The Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) entered into a landmark partnership with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) through a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on November 26, 2025. The collaboration reinforces both institutions’ thrust toward advancing international academic cooperation, research development, and capacity building aligned with global sustainable development goals.
The agreement outlines collaborative programs in instruction, research, and student and faculty exchange—initiatives that strongly promote Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education by expanding learning opportunities and fostering global academic linkages. The partnership is further positioned to accelerate joint research undertakings in agricultural and aquatic sciences, supporting SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, through innovations in science, technology, and sustainable production systems.
SPAMAST was represented during the ceremony by College President Dr. Lynette A. Bontia, together with Dr. Edelyn S. Albiso, Vice President for Research, Innovation, Development and Extension. On behalf of Universiti Malaysia Sabah, the signing was officiated by Vice Chancellor Prof. Datuk Dr. Kasim HJ. Mansor, affirming UMS’s commitment to international collaboration and shared academic advancement. Their presence symbolized the mutual dedication of both institutions to elevate regional research competitiveness and knowledge generation.
The collaboration also contributes to SDG 14: Life Below Water, given the shared commitment of SPAMAST and UMS to marine and aquatic research, conservation, and sustainable resource management—areas central to both institutions’ academic expertise. This partnership was forged in conjunction with the 3rd International Conference on Agriculture, Marine and Aquatic Resources (ICAMARS), an international research convergence that highlights innovative solutions to global agricultural and aquatic challenges.
By formalizing this MOU, SPAMAST and UMS activate platforms for transnational research pursuits and institutional cooperation, embodying SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through long-term academic engagement and knowledge exchange. The agreement marks a significant milestone in enhancing global academic visibility and research productivity, paving the way for impactful programs designed for mutual growth and sustainable development.
