GABALDON CAMPUS UNVEILS FIRST-EVER INTERNATIONAL MULTIDISCIPLINARY ACADEMIC FORUM

By: Rozette Cohleen D. Parungao
Gabaldon Campus

GABALDON, Nueva Ecija – Dr. Rasha Amira S. Khalil, RET Chair of Gabaldon, leads faculty members from the Teacher Education Program, Laboratory High School, Information and Communications Technology, and Hospitality Management as the project proponent and lead organizer of the 1st International Multidisciplinary Academic Forum (IMAF) held from April 24-26, 2024, in a hybrid modality, with the theme "Bridging Boundaries: Exploring Multi-Disciplinary Perspectives on Global Challenges."

The webinar, dubbed as a trendsetter, aimed to translate the multidisciplinary initiatives of the NEUST Gabaldon Campus into tangible reality. During her inspirational message on the first day, University President Dr. Rhodora R. Jugo emphasized the importance of adopting new viewpoints, particularly in addressing the challenges posed by an interconnected world stating, “We must break free from narrow perspectives and adopt a holistic approach – one that recognizes all facets of human existence.” Through IMAF, educators and practitioners in the fields of education, information technology, and hospitality management were able to update their knowledge, enhance their skills, and reaffirm their commitment to their respective professions.

Day 1 welcomed virtual participants who engaged with esteemed resource speakers in the field of education. Mr. Miftahul Furqon, Head of Teacher Training and Education at the Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto, Indonesia, presented on 21st Century Skills for Global Competence: A Multidisciplinary Educational Framework, followed by Hon. Shierwin H. Taay, Municipal Mayor of Dingalan Aurora, who discussed Navigating the Changing Landscape: Key Legislative Trends Impacting Education in the 21st Century, and Dr. John T. Dumayas, Bamboo Project Head and Associate Professor V at NEUST Gabaldon Campus, who explored Global Trends in Higher Education: Adapting Multidisciplinary Approaches for Student Success.

Day 2 was graced with information and communications technology experts from various institutions. The resource persons included Dr. Semi Yulianto, Subject Matter Expert, Interim Consultant & Advisor of Cybersecurity at PT. Asuransi Astra Buana (General Insurance), Indonesia, who lectured on Data Ethics and Responsible AI: Shaping Policies and Practices for a Globalized World; Dr. Joel P. Ilao, Director of the De La Salle University Advanced Research Institute for Informatics, Computing, and Networking (AdRIC), who elaborated on Bridging the Gap between Global Challenges and Local Action: A Journey from Grant to Startup; and Dr. Marlon I. Torres, Director of the NEUST Management and Information System, who emphasized Information Systems for Sustainable Development: A Multidisciplinary Framework.

The third and final day witnessed both online and in-person participants at the USG Function Hall, NEUST Gabaldon Campus. Hospitality Management professionals and educators from various institutions came together to deliver insightful topics: Asst. Prof. Glenn Hyde Dela Cruz of PHINMA Araullo University and Regional Director of United Tourism and Hospitality Professionals discussed Risk Management in the Hospitality Industry: A Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Framework; Mr. Simon Lloyd, the Dean of International Hospitality Industry at Dusit Thani College, Thailand, presented Strategic Management in the Hospitality Industry: Navigating Global Trends and Challenges; and Asst. Prof. Ralph Christopher M. Ramos, Program Chairperson of Hospitality Management, NEUST Gabaldon Campus, explored Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Its Relation to Sustainable Tourism.

The three-day forum was a resounding success with a total of 949 participants, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the different programs and the unwavering support and leadership of Gabaldon Campus Director Dr. Franklin T. Dumayas, University Training Director Dr. Jo Neil Peria, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training Dr. Rachael R. Moralde, and University President Dr. Rhodora R. Jugo.

Firmly rooted in the UN Sustainable Development Goals addressing Quality Education (SDG 4), Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17), anticipation builds for IMAF’s annual recurrence.