Published July 09, 2026 by Office of the University President
Cagayan State University, through its Gonzaga Campus, strengthened its internationalization efforts after successfully co-hosting the 1st International UCSI–CSU Global Academic Advancement Partnership (GAAP) Forum on Hospitality and Tourism with UCSI University via Zoom platform, July 8–9, 2026.
The international delegation comprised representatives from UCSI University (Kuching and Sarawak Campuses, Malaysia), Universitas Warmadewa and Universitas Triatma Mulya of Indonesia, and Kumo Restaurant in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and joined by delegates from 18 Philippine higher education institutions and local tourism, travel, and training organizations.
Designed to operationalize future faculty and student mobility programs, the forum explored key themes on sustainable tourism, digital innovation, hospitality education, industry competencies, and crisis resilience.
In his message, Cagayan State University Officer-in-Charge President Dr. Arthur G. Ibañez emphasized that meaningful international partnerships expand opportunities for collaborative research, innovation, and educational excellence.
UCSI University Pro Vice Chancellor Madam Mukvinder Kaur Sandhu likewise highlighted the need for higher education institutions to work collectively in addressing sustainability, technological advancement, and economic uncertainty.
The forum also showcased Cagayan State University’s continuing commitment to Internationalization-at-Home, as emphasized by Vice President for Internationalization, Partnership and Resource Mobilization Dr. Ana Marie Cristina Cauilan, enabling students and faculty to engage with global experts without leaving the country.
Highlights of the forum included presentations on responsible tourism management, global tourism trends, artificial intelligence and digital transformation in hospitality, harmonizing hospitality education across ASEAN, and strengthening crisis preparedness for tourism destinations.
As the first initiative under the UCSI–CSU Global Academic Advancement Partnership, the forum is expected to serve as a springboard for expanded academic exchanges, joint research projects, extension collaborations, and stronger institutional partnerships across Southeast Asia.