CLSU, SCNU Expand Partnership to Elevate Research and Global Competitiveness

Central Luzon State University (CLSU) welcomed a high-level delegation from Sunchon National University (SCNU), Republic of Korea, today, December 15, marking a significant step in expanding the partnership that began with the successful establishment of the King Sejong Institute (KSI) Muñoz. The delegation, which included Dr. Ki-Chang Nam, SCNU Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Kang Seok Seo, Dean of the Office of International Affairs & Education, and six professors from the Department of Animal Science, was received by Dr. Karenina B. Romualdo, CLSU's Vice President for Business Affairs, as representative of University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella. During the welcome remarks, Dr. Nam expressed profound appreciation for CLSU. He specifically lauded the successful one-year establishment of the KSI Muñoz, calling it a testament to strong university collaboration. Dr. Nam emphasized that the partnership was moving "beyond formal agreements" and into a phase of "truly practical and meaningful partnership," stating, "The steady program we have made together is a strong and confident step to grow. Once again, I would like to express my humble thanks to everyone in CLSU." Following the greetings, Dr. Ravelina R. Velasco, CLSU Vice President for Academic Affairs and Director of KSI-Muñoz, set the tone for the day's events as she declared: "Today, I believe that we will make another history by establishing the Green Smart Laboratory of the CLSU College of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science. This is another momentous event for CLSU to welcome you all.” Dr. Romualdo, on the other hand, underscored the partnership's focus on tangible impact, sharing, "We are also glad that we have heard some of the good news, apart from the establishment of the KSI Muñoz, but of course the transformation of the knowledge and technology to our community and of course to our country. So that is good news that we have a transformational partnership between the two of us.” The main agenda of the visit focused on the proposed Animal Science Joint Research Center, also called the Green Smart Farm Joint Research Center, and academic collaboration. SCNU and CLSU Animal Science faculty met to discuss the center’s establishment, research grants, funding, and co-authored research papers. Simultaneously, Dr. Kang and Dr. Mijoon Pak, SCNU Research Professor, held a separate discussion with Dr. Velasco regarding the formal operational management of the KSI-Muñoz. For the next day, the SCNU delegation will focus on engagement with CLSU's high school community, including meetings with officials and faculty of the University Science High School (USHS) and the Agricultural Science and Technology School (ASTS), along with conducting Korean Cultural Classes for their students. The visit is a promising continuation of the CLSU-SCNU collaboration, moving beyond language and cultural exchange to significant research cooperation aimed at local community benefits and international academic recognition.