Assoc. Prof. Maria Adrielle S. Estigoy, College of Arts and Social Sciences faculty and Presidential Management Services director, was one of the ten selected grantees of a full grant from the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) and the The Head Foundation (THF) for the 2024 Leadership Development Program for Higher Education Institutions (LDP-HEIs).
The program was participated by 28 individuals from 11 Southeast Asian countries composed of HEI presidents, vice presidents, deans, directors, and heads, among others. It runs from March to July 2024 in a blended learning mode.
As an output, Assoc. Prof. Estigoy and respective participants crafted their re-entry action plan (REAP) where they can implement in their own institutions. In particular, her REAP presentation was anchored on the concept of possible institutionalization of a policy on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in teaching and learning. To ensure that the REAP of participants were on track, their presentation were critiqued by a panel of faculty lecturers from THF which took place last May 6-10, 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand.
As part of the LDP-HEI program, participants had the invaluable opportunity to visit Betagro, a company renowned for its innovative practices, as well as prestigious state-owned universities such as Chulalongkorn University and Kasetsart University (KU). These visits were designed to provide real-life best practices and innovations presented by Betagro CEO and KU president, enriching the participants' understanding and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
Now in its sixth series, the LDP-HEI by SEARCA and THF aims to empower leaders of HEIs in Southeast Asia by equipping them with the essential skills and knowledge required to lead their universities effectively, ensuring they thrive and remain resilient in the dynamic landscape of the region.