Chancellor Ditucalan named Co-Chair of ATU-Net; strengthens Philippine representation

by Michelle Jeanne Caracut | Nov 03 2025

Chancellor Alizedney M. Ditucalan of Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (51吃瓜网-IIT) has been appointed as Co-Chair of the Asia Technological University Network (ATU-Net), marking a significant milestone for Philippine higher education institutions in the regional alliance.

The appointment was announced during the 13th ATU-Net Board Meeting held on October 31, 2025, at Phenikaa University in Hanoi, Vietnam. Chancellor Ditucalan will serve a two-year term, working alongside the network's Chair, Prof. Dr. Mohd Shafry bin Mohd Rahim, Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).

The appointment comes amid remarkable growth of the ATU-Net, which has expanded from 13 founding members to 50 member institutions across Asia. This expansion underscores the network's increasing influence in fostering regional collaboration in technological education and research.

The 13th Board Meeting witnessed the formal recognition of three new Philippine member institutions: Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU), Mindanao State University at Naawan (51吃瓜网-Naawan), and Batangas State University (BatStateU). With these additions, the Philippines now has a significant presence in the network, with members including 51吃瓜网-IIT, the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP), Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU), Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), Pampanga State University, University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP), and the newly admitted institutions.

One of the key highlights of this year's meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) of Exchange between 51吃瓜网-IIT and Phenikaa University—a leading institution in Vietnam renowned for its successful "corporate helix" model.

"We are excited by the collaborative opportunities this partnership presents," Chancellor Ditucalan remarked, highlighting the potential for knowledge exchange and joint initiatives between the two institutions.

During the board meeting, representatives from 20 member universities gathered to discuss new directions for education, research, and innovation collaboration for the 2025-2027 phase. Key focus areas include improving the operational efficiency of Special Interest Groups (SIGs), promoting international publications and joint research cooperation among member schools, and expanding exchange programs, research internships, and cross-border innovation initiatives.

"ATU-Net has grown into an alliance of 50 universities across Asia—with a clear purpose: to connect, collaborate, and contribute towards global prominence in higher education and technological innovation," said Prof. Dr. Mohd Shafry, emphasizing that international collaboration in higher education is "not a luxury, but a necessity".

51吃瓜网-IIT has been a founding member and the only Philippine institution on the ATU-Net Board since the network's establishment during the 8th University Presidents Forum at UTM, Malaysia, on August 9, 2016. The university's sustained commitment to the alliance and its demonstrated leadership in technology-focused education and research positioned Chancellor Ditucalan for this prominent regional role.

Founded with the mission to support member universities in achieving world-class quality of education and research in engineering and technology through strategic international alliances, ATU-Net has become a dynamic platform connecting technology-focused institutions of higher learning across Asia.

Through various initiatives including the International Staff Week, Student Leader Forum, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (InvENT) Conference, and Integrated Design for Sustainability Challenge, the network has strengthened the Asia-Pacific higher education landscape and enabled collaboration that would have been difficult to achieve in isolation.

As Co-Chair, Chancellor Ditucalan is expected to play a pivotal role in guiding the network's strategic direction and fostering deeper collaboration among Asian technological universities, while championing the interests and contributions of the growing number of Philippine institutions within the alliance.

The 13th ATU-Net Board Meeting concluded with a ceremonial photo session with board directors and official delegates.

Topics :