward to implementing collaborative projects that will enhance academic quality, strengthen research productivity, and provide global learning opportunities for their respective communities.
Beyond institutional partnerships, the SDCA delegation will also engage with members of the Filipino community in Brunei to explore potential collaborations in professional development, lifelong learning, and capacity-building initiatives. These discussions are expected to support SDCAs community extension engagement programs while addressing the educational and professional needs of overseas Filipinos.
The delegation is likewise scheduled to meet with representatives of the Philippine Embassy in Brunei Darussalam to explore areas where SDCA can contribute to initiatives promoting Philippine culture, education, and community development. Discussions are expected to include potential collaborations that would further strengthen ties between the institution and the Filipino community in Brunei while supporting the Embassys programs and advocacies.
The Brunei mission reflects SDCAs strategic vision of building global partnerships that enrich teaching and learning, strengthen research and extension, and provide transformative international experiences for Dominican learners. Through initiatives such as these, SDCA continues to position itself as a globally engaged institution committed to developing competent, innovative, and socially responsible graduates prepared to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.