LCUP Forges Stronger Global Ties through Malaysian University Benchmarking
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – La Consolacion University Philippines (LCUP) recently completed a meaningful three-day benchmarking visit from July 23 to 25, 2025, to three of Malaysia’s leading institutions: Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), University of Cyberjaya, and Sunway University.
Anchored in the Augustinian values of unity, service, and the pursuit of truth, this international engagement is part of LCUP’s growing efforts to learn from global best practices and build partnerships that benefit its academic community.
The 24-member delegation was led by Dr. Enrico Rosales, Assistant to the President for External Affairs and Internationalization, along with Dr. Ma. Cristina Zulueta, Dean of the College of Medicine, and Dr. Fe Villanueva, Dean of the College of International Tourism and Hospitality Management.
Their visit focused on strengthening areas such as:
Teacher and student mobility – identifying opportunities for exchange programs that support a truly global learning experience;
Academic and cultural collaboration – fostering mutual understanding across diverse communities;
Research partnerships – exploring joint projects that deepen shared knowledge; and
Other international initiatives – laying the groundwork for future collaborations.
In the spirit of humility and learning, LCUP approached each university not only with the intention to observe but also to listen. Dr. Rosales shared,
“This experience reminds us that internationalization isn’t just about expanding outward, but also about deepening our commitment to quality education. The conversations we had with our counterparts gave us practical insights and renewed vision as we continue shaping LCUP into a globally engaged academic institution.”
For the health sciences, the benchmarking visit was especially valuable. Dr. Zulueta reflected,
“The visit challenged us to think critically about how we train future medical professionals. Seeing how Malaysian institutions structure their curriculum, research programs, and healthcare partnerships affirmed many of our current efforts and also opened doors for improvement.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Villanueva emphasized the importance of international exposure in her field:
“Tourism and hospitality are global by nature. Being able to connect with universities that excel in these areas helps us prepare our students for an increasingly competitive and internationalized industry.”
Each host university welcomed the LCUP team with warmth and openness. UiTM shared insights from its active mobility programs and international partnerships. The University of Cyberjaya, known for its innovation in medical education and collaborative research, offered helpful models that align with LCUP’s own direction. Sunway University, with its strong international linkages and global outlook, inspired ideas for sustainable and meaningful academic connections.
This benchmarking activity is more than a milestone, it’s a reflection of LCUP’s deep desire to serve its students and community better by embracing continuous learning and collaboration. As a Catholic Augustinian university, LCUP believes that education should go beyond borders, rooted in the belief that we are all called to seek truth and share our gifts in the service of others.
With gratitude and purpose, the university looks forward to nurturing the seeds planted during this visit and transforming them into real, impactful partnerships in the years ahead.
2nd LCUP International Benchmarking Activity
La Consolacion University Philippines (LCUP), through its Office for External Affairs and Internationalization, is sending personnel on a 4-day, 3-night Benchmarking Tour to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from May 13–17, 2025. This initiative underscores LCUP's dedication to global education and staff development by exposing participants to innovative academic environments, new teaching strategies, and intercultural understanding through visits to Vietnamese universities and schools.
The tour aims to cultivate a globally competent workforce capable of adapting to international trends and applying innovative methodologies. The itinerary includes cultural landmarks on May 13, visits to Ton Duc Thang University and Pham Ngu Lao Secondary and High School on May 14, and Happy Day School of Salesian Sisters and Van Lang University on May 15, followed by a cultural dinner cruise. May 16 features an ecological tour of the Can Gio UNESCO biosphere reserve, before the delegation returns to Manila on May 17. This tour reflects LCUP's long-term vision of strengthening its internal capacities and forging international connections, reinforcing its identity as a dynamic and globally responsive institution.
OLIVAREZ COLLEGE BENCHMARKING at LCUP
On March 18, 2025, La Consolacion University Philippines (LCUP) hosted a benchmarking visit from Olivarez College, focused on sharing insights into LCUP's ISO certification processes and quality management strategies. The visit was facilitated by the Office of Quality Management System, in collaboration with the Office of External Affairs and Internationalization, and aimed to provide Olivarez College with a comprehensive understanding of LCUP's successful certification journey. Dr. Divina Ann Eusebio extended a warm welcome, highlighting LCUP's appreciation for Olivarez College's interest in benchmarking.
The program included detailed discussions led by Dr. Alejandro Vistan, who provided an overview of LCUP's ISO certification background, including challenges and strategies. Olivarez College representatives had the opportunity to interact with various LCUP departments and participate in a campus tour, guided by department heads. Dr. Enrico Rosales coordinated the entire program, ensuring a smooth and informative experience for the visiting delegates.
The benchmarking visit concluded with expressions of gratitude from Olivarez College's Dr. Dennis Caballes, Director of the Center for Research and Publication, who acknowledged the valuable insights gained. A buffet lunch was then provided for all participants, marking the end of a successful collaborative exchange between the two institutions.
LCUP Internationational Educational Tour and Benchmarking Activity
The LCUP International Educational Tour and Benchmarking Activity held at Bangkok, Thailand on November 7-12, 2025. This activity is aimed toward enhancing LCUP’s global partnerships. The benchmarking event was attended by esteemed speakers who shared practical strategies for writing high-quality research papers. This event was an initiative toward LCUP’s global competitiveness through the forged international connections.
The university will conduct it’s first international work-in-progress (WIP) research conference to be held at The Twin Towers Hotel Bangkok on November 9. Two professors namely, Prof. Jose Mari Cordova and Prof. Eunice Barbara Novio, both from Vongchavalitkul University of Thailand will serve as Resource Speakers to the said conference with the theme: “Future Directions in Global Research: Challenges and Innovations.”
Also, the participants are set to have a taste of Thai culture through exposure trips to the various tourist destinations of the so-called “land of smiles.”
LCUP demonstrated its commitment to internationalization by sending delegates to an educational trip and benchmarking activity in Bangkok, Thailand. This initiative aimed to enhance the university's academic offerings and foster global partnerships.
These educational trip and benchmarking activity were a significant step towards LCUP's goal of becoming a globally competitive institution. By fostering international collaborations, promoting research excellence, and enhancing faculty and student development, LCUP continues to elevate its academic standards.
BENCHMARKING ACTIVITY
The Benchmarking Activity held at Nakhon Phanom, Thailand between July 19 to 23, 2023 was visualized with the ideal of competitive educational opportunities. This was a partnership established by La Consolacion University Philippines’s Graduate Studies and CASE, and with Saint Joseph Nakae School in Thailand. The academic conference proved to be a great learning experience for faculty and students alike.
BENCHMARKING ACTIVITY
The Benchmarking Activity held at Nakhon Phanom, Thailand between July 19 to 23, 2023 was visualized with the ideal of competitive educational opportunities. This was a partnership established by La Consolacion University Philippines’s Graduate Studies and CASE, and with Saint Joseph Nakae School in Thailand. The academic conference proved to be a great learning experience for faculty and students alike.