Another international partner has been added to SMU’s list of growing international linkages.

Saint Mary’s University forged a partnership with Kanchanaburi Rajabhat University (KRU), Thailand, in a signing ceremony on Aug. 29, 2023, at 3 p.m. at the University Boardroom.

Dr. Rattananonsathien Narongdech, KRU Vice President, and Miss Siriwarin Gray, KRU SEA-Teacher Coordinator, were warmly welcomed by the SMU administrators led by University President Dr. John Octavious S. Palina.

Other SMU administrators present were VPAA Dr. Moises Alexander Asuncion, VPA Dr. John Tayaban, SAB Dean Dr. Regina Ramel, STEH Dean Dr. Henry Gamboa, and Professional Education Department Head Mr. Gerome Bautista. Promotions and Linkage Coordinator Rheena Niña Salinas facilitated the signing ceremony. 

The ceremony was also attended by three exchange students from Thailand, namely Natthinan Phummarin and Peerapat Yuktichart from KRU and Ooranuch Jantrapreechakul from Lampang Rajabhat University.

The two institutions agreed to exercise reasonable efforts to promote mutually beneficial programs in instruction, research, and extension. Even before the formal signing of the bilateral partnership, KRU and SMU already have an established network as both are members of the SEAMEO, the primary convener of the SEA-Teacher Project.

The SEA teacher project focuses on pre-service student-teacher exchange in Southeast Asia, in which SMU is one among various universities participating. The project aims to expand the teaching opportunity experiences of future educators in Southeast Asia to develop their pedagogy further and expand their teaching career worldview.