On October 9, 2025, in Kaohsiung, Taiwan — the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) further solidified its international collaborations through the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with the Lai Pen Yuan Cultural Foundation and iNG Stingless Bee Ltd.
In her message, Chancellor Dr. Joane Serrano highlighted that the signing of the two MOUs symbolizes more than formal agreements—it represents the collective spirit of “Taiwanihan,” a shared commitment between the Philippines and Taiwan to advance education, sustainability, and cultural understanding.
Chancellor Serrano also introduced two key initiatives arising from these partnerships: joint academic and cultural programs with the Lai Pen Yuan Cultural Foundation, and the EcoTrolley: Urban Beekeeping Sustainable Livelihood Program with iNG Stingless Bee Ltd., which combines education, ecological restoration, and livelihood creation for the Trolley Community in Los Baños, Laguna.
Chancellor Dr. Joane Serrano, together with Lai Pen Yuan Cultural Foundation President Mr. Chao-Hsien Lai, Ms. Janelle Ebron, and Asst. Prof. Lloyd Lyndel Simporios, during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between UPOU and Lai Pen Yuan Cultural Foundation.
She acknowledged that these milestones would not have materialized without the support of the partner institutions and leaders who have been instrumental in making the collaboration possible. The occasion marked the symbolic expansion of partnerships across universities, industries, and professionals in both countries—signifying a growing network of allies committed to co-creating knowledge and addressing shared challenges.
“This signing also symbolizes the formal launch of Taiwanihan, a collective endeavor that reflects the spirit of cooperation and mutual support between the Philippines and Taiwan. Through this, we aspire to nurture deeper academic, cultural, and social exchanges that will allow both nations to fulfill shared aspirations and address common challenges together,” she said.
The event also reaffirmed the complementary relationship between Taiwan and the Philippines, anchored on a shared vision of inclusive, transformative, and sustainable education. “At UPOU, we believe that partnerships like these make our mission of nurturing lifelong learners and building sustainable futures truly possible. Together, let us continue to create opportunities that spark innovation and empower communities toward a more sustainable and inclusive future,” Chancellor Serrano concluded.
The event concluded with a networking dinner and fellowship. It was also attended by 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, regular faculty members from the Faculty of Management and Development Studies.
Participants of the Cultural Dinner between the Philippines and Taiwan, joined by delegates from esteemed institutions and universities across the globe.
Written by Kimberly Rose Robles | Edited by Lorena Jean Saludadez | Photos from: Lai Pen Yuan Cultural Foundation
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