18/03/2025
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๐๐๐๐๐๐ | ๐๐๐๐๐ข๐๐ง๐ฌ ๐๐ก๐๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐ข๐ง๐ง๐จ๐ฏ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง, ๐๐๐ฏ๐จ๐๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐ญ ๐๐๐
โ๐๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ฒ๐ฌ๐ข๐
The buzz of intellectual discourse filled the air as Southeast Asia's top minds gathered for the ASEAN Universities Exhibit and Forum (AEF) 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Lively research presentations, thought-provoking discussions, and cultural exchanges set the stage for groundbreaking ideas. Among the scholars eager to make their mark were University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) students, stepping forward with passion and innovation, ready to showcase their expertise, challenge perspectives, and contribute to the ever-evolving global academic landscape.
Held from February 19 to 25, AEF 2025 fostered innovation, leadership, and collaboration while addressing regional challenges and supporting ASEANโs Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Representing USeP were Jan Marie Cirujano, a third-year BS Sanitary Engineering student, and Jan Laurance T. Guieb, a second-year BS Electronics Engineering student. Cirujano competed in the Young Speaker Competition, while Guieb showcased his engineering project in the Innovation Competition.
Cirujanoโs journey in the ASEAN Student Mobility and Winter Cultural Exchange Programme 2025 showcased her strong public speaking and advocacy background. Representing the university, she delivered a speech emphasizing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), earning her team the championship title in the Young Talent Speakers Delegates Category for their compelling presentation and innovative solutions.
Despite the doubts, the AEF 2025 experience turned into a life-changing experience that validated her growth and strength. Traveling solo to Malaysia was the culmination of years of training and preparation that enabled her to work in an international arena with confidence.
โMy anxiety was through the roof! Every day felt so heavy. I couldnโt focus on my studies, and it felt like I wasnโt ready. It felt as if I was not the best person for the role when it hit me that I was not only representing my universityโI was also representing our country,โ she shared.
Stepping onto an international stage, Guieb, who presented an engineering innovation, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent the university and the Philippines at an international event. Guieb not only carries his innovation but also the pride of the university and the country.
โI feel honoured and privileged to represent the university as well as to be one of the delegates coming from the Philippines,โ he stated.
His time and experience at the top technology university in Malaysia has deepened and strengthened his passion for research, motivating him to create innovations that help achieve national and global advancement.
โStaying inside the number one university in technology here in Malaysia exalted my passion to contribute to the field of science, specifically in research,โ Guieb said.
Guieb, along with his team, bagged the 2nd place in innovation competition in UMPSA with their project, โGeoDrone (Geodetic Drone): A Community Land Sharing Initiative in Aid of Geographical Information System (GIS), Embedded with Random Forest (RF) Algorithm and Gray-Level Occurrence Matrix (GLCM) for Surveying and Monitoring System.โ This AI-powered drone utilizes GIS mapping to identify degraded and underused land with precision.
Aside from the competition, both students underwent innovative and cultural exchanges at Universiti Utara Malaysia and Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA). Engaging in leadership and policy forums, as well as collaborative activities, broadened their perspectives and strengthened academic connectivity between USeP and ASEAN universities.
The AEF 2025 emphasized the value of student mobility and regional collaboration in education. USeP's participation in AEF 2025 reaffirmed its mission to prepare students with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to national and global advancement. Through their efforts, USeP students help fuel sustainable innovation, foster regional collaboration, and strengthen the university's global presence.
As Cirujano and Guieb step onto this prestigious platform, they represent not only USeP but also all Filipino students in international academic arenas.This shows that Filipino students can make a significant impact on the international stage through academic excellence and innovation.
Written by John Patrick Pantonial