Out of a total of thirteen participating universities in the Philippines, the University of Baguio proudly sent a delegation of six students and one faculty member to join the 2nd International Conference of Science, Technology, Education, and Management (inSTEM) and the 4th Asia Pacific Research Conference hosted by the University College of MAIWP International and the Philippine Association of Schools of Medical Technology and Public Health Inc (PASMETH).
Jobelle Andaya, Aideen Gwyneth Arcangel, Nida Hyder Kazmi, Lorie Shane Llagas, Jonalyn Maglalang, and Jhanine Rimando were six out of a hundred and eighty (180) student delegates who made the journey out to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to participate in the events. Accompanied by their Clinical Instructor Marilyn Tomilas, the students engaged with the wider academic and medical community of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), experiencing an enriching array of lectures, workshops, socialization nights, research colloquiums, and educational tours during their stay.
The 2nd InSTEM and 4th Asia Pacific Research Conference revolved around multidisciplinary research, allowing the students to engage with fellow students and educators on emerging trends and innovative developments in the field of health and medicine. The university notably excelled at the knowledge-sharing forum for students and lecturers, with BSMLS intern Job Matthew Abasola garnering a 1st Runner-Up award for virtual oral presenter in an excellent showcase of academic excellence and dedication to furthering the knowledge of the medical community.
The students also attended several interactive workshops and practical lectures on medical laboratory science, gaining integral knowledge about blood banking techniques, hematology techniques, and basic life support. Students got to interact with other delegates as they were grouped together to perform procedures and have discussions on the techniques they were learning.
The two-week event was a part of the ASEAN Academic Mobility Program 2023, an initiative geared towards forging connections between universities and facilitating cultural and educational exchange. With the theme “Holistic Knowledge: Nurturing ASEAN Scholars and Leaders”, this year’s program was an enlightening experience that gave the students the chance to further their education in the field of medicine both practically and through theoretical, research-based learning.
The 2nd InSTEM and 4th Asia Pacific Research Conference are only two of the dozens of programs that UB engages with every year to be able to provide excellent education (SDG No. 4: Quality Education) that will serve as the strong foundations for future professionals. Through its partnerships with other universities and organizations (SDG. No. 17: Partnerships), the university aims to continue supporting the School of Natural Science and its students to ensure that they will be able to become excellent medical professionals who will be able to uphold the good health and well-being of the members of their community (SDG No. 3: Good Health and Well-Being).
