The Pangasinan State University (PSU) delegation participated in the EAST Summer Camp 2025 held at Thu Duc College of Technology (TDC) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from October 10 to 16, 2025. The week-long international engagement served as a dynamic platform for intercultural learning, academic collaboration, and community engagement, bringing together educators and students from both institutions in a shared pursuit of excellence and cultural understanding. Anchored on the themes of Education, Arts, Science, and Technology, the program aimed to strengthen educational linkages, promote inclusive and transformative education, and enhance global competencies among participants through collaborative training, workshops, and outreach activities.
The delegation arrived in Ho Chi Minh City on October 10, 2025, via Tan Son Nhat International Airport. After arrival procedures, the group proceeded to Thu Duc College of Technology for a courtesy meeting with the President of TDC and other key officials. The meeting was characterized by warm hospitality and mutual enthusiasm for sustained collaboration. Both institutions expressed their commitment to continuing international academic partnerships through research, training, and cultural exchange programs. In the afternoon, a closed-door meeting between PSU and TDC administrators and faculty members was held to discuss future collaborative projects, including possible student mobility initiatives, research collaborations in data analytics and technology, and community outreach activities aligned with the goals of both universities.
The official opening of the EAST Summer Camp took place on October 11, 2025, at the TDC Hall. The event commenced with an Opening Program that gathered the selected faculty, staff, and students of TDC, together with the PSU delegation. An opening ceremony was held to formally commence the East Summer Camp 2025. Faculty representatives from both institutions showcased their culture through songs and dance. Our team performed a dance number to show the beauty of our country and Dr. Roy C. Ferrer also rendered a song. TDC President and Dr. Roy C. Ferrer of PSU delivered welcome messages.
The dayโs academic activities began with English Training, focusing on Speech Presentation and Oral Communication. The session was conducted by Dr. Marissa E. Sison, Dr. Rizza S. Baldonado, and Dr. Kristine May D. Casibang, and attended by around 300 TDC students. This session aimed to enhance studentsโ
communication skills and confidence in public speaking. It was followed by a Technology Training session on Digital Identity: Crafting Your Personal Branding, Social Media Presence, and Professional Networking, facilitated by Mr. Leo Gabriel V. Villanueva, Dr. Christine Lourrine S. Tablatin, Mr. Joshua C. Reyes and Engr.
Jeddie Zarate. The session encouraged students to develop their Personal Digital Branding Portfolios as a reflection of their academic and professional identities.
In the afternoon, a Special Training Session titled Cultural Influences on Gender Roles: Building Inclusivity through Tradition and Change was facilitated by Ms. Romary R. Lincod, Mr. Joel T. Cayabyab, and Dr. Roy C. Ferrer. This session
emphasized understanding cultural diversity and promoting gender inclusivity through education, culminating in a showcase of indigenous and cultural practices.
Concurrently, the faculty members participated in specialized workshops, including a Lecture-Training on Data Analytics Presentation, with topics on Using Orange Software and Using Voyant Software for data visualization and analysis. These were led by Dr. Jennifer M. Parrone and Mr. Bobby F. Roaring. The expected outputs included hands-on analytics outputs and collaborative research proposals between PSU and TDC faculty members.
