On 9 October 2025, the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) and Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU) formally launched the UPOU International University Social Responsibility (iUSR) – University of the Philippines Ventures for International and Transformative Academia (UP VINTA) Office at the Kaohsiung Medical University campus, a milestone for enhanced academic partnership between Taiwan and the Philippines.
UPOU iUSR and VINTA Office nameplates in Kaohsiung Medical University in Taiwan
UPOU Chancellor Dr. Joane Serrano was joined by KMU Vice Presidents Yeou-Lih Huang and Fan-Hao Chou, Chairman Chao-Hsien Lai of the Lai Pen Yuan Cultural Foundation, and Dr. Chia-Yen Dai of KMU and Deputy Superintendent of the Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital in the ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the official opening of the UPOU International USR/VINTA Office at KMU. The ceremony, hosted by Asst. Prof. Saludadez together with Dr. Yong-Chao Su, took place at the Kaohsiung Medical University campus and was attended by honorary guests, faculty members, and partner representatives.
Chancellor Dr. Joane Serrano leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the official opening of the UPOU International USR/VINTA Office at KMU.
In Chancellor Serrano’s message during the unveiling of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) International University Social Responsibility (IUSR) Office at Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU), she highlighted the significance of the event as a relevant milestone and concrete evidence of the fruitful engagement between the universities.
Chancellor Serrano expressed deep appreciation to KMU for its generosity in opening its doors and providing a space that will serve as a home for UPOU’s Ventures for International and Transformative Academia (UP VINTA) scholars in Taiwan. More than just an office, Chancellor Serrano shared that the new space symbolizes something deeper: “This space stands as a symbol of the collaboration between our institutions and serves as a home for our VINTA students. We envision it as a hub where scholars can learn, connect, and grow, and where collaborations with other universities in the Philippines can also take root,” she said.
Through this initiative, UPOU continues to further strengthen its partnership with KMU:
Today, we do not just inaugurate a space; we also celebrate and renew our commitment to work together— towards scholarly collaboration, social responsibility, and the betterment of lives in both the Philippines and Taiwan. – Chancellor Joane Serrano
Joining the event were members of the UPOU delegation, including Asst. Prof. Charisse Reyes, Dean of the Faculty of Education; Asst. Prof. Lorena Jean Saludadez; and Asst. Prof. Lloyd Lyndel Simporios, both regular faculty members from the Faculty of Management and Development Studies.
Chancellor Dr. Joane Serrano with the UPOU Delegation in the USR/VINTA Office at KMU.
Written by Kimberly Rose Robles | Edited by Lorena Jean Saludadez | Photos by Lai Pen Yuan Cultural Foundation and Dexter Lloyd Sularte
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