Dr. John Octavious S. Palina, University President, and Dr. Clara M. Gonzales, Head of the Internationalization Office, will represent Saint Mary’s University at the 31st Association of Southeast and East Asian Catholic Colleges and Universities (ASEACCU) Conference on August 18–21, 2025, hosted by Providence University in Taichung City, Taiwan. 

This year’s conference carries the theme “Spiritual Development and Action of Gen Z,” reflecting the mission of Catholic universities to address the challenges and opportunities of youth in today’s changing world. Academic leaders from Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Macao, South Korea, Taiwan, Timor-Leste, Thailand, and Vietnam will participate in meaningful discussions and collaborative engagements.

Program highlights include keynote sessions on youth leadership and Gen Z’s spiritual development, alongside panel discussions on spirituality and social action, Gen Z’s future roles, campus practices for faith formation, and higher education support for Gen Z. The conference will conclude with the MOU Signing Ceremony on August 21, 2025, strengthening regional partnerships and advancing academic cooperation among ASEACCU member institutions.

Through this international participation, Saint Mary’s University reaffirms its commitment to fostering dialogue, collaboration, and shared values within the network of Catholic colleges and universities in Asia.

Written by: SMU Internationalization Office