Manila, Philippines | February 13, 2025 – The SEANERGY Strategic Planning, set the direction for the consortium’s 2025-2026 initiatives, strengthening cross-border collaboration in research, faculty exchange, and industry partnerships between Philippine and Malaysian higher education institutions.
The event brought together representatives from Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) in Malaysia and eight Philippine State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) to define key academic and research priorities in food security, renewable energy, and sustainability-driven innovation.
SEANERGY is a consortium of Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) in Malaysia and eight Philippine State Universities and Colleges (SUCs). The SEANERGY member Philippine higher education institutions are Western Philippines University (WPU), Palawan State University (PalSU), Occidental Mindoro State College (OMSC), Technological University of the Philippines (TUP), Batangas State University (BatStateU), Guimaras State University (GSU), Kalinga State University (KSU) and University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP). The partnership aims to leverage the strengths of both UTP and PHEIs in enhancing academic programs, conducting joint research, and facilitating student and faculty exchanges. It focuses on addressing global challenges in engineering, technology, and sustainable development, particularly in petroleum and energy.
One of the key outcomes of the session was the formalization of SEANERGY leadership structure and terms of reference, providing a strong foundation for future engagements.
The following institutions have been elected to their respective positions:
| Consortium Positions | Name of HEI |
| Board Chair | Technological University of the Philippines |
| Co-chair | Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS- Malaysia |
| Consortium Executive Director | Batangas State University |
| Consortium Director for Academic Affairs | University of Southeastern Philippines |
| Consortium Director for Research | Palawan State University |
| Consortium Director for Administrative and Finance |
Kalinga State University |
| Consortium Host (2025) | Technological University of the Philippines |
| External Advisor | CHED |
As the next step, the consortium will begin work on its priority research areas, which include:
To support these research efforts, SEANERGY members will collaborate on joint funding proposals, faculty and student exchanges, and industry-academia partnerships. The consortium also plans to host follow-up workshops and networking sessions to facilitate knowledge-sharing and project implementation. By focusing on these strategic initiatives, SEANERGY aims to foster sustainable and impactful collaborations between Philippine and Malaysian institutions in engineering, technology, and renewable energy.
The Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, participated in the discussions, emphasizing the role of international academic and industry collaboration in fostering stronger Philippines-Malaysia partnerships.
CHED MIMAROPA Regional Director Edna Imelda F. Legazpi actively engaged in the sessions, reiterating CHED MIMAROPA’s commitment to supporting international academic partnerships. Her participation reinforced the agency’s role in advancing regional cooperation in research, faculty development, and student mobility.
The event was hosted by TUP, with TUP President Dr. Reynaldo P. Ramos reaffirming the university’s role in facilitating academic and industry collaborations. The strategic planning was organized in partnership with CHED International Affairs Service (IAS) and CHED MIMAROPA Regional Office, emphasizing the importance of institutional support in advancing higher education internationalization.
The session concluded with commitments from SEANERGY members to move forward with concrete actions, including:
The SEANERGY initiatives will provide MIMAROPA SUCs with greater access to international research collaborations, faculty training, and technology-driven innovations. By aligning research with global trends in sustainability, energy, and digital transformation, SEAnergy is expected to play a key role in advancing the international reputation of participating institutions.
With the continued engagement of CHED MIMAROPA and industry stakeholders, the SEANERGY consortium is positioned to lead regional efforts in engineering, research, and sustainable development, fostering meaningful partnerships between Philippine and Malaysian institutions.
