Now on its second academic year of partnerships and culmination of ideas and cross-cultural exchanges, the School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA), together with the University of Baguio, held the academic enrichment activity together with Universitas Amikom Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
On November 5, 2025, at the Centennial Hall, esteemed members from the University of Baguio (Top Management, SEA Faculty, and departmental representatives) created a transactional agreement that solidifies the foundation for a sustained partnership aimed at academic, cross-cultural, and professional enrichment efforts. Providing a unique experience to action-oriented outputs and holistic approaches within the academic and sustainability setting.
Established in 1992 and founded at the Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia, the Universitas Amikom Yogyakarta continues to shape the roadmap of entrepreneurial innovations and continuous efforts to build a community of professionals under the specialties of Information technology, computer engineering, architecture and geographical urban planning, economics, governmental science, communication, and accounting.
Cross-Cultural Academic Tenures Between UB and AMIKOM
With more than 11,000 active students under vocational, bachelor, graduate, and post-graduate programs, AMIKOM continues to tap into the world-class creative industry that introduces business and academic models that develop national and international opportunities to students who experience the vibrant culture of Indonesia. Mentoring and championing the fields and expertise in business planning, funding, marketing, as well as management.
The 2-part program included testimonials from former exchange faculty and students from the University of Baguio, as well as key takeaways and a message of collaborations that acknowledge the support from both institutions. Having the School of Engineering and Architecture spearheading part two of the talk, which focuses on city planning and development initiatives, which can contribute to real-life application and involvement that fosters academia, public service, and civil society, directly aligns with the various Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), where both universities solemnly swear by and uphold for institutional development.
The program presided with the presence of the University of Baguio President, Dr. Javier Herminio Bautista, along with inspiring messages from the Dean of the School of Architecture, Architect Ryan M. Beanoe, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Janice Kaylyn Lonogan, and Program Chair for the Architecture Department, Architect Divina Ligaya Rillera which provided insights and inspiration towards the Indonesian Delegates from AMIKOM and representing students from the University of Baguio under Engineering and Architecture. Including a special performance from the University of Baguio Bibak Ubbun Kaafuan (UBBUK) cultural group.
Coinciding with a dynamic and non-linear approach to reduce uncertainties in the dynamic world filled with physical and digital adversities. Emphasizing the innate requirement of being open to adaptability, new strategies, and agility to navigate effectively through a challenging environment characterized by Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity (VUCA) world.
Faculty and management delegates from AMIKOM also expressed their heartfelt gratitude towards the hospitable nature and abundance of knowledge and opportunities brought by UB. Given the floor to the AMIKOM Urban and Regional Planning Department, Faculty of Science and Technology, Professor Muhammad Najih Fasya delivered a message comprising the various goals and ideologies open for discussions and holistic opportunities for both institutions to ponder and shine light on. Focusing on the development that directly aligns with the numerous SDG initiatives for a more interconnected, innovative, and sustainable world for all.
Excerpts From Notable Academic Delegates
As the event continued, academic members with shared tenure from AMIKOM gave a brief yet meaningful testimonial on their cross-cultural exchange with the neighboring institution. Having Architect Chris Jefferson Bauzon, Faculty from the School of Engineering and Architecture, and SEA Student Delegate Clarence Cabrera. Sharing their tenure and valuable experiences in both the Philippine and Indonesian settings.
Our students engaged in meaningful discussions and hands-on activities that broadened their understanding of sustainability in architectural and tourism contexts. The program’s structure was thoughtful and impactful, and the collaboration between our institutions was seamless–
Beyond the classroom, we were immersed in the vibrant cultural heritage of Indonesia. From majestic temples to traditional art forms, every excursion was a lesson in history, identity, and resilience. We learned so much not just about places, but about
people.
—Architect Chris Jefferson Bauzon, Faculty Member, UB SEA
Having the second half of the partnership event tackle the 2043 vision and roadmap to sustainability for the City Government of Baguio, presenting industrial and sustainable objectives beforehand, guest speaker Architect Donna Tabangin, EnP, MAurp, delivered a comprehensive talk that defines the parameters of the city-wide initiatives and implementation for better visualization of interconnectedness.
Architect Donna further expressed her appreciation to the institutions creating and managing the academic and organizational efforts to achieve steadfast results from initiatives that directly impact the fast-forwarding cycle on shared research ideologies and vast community projects (with local government involvement and enhanced global citizenship).
The collaboration between UB and AMIKOM proved to be the forefront of ingenuity, emphasizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4 (quality education), 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 13 (climate action), 16 (Peace, Justice, and strong institutions), and 17 (partnerships for the goals) that are aligned with the values, ethos, and societal upbringing of the institutions’ initiative to create an inclusive environment that demonstrates the resiliency and discipline needed for innovation and excellence.
The Passion For Academic Excellence and Industrial Development
With the passion continuing from the 2nd year of the academic and institutional partnership between the University of Baguio and Universitas Amikom Yogyakarta displays an astonishing leap on higher education institutions to take charge in conveying and achieving SDG initiatives, while taking charge of the necessary trajectories for academic excellence that equip students and academic members the vital role of creating a better world ahead, through innovation and sustainability.
