SorSU, alongside SERDEF, leads exploratory meeting with Universiti Utara Malaysia, Sociopreneur Indonesia; formalizes MOU with Sociopreneur ID to enhance entrep education, social innovation programs
In another pivotal step in advancing its international academic partnerships in areas of education, research, and social engagement toward its vision of becoming a research university, Sorsogon State University (SorSU) successfully led a collaborative exploratory meeting with international institutions, Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) and Sociopreneur Indonesia, alongside its partner agency Small Enterprises Research and Development Inc. (SERDEF), which notably culminated with a ceremonial Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between SorSU and Socioentrepreneur ID on November 28, 2024, at the SorSU Boardroom, Sorsogon City Campus.
The meeting centered on exploring collaborations in the fields of entrepreneurship education, social innovation, and research initiatives. Participants engaged in meaningful and in-depth discussions aimed at recognizing opportunities and shared goals for joint endeavors. Ms. Cristy D. Docdocos (Program Chair, BS Entrepreneurship) presented the accomplishments and program offerings of the SorSU – College of Business and Management (CBM).
Further, Engr. Ivy Rose B. Gonzales (Director, Research and Development) and Dr. Ana Cristina G. Fortes (Director, Extension and Training Services), through respective presentations, shared the significant efforts undertaken by the SorSU – Research, Extension and Training Office.
The SorSU Directors also highlighted how SorSU’s Research, Development, and Extension (RDE) initiatives significantly align with local community needs and global goals, underscoring the University’s impactful contributions to community engagement and development as well as the opportunities for international collaborative initiatives.
Meanwhile, Dr. Shazida Jan Mohd Khan (Executive Director – Cooperative and Entrepreneurship Development Institute, UUM) presented the flagship programs and initiatives of Universiti Utara Malaysia, providing valuable insights into its areas of expertise and ongoing projects.
UUM, through its Cooperative and Entrepreneurship Development Institute (CEDI) represented by Dr. Shazida Jan Mohd Khan and Dr. Juhaida Binti Abu Bakar (Deputy Director, CEDI UUM), demonstrated commitment to pursuing academic collaboration with SorSU. The two universities explored potential joint programs that would bolster their respective areas of expertise and resources while highlighting common goals and interests to promote meaningful partnerships.
Similarly, Dr. Dessy Aliandrina (Founder/Chief Executive Officer, Sociopreneur Indonesia) emphasized Sociopreneur Indonesia’s advocacies, journey, and flagship programs, featuring Entrepreneurship for Youth, Empathy Project, and Be the Change initiatives, as well as other international activities, such as in-house trainings, curriculum, and research developments.
Relatively, SERDEF, an active partner of SorSU since March of this year, played an instrumental role in organizing the collaborative exploratory meeting among SorSU, UUM, & Sociopreneur ID, establishing the foundation for potential academic cooperations in areas of entrepreneurship and research. Led by Prof. Melchor C. Morandarte, SERDEF officials: Prof. Edgar S. Barrameda (BOT, SERDEF), Dr. Nino Martin Obrero (BOT, SERDEF), and Prof. Juan Raul Relloso (Member, SERDEF) also graced the meeting.
The meeting highlighted the ceremonial MOU signing between SorSU and Sociopreneur ID, marking a reinforced collaboration and partnership in the areas related to entrepreneurship education and social innovation, including extension services, consultancy, and research; training and capability building activities; advocacy and outreach; as well as partnerships and linkages with other institutions.
Established in 2013 as a student club, Sociopreneur ID — now a non-stock, non-profit organization with 4,000 partner institutions and more than 4,000 volunteers globally — primarily aims to foster social entrepreneurship in Indonesia through various initiatives (Sociopreneur Indonesia, 2024).
In her message, SUC President III, Dr. Geraldine F. De Jesus, conveyed her profound appreciation for the collaboration between institutions, emphasizing that the partnership signifies not just momentary cooperation, but an enduring commitment toward an indelible impact on communities.
During the ceremonial MOU, SorSU was represented by President De Jesus, whereas Dr. Dessy Aliandrina (Founder/Chief Executive Officer, Sociopreneur) represented Sociopreneur. It was witnessed by Dr. Ryan V. Dio (Vice President for Research, Extension and Training) and Ms. Clarissa Amadhea (Co-Lead, Sociopreneur Indonesia).
The event concluded with a closing message from Dr. Vivien L. Chua (Director, International Relations Office) and was attended by SorSU key officials, personnel, and SorSU-CBM faculty members. (SorSU PIO)
