SMU and Vives University Deepen Global Cooperation with Two-Day Partnership Talks
Saint Mary’s University (SMU) hosted foreign visitors from VIVES University of Applied Sciences, Belgium, on September 29-30, 2025, as part of an initiative to strengthen internationalization through institutional partnership meetings, academic lectures, curriculum enhancement, and the alignment of partnership interests.
Dr. John G. Tayaban, Vice President for Administration, opened the meeting at the University Boardroom with welcome remarks. Following this is an overview of SMU and its Belgian heritage by Dr. Clara M. Gonzales, head of the Internationalization Office.
Vives University representatives, Ms. Lies Verstraete, Ms. Joke Lippens, and Ms. Nele Vandeputte, shared their perspectives on international partnerships and goals, highlighting their expertise in global engagement, research, and healthcare. The university president, Dr. John Octavious S. Palina, emphasized the importance of international ties in enhancing the quality of learning and study at SMU. Ms. Verstraete also provided a brief history of Vives University, highlighting its sustainable progress and accomplishments over the years.
The representatives from VIVES University joined several small group meetings with the Synergy focal persons, School of Engineering, Architecture, and Information Technology (SEAIT), School of Accountancy and Business (SAB), School of Teacher Education and Humanities (STEH), Nursing Department, University Research Center (URC), the Community Engagement and Indigenous Peoples Studies Center (CEIPSC), and the Grade School to discuss various topics, such as entrepreneurship, sustainable agriculture, climate change, academic research and ethics review, XR Technology and teacher EdTech training, exchange programs, teacher training internship, and international conference.
Ms. Verstraete delivered a lecture on Sustainability and Circular Economy to 95 students from the SAB and SHANS. Her talk aimed to provide insights into global limitations and sustainability actions, fostering an international perspective. Separately, Ms. Lippens presented a lecture on “Future-Ready Learning,” focusing on how emerging technologies are reshaping both education and society, while Ms. Nele Vandeputte delivered a lecture on “Developments and Challenges in the Field of Nursing Science and Health Care,” addressing the dynamic nature of the health profession.
SMU and VIVES University have been academic partners since 2018, and since then, the two HEIs have engaged in several student and staff exchanges through intensive programs, international conferences, and student internships.
This activity primarily aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) to improve the quality of learning, research, and exploration of possible partnerships. It also contributes substantially to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through nursing lectures, SDG 13 (Climate Action) via sustainable agriculture initiatives, and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through collaborations on entrepreneurship and the circular economy.
Written by: Valien T. Orani, IO Staff
