PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA – 4–6 November 2025. The University of the Philippines System Office of International Linkages (UP OIL) reaffirmed its commitment to regional academic collaboration and student mobility through its participation in the 19th Annual Review Meeting (ARM) of the Asian International Mobility for Students (AIMS) Programme, organized by SEAMEO RIHED and hosted by the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia.
Representing the University of the Philippines were Mr. Guillian M. Mecate, Head of Program Development and Strategy of UP OIL; Ms. Marilyn Nirza, Program Associate; and Mr. Carlos Harry De Taza, AIMS Alumnus and PhD Student from the UP School of Economics.
The three-day meeting brought together delegates from ten AIMS member countries and more than ninety universities across Asia to review progress under the AIMS Strategic Framework 2026–2028 (Bacolod Strategy: “Consolidate and Connect”). The discussions centered on harmonizing student mobility systems, fostering institutional cooperation, and enhancing the AIMS Talent Development Model and Student Competence Framework.
Mr. Mecate and Ms. Nirza contributed to the International Relations Officers (IROs) Group Session, where they emphasized the importance of integrating digital mobility and flexible exchange models into the AIMS framework. Meanwhile, Mr. De Taza represented AIMS alumni, sharing insights on how the program shaped his academic and professional journey toward regional leadership.
The event concluded with University Social Responsibility (USR) activities in Selangor, including the Asian Knowledge Corner at the Raja Tun Uda Library and the River Trail Cleaning Program in Hulu Langat—showcasing AIMS’ dedication to sustainability and community engagement.
Through this participation, the University of the Philippines reaffirmed its leadership in shaping inclusive and sustainable higher education cooperation across Southeast and East Asia. The UP System continues to align its internationalization agenda with AIMS goals, as part of the UP Strategic Internationalization Roadmap 2025–2029 and CHED’s regional mobility initiatives.
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