A delegation from Mindanao State University (MSU) recently participated in an international immersion and learning program on Cross-Cultural and Religious Literacy in support of the ASEAN Vision: Our Shared Future 2045, made possible through the sponsorship of the Leimena Institute under the leadership of its Executive Director, Dr. Matius Ho. The immersion brought together academic leaders and peacebuilding practitioners from the Philippines and Indonesia to strengthen regional cooperation in education, interreligious understanding, and democratic engagement.
The MSU delegation was led by Executive Vice President Abdulcader M. Ayo, together with Prof. Almahdi G. Alonto, Director of the International Affairs and Linkages Office (IALO); Prof. Corazon M. Mangelen; Prof. Harvey M. Niere; and Dr. Acram A. Latiph of the Institute for Peace and Development in Mindanao (IPDM). They were joined by Atty. Salma Pir Rasul of the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy (PCID), reflecting the close collaboration between academic institutions and civil society organizations in advancing cross-cultural and religious literacy initiatives.
The immersion program focused on enhancing participants’ understanding of cross-cultural and religious dynamics in plural societies, with particular emphasis on ASEAN’s long-term vision of a peaceful, inclusive, and resilient region. Through lectures, facilitated discussions, and institutional exchanges, the program examined Indonesia’s experience in managing religious diversity, promoting democratic values, and strengthening social cohesion—insights considered highly relevant to the Philippine and Bangsamoro contexts.
In addition, the MSU delegation also visited University of Airlangga for benchmarking and institutional dialogue. Meetings with university officials explored possible partnerships and collaborative initiatives, including joint academic programs, faculty and student exchanges, and cooperative research projects. Discussions also highlighted opportunities for shared advocacy and policy-oriented research on peacebuilding, governance, and cross-cultural and religious literacy within the broader ASEAN framework.
The delegation further participated in a learning seminar with Sunan Ampel State Islamic University Surabaya, where engagements with university leaders and faculty centered on academic cooperation, curriculum development, and research collaboration. The discussions emphasized the role of higher education institutions in promoting interreligious dialogue, mutual understanding, and inclusive education.
Participants noted that the series of engagements provided valuable comparative perspectives and practical lessons that can be adapted to MSU’s academic programs, research agenda, and peacebuilding initiatives, particularly in Mindanao and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. The immersion also reinforced MSU’s commitment to internationalization and active participation in regional academic and policy networks within ASEAN.
The MSU delegation, together with PCID, expressed their deep gratitude and appreciation to the Leimena Institute for its generosity and institutional support. Delegates underscored that the sponsorship and leadership of Dr. Matius Ho were instrumental in the success of the immersion program, which laid a strong foundation for sustained partnerships and future collaborative initiatives between MSU and Indonesian universities in advancing cross-cultural and religious literacy in line with the ASEAN Vision: Our Shared Future 2045.
