BatStateU hosts Erasmus+ UNICATION Final Conference, strengthens EU-Asia cooperation on inclusive internationalization - Batangas State University, The National Engineering University

BatStateU hosts Erasmus+ UNICATION Final Conference, strengthens EU-Asia cooperation on inclusive internationalization BatStateU hosts Erasmus+ UNICATION Final Conference, strengthens EU-Asia cooperation on inclusive internationalization

Batangas State University, The National Engineering University (BatStateU The NEU), opened the two‑day Final Conference of the Erasmus+ UNICATION Project on November 20 at Narra Hall, Jose Rizal Building, Pablo Borbon Campus, gathering partner universities from Portugal, France, Hungary, Cambodia, and the Philippines. As part of the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education initiative Unifying Communication by International Projects in Cambodia and the Philippines (UNICATION), the conference focuses on managing international projects and advancing “internationalization‑at‑home” across Asian higher education institutions.

In his welcome message, BatStateU and PASUC President Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo noted how UNICATION has strengthened the operational capacity of international offices in Philippine universities, allowing them to manage global partnerships “with greater order, consistency, and professionalism” and better prepare graduates for an interconnected digital economy. “Let it be remembered that today…we rekindled the fire to partner with all of you as we pursue the Sustainable Development Goals, especially on partnerships,” he stressed.

UNICATION Project Coordinator Ms. Natacha Moniz of Instituto Superior Técnico (Portugal) and Hungarian Ambassador to the Philippines Titanilla Tóth likewise underscored the value of the consortium’s two‑year collaboration and the friendships built along the way.

The UNICATION Final Conference opened with Panel 1: “From Lisbon to Phnom Penh”, where representatives from IST (Portugal), University of Heng Samrin Thbongkhmum, Phnom Penh International University, and the National University of Management shared insights on coordinating cross-border projects and supporting international work within their institutions. A policy roundtable followed, discussing how ministries and universities can sustain the project’s impact through effective communication strategies, capacity-building, and collaborative practices.

Two major project outputs were also launched: the Inclusivity Booklet, which offers practical guidelines to embed diversity in international engagements, and the Internationalization @ Home Guide, which promotes global perspectives within local campuses. The day concluded with a workshop on designing CBHE proposals, co-led by Phnom Penh International University and BatStateU, equipping participants with tools to build future Erasmus+ initiatives.

As the UNICATION Final Conference enters its second day, BatStateU continues to demonstrate its vital role as a catalyst for meaningful EU–Asia academic partnerships. The university reaffirms its commitment to fostering a brand of internationalization that is not only globally connected but also deeply rooted in inclusion, accessibility, and relevance to local and regional development needs. By creating platforms for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaborative planning, BatStateU amplifies the voices of its stakeholders and promotes a culture of cross-border academic solidarity. With the consortium now shifting its focus from project closure to future initiatives, BatStateU stands ready to lead and support more international projects that strengthen capacity, promote sustainable development, and empower institutions to deliver quality education for all.