2017 ASEACCU Newsletter December PROLOGUE The birth of the Association of Southeast and East Asian Colleges and Universities (ASEACCU) dates back twenty five years ago and with the numerous activities, projects, and programs the organization has held through the years, we can truly say that time does fly really fast. The beginning of ASEACCU was an INSIDE auspicious one since the founders, Fr. Dan Ross of Fu 1. Prologue (p. 1) Jen University, Brother Prathip Martin Komolmas of Assumption University, Fr. Robert Marx of Nanzan 2. Board Meeting Review (pp. 2-3) University, and Fr. Ben Nebres of the Ateneo de • The ASEACCU 25th Conference on “Catholic Universities and Inclusive Education” Manila University, four brave souls, responded to • New ASEACCU Members (p. 3) God’s invitation and allowed the spirit to lead them to 3. Introduction of Members (pp. 4-6) a future that may have been unimaginable at first but • Notre Dame Seishin University (p. 4) eventually has borne many fruits. On its 25th year, the • University of Santo Tomas (pp. 5-6) ASEACCU held its annual conference at the 4. Activities (pp. 7-11) Assumption University, a truly historic place for the • Elisabeth University of Music (p. 7) conference since it was in this same venue that the • Saint Paul Institute – Cambodia (pp. 8-9) • Saint Paul Institute (pp. 9-10) organization was born twenty five years ago. • Widya Mandala Catholic University Surabaya (p. 11) This issue of the ASEACCU Newsletter features the latest news, articles, updates, and announcement from 5. Wenzao Ursunline University of member universities and a section is likewise devoted Languages(pp. 12-16) to the successful conference held at the Assumption 6. Full Texts(p. 17) University. When we talk the different stages of human maturity, age 25 is considered the age of commitment, a significant time for all of us in ASEACCU as we continue to be deeply committed to undertake what God wills for ASEACCU to accomplish. --- See the http://ppt.cc/zn6t8 Full Text (p. 17) http://ppt.cc/AgshX (#ASEACCU) - Rev. Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P.
ASEACCU Newsletter December 2017 BOARD MEETING REVIEW Board Meeting Review 2 The ASEACCU 25th Conference on “Catholic Universities and Inclusive Education: Transforming Spaces, Promoting Practices, Changing Minds,” August 21-27, 2017 Assumption University of Thailand participant, moved to tears admitted that hosted the ASEACCU 25th Conference on she was challenged as never before to reach “Catholic Universities and Inclusive out and understand the children at the Education: Transforming Spaces, Father Ray Foundation, while another Promoting Practices, Changing Minds,” student conceded that she saw the kids as between August 21 and 27, 2017 at the energetic and talented, irrespective of their Suvaranbhumi campus. physical or mental limitations. The expert The student camp for seventy four lecture given by Prof. Wiriya students from ASEACCU institutions, Namsiripongpan at the King Solomon commenced on the evening of August 21, student activities room at the Suvranbhumi 2017 with dinner and icebreaking activities. campus, the morning of August 23, 2017 On August 22, 2017 the student clearly proved to the students that human campers visited the Father Ray Foundation faculty limitations has nothing to do with on the outskirts of Pattaya city, Chonburi confidence and optimism in life. The post - province to gain a firsthand exposure to lunch session on August 23, 2017 was a the spaces and practices carried out by the half day workshop with nine volunteer Redemptorist mission for physically students simulating either physical or handicapped and specially challenged mental challenges, being led on a campus children who are typically abandoned by tour, aided and facilitated by groups of parents who are either too poor or ashamed student campers. to care for such children. A student
ASEACCU Newsletter December 2017 3 The second major activity of the 25th the 25th ASEACCU Conference, began Conference was the first ever Campus with a solemn Holy Eucharistic Con- Ministry workshop. The campus ministers, celebration presided over by Rev. Fr. 31 in all from ASEACCU member Herminio Dagohoy, O.p. Rector institutions were hosted to vivacious and Magnificus of the University of Santo thought-provoking sharing motivated by Tomas, Manila, the Philippines and Rev. Brother Amnuay Yoonprayong. Most Executive Secretary of ASEACCU at the certainly, networking resulted from open ornate Chapel of St. Louis Marie de and committed sharing among all the Montfort. The second day of the campus ministers at the workshop. conference, August 25, 2017, was The ASEACCU Executive Board met launched with the con-celebration of the on the morning of August 24, 2017 at the Holy Eucharist presided over by Bishop Brother Martin’s Collection, the Cathedral Siripong Silvio Charatsri, representing the of Learning, Assumption University Catholic Bishops Conference of Thailand. Suvaranbhumi campus, to follow up on Prayers were offered for the repose of the matters discussed at the April 24-26, 2017 Soul of Rev. Fr. Daniel Ross, the prime Executive Board meeting at Boracay Island, motivator for the setting up of ASEACCU, and to pre-view arrangements for the 25th who has passed away in July 2017 in ASEACCU Conference. Organized with Taiwan. --- See the Full Text (p. 18) the theme “ Catholic Universities and Inclusive Education: Transforming Spaces, ( Article prepared and submitted by Glen Promoting Practices, Changing Minds,” Chatelier, Assumption University)
New ASEACCU Members Nation Name Logo Nation Name Logo
Kagoshima Immaculate Japan Philippines Holy Angel University Heart University
Sendai Shirayuri Women's Japan Philippines Lourdes College College
St. Mary’s College Of Japan St. Catherine University Philippines Tagum, Inc.
Japan St. Mary’s College Philippines St. Michael’s College
Colegio de San Juan de University of the Philippines Philippines Letran Calamba Immaculate Conception
ASEACCU Newsletter December 2017 Introduction 4
NOTRE DAME SEISHIN UNIVERSITY
NDSU, a women's university, in Okayama, Japan, was established in 1949 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in the Liberal Arts in an Arts or Sciences faculty, through one of the following 6 departments: English language and literature, Japanese language and literature, Contemporary sociological studies, Human Living Sciences, Child Welfare and Food and Nutrition.
In April, 2017 we welcomed our new president, Fr. Toyoki Harada, who serves, concurrently in the diocese of Hiroshima. He steps in upon the retirement of Sr. Frances Takako Takagi, SND, who was president from 2001-2017.
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ASEACCU Newsletter December 2017 UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 5 Aquinas Is Now ‘University of Santo Tomas-Legazpi’
Manila, retaining the current structure of the school and its Board of Trustees.
The University is the second UST satellite campus to be made official after UST Angelicum (then Angelicum College of Quezon City) on June 29 this Bicol is now home to a UST campus. year. The 70-year old Dominican University of Bicol officially adopted the name of the UST-Legazpi is one of the four centuries old top Philippine Dominican schools that signed a university, University of Santo Tomas. memorandum of intent (MOI) to ‘integrate’ last December 2014, with Aquinas University of Legazpi will University of Santo Tomas Manila, now be called the “University of Santo Angelicum College Quezon City, and Tomas-Legazpi” as Dominican Angelicum School Iloilo. The Legazpi educational institutions in the country campus’ name change was later proceed with the planned integration of approved by the UST Council of these schools into one campus system. Regents in December 2016. The name change became official on September 12, 2017 as the approval from The said schools, along with two .the Securities and Exchange Commission more planned new campuses in Sta. (SEC) came in. Rosa, Laguna and General Santos will make up the UST campus system. The University’s top official, Fr. Ernesto Arceo, O.p., said in a report by The Varsitarian that the “collaborative integration” with the Royal and Pontifical University is aimed at improving the quality of education in the Bicol campus through bench-marking, curricular alignment and resource sharing.
UST-Legazpi, however, will maintain its administrative and fiscal independence from the main campus in
ASEACCU Newsletter December 2017 UST-Legazpi Accepts International Students 6 The University of Santo Tomas-Legazpi (UST-Legazpi) welcomes all international students who are seeking admission to Business Administration, Education, and Bachelor of Arts Programs. In 2008, UST-Legazpi then Aquinas University of Legazpi (AUL) acquired the Certificate of Authority from Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) to admit international students. The Office of Media, Alumni, and Public Affairs (MAPA) is in-charge of assisting international students in their application. They need to submit the following requirements to the Office of the University Registrar (OUR): • Personal history statement • Passport number • Notarized affidavit of support • Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) Number • Visa status • School Records • Authorized stay • UCAT result UST-Legazpi offers an array of opportunities to international students such as being immersed in the Bicolano Culture. This will enable them in developing a healthy exchange of culture and experiences that can benefit the global community. (For more information, contact +63 956 130 1358 or send your inquiry at [email protected]. You may also visit www.aq.edu.ph) UST-Legazpi’s BS Pharmacy Pioneer Batch Garners 78.38% Passing Rate in Licensure Exam The first and only university that Amor, Meryl Grace G. (Sorsogon City) Ancheta, Yedda Marie DJ. (Polangui, Albay) offers the Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy Arienda, Kristine Marie B. (Legazpi City) Atento, Ronalie A. (Legazpi City) Program in the Bicol Region, University of Azas, Dazzle D. (Sorsogon City) Santo Tomas-Legazpi (UST-Legazpi) Bandola, Angelica C. (Castilla, Sorsogon) Belda, Ma. Cathrina A. (Tabaco City) commends its newly licensed pharmacists Bobier, Sheena Mae R. (Ligao City) Bombase, Jamie Maureen T. (Garchitorena, Camarines Sur) from the College of Health Sciences (CHS) Boncalos, Robert James (Bacacay, Albay) who passed the Pharmacist Licensure Bongat, Michelle Ann C. (Tabaco City) Cabaccang, Kryzta Alaine S. (Daraga, Albay) Exam administered on Aug. 30-31, 2017. Diamante, Maria Adria Elean p. (Legazpi City) Dote, Faye Karen p. (Legazpi City) Folloso, Allyson Mae A. (Bato, Camarines Sur) The Philippine Regulation Francisco, Zyrelle B. (Bacacay, Albay) Garrido, John Paul B. (Tabaco, Albay) Commission (PRC) posted the result on Isuela, Shally Mae p. (Caramoan, Catanduanes) Longaza, Nicole Isabelle N. (Legazpi City) Sep. 5, 2017, with 2,784 passers out of 5, Maranan, Darrel M. (Sorsogon City) 079 takers. UST-Legazpi garnered 78.38% Nacion, Allea Joyce B. (Camalig, Albay) Rances, Catherine I. (Tabaco, Albay) passing rate for first-time takers. Razo, Rachel Anne O. (Pili, Camarines Sur) Ribaya, Janielle Ruth A. (Legazpi City) Romangaya, Niel Bryan A. (Tinambac, Camarines Sur) Names of the new Legazpi Thomasian Salandanan, Ignacio M. (Sorsogon City) Samar, Deion Josef C. (Polangui, Albay) Pharmacists are as follows: Santibanez, Desiree Y. (Pio Duran, Albay) Zaragoza, Andrea Nicole p. (Ligao City)
ASEACCU Newsletter December 2017 Activities 7 ELISABETH UNIVERSITY OF MUSIC Updated News from Elisabeth University of Music, Hiroshima On last August 2017, our Elisabeth Night without Stars - Requiem for the University of Music performed an Four Seasons” created by Mr. Hosokawa overseas symphony orchestra. This based on the idea for peace. overseas performance was a pre-event for our 70th anniversary which will be As part of the “Lower Saxony officially celebrated next year. The Music Events” of the Hannover City, a participants were 137 people, including Sister City of Hiroshima, at a Protestant students, graduates, teachers, extras, and Church, we held a concert, an atomic high school students from Hiroshima bomb panel exhibition, and a speech Prefecture. Thanking for an invitation relating to the atomic bombing victim from the Summer Music Festival experiences by Ms. Kiyoko Sako (a “Young Euro Classic” and Mandolin instructor of our university). A recommendation from Mr. Toshio cordial welcoming reception took place at Hosokawa, a visiting professor of our the Hannover City Hall, and there we university, this program could be delivered a personal letter from the realized with full of satisfaction. This Hiroshima Mayor. In Berlin, we time, in two German cities (Hannover accomplished performances at a concert and Berlin), we played the Cantata house which is well-known for its history entitled “Calm Sea and Prosperous and tradition. As a representative of Voyage” composed by Beethoven, the Hiroshima, we expressed our longing for Schubert’s Symphony No. 7 known as an everlasting peace through the both the “Unfinished Symphony”, and “A concerts.
ASEACCU Newsletter December 2017 SAINT PAUL INSTITUTE – CAMBODIA 8 ASEACCU - Reflection from students of St. Paul Institute
We students from St. Paul Institute were really delighted to have the opportunity to participate in the ASEACCU conference at Assumption University, Thailand from 21st until 27th August, 2017. The ASEACCU conference was the best event that we from St. Paul Institute in Cambodia have ever taken part in. It was a first time experience for us. The most important thing was getting to know and learn about others. The conference had persons from different learned that inclusive education is very nationalities and provided us a good way important for people with disabilities to apply what we learned. faced with a lack of opportunity in Even though all the participants came society. We donated some materials for from different places and different cultures, them and everyone was surprised with we felt we were a family and we worked what the people did. They could draw together as one body. We went to visit the and had talents that non-disabled Father Ray Foundation where people with people don’t have. disabilities live with hope and grow. We found that people with disabilities can do We listened to Professor Wiriya things like people without disabilities. We Namsiripongpun from the Faculty of Law at Thammasat University and learned that people with disabilities are very important for society but need help and encouragement. We worked and did everything as a group and shared without hesitation and discrimination. In this way we learned to open our minds to love and to think of people as our family. This conference provided us with a lot of experience, knowledge, and ideas.
ASEACCU Newsletter December 2017 9 The best thing that we learned from the we know that the people with special ASEACCU conference and could share needs can do things like people without with our schoolmates and others was disabilities. They can study at university. learning to adjust to experiences that we They can become a lawyer or a professor had never had before. We learned to show at the university. respect to all people equally, whether they are disabled or not, because, having If we look at Cambodian society at participated in the ASEACCU conference, the present time, we see that opportunities and facilities for people with disabilities are very limited. We hope our generation will change that and shape the mind of Cambodia to respect and give equality of life to all people with disabilities.
Finally, we would like to thank our teachers and sponsors who gave us a chance to visit abroad and learn about life. This event will be kept in our mind and heart always.
SAINT PAUL INSTITUTE St Paul Institute staff and students visit Notre Dame University in Australia for an exchange program from 11th – 23rd September, 2017.
Under the leadership of H.E Bishop 2017 and they really enjoyed it and Olivier, the coordinator of St. Paul learned a lot. Institute, and based on the relationships made through the ASEACCU conference, The increasing cooperation between a friendly and fruitful cooperation St. Paul Institute and Notre Dame between the University of Notre Dame University is a gift, one of the fruits of Australia and the Saint Paul Institute has their relationship through the ASEACCU been developing for several years. Four conference. In global politics and in St. Paul Institute students and two staff economic growth a developing country were hosted by Notre Dame University like Cambodia is still in the process of for a 20-day stay at the Fremantle developing. This collaboration between Campus from 11th to 23rd September, Notre Dame and St. Paul exemplifies the
ASEACCU Newsletter December 2017 10 type of academic partnership and exchange program that can strengthen our St. Paul Institute both through the ASEACCU network and through the direct relationship between the two schools.
In particular, the program gave our St Paul Institute students the chance to learn and to research by attending classes and by sharing about politics in Cambodia and in Asia, about psychological development, about the Picture taken after farewell dinner social implications of globalization, about health and medicine, and about aboriginal culture in Australia. All our allowed the students to understand more and students stayed with a host family, and inspired them to be committed to their study that was a special chance to have time and to take on a role in developing the with Notre Dame students and the host Cambodian society of the future. families to share our stories of Cambodia and its culture and life style. We also It is certainly important to acknowledge had visits to various places such as a that the way we worked together with prison, parliament, a wildlife park, and students through this cooperation was very different departments of Notre Dame meaningful and allowed students of St. Paul University at the Fremantle campus. All Institute to be aware how globalization has these activities and learning processes changed the world and how this change is unlikely to be reversed any time soon. That understanding helps raise important questions to be asked for the future.
We would like to express our deep thanks to the University of Notre Dame in Australia for making it happen and for welcoming us with love and friendship and especially for making us feel at home during our stay.
Picture taken after class
ASEACCU Newsletter December 2017 Widya Mandala Catholic University Surabaya 11 Bobie Valentinus: A Silver Medalist in SEA Games All Bobie Valentinus could feel was an overwhelming emotion and a sense of pride when his name was called to the podium to receive a Silver medal. The title of a champion that he dreamed of since the beginning of practicing the traditional martial art of Wushu was finally a reality. Representing Indonesia, he successfully achieved second place at the 29th SEA Games (Southeast Asian Games) that was held in Malaysia in August 2017. The silver professional trainers and spent about two or medal he won was from the Taijijian Wushu three hours for each exercise. "Nine hours of sport, which is a wushu style using a double- full training to the point that I could wrung my edged sword. Before competing in this T-shirt up like a mop," said Bobie. However, international competition, Bobie had for what he has achieved, it was worth the achieved first place and taken home a Gold sacrifice of time and effort. medal in the 19th National Sports Week (PON) in 2016. Currently in the process of completing his Bachelor degree requirements as an Accounting student at Widya Mandala Catholic University of Surabaya (WMCUS), Bobie has dedicated a long time and a high discipline to practice Wushu. He has been doing this since the age of eight. Often he was forced to have a very early hour of exercise in order to still have enough time to Bobie dedicated this victory to his parents. study. He also had sustained many injuries He is also grateful to all coaches who have due to too much exercises and overpushing trained him hard to win. "The University also his muscles. In one day, Bobie could practice plays an important role, because it gave me three times under the supervision of permission and designed a special system to fit my studies into my practice, so that I could still focus on practicing at the center without falling behind in academic," said Bobie. In addition to Bobie, there was also Felda Elvira Santoso, an alumnus from also the Accounting Department in WMCUS, who won the Dau Shu Wushu (with broad sword) gold medal in the same event. Bobie and Felda's accomplishments are by no means a certain achievement and a source of delight for WMCUS. (hra / Red)
ASEACCU Newsletter December 2017 Wenzao 12 Wenzao’s Southeast Asian Studies Master‘s Program / 2017 Wenzao International Conference on Southeast Asian Studies This year, Wenzao Ursuline University established a Master’s Degree in Southeast Asian Studies (MSEAS). This has been particularly designed to nurture and develop skills for students who plan work in Southeast Asia or become social entrepreneurs in the region. The degree is cross-disciplinary and includes Southeast Asian language instruction, business development and regional awareness. Graduates will have gained skills that facilitate employment opportunities in various Southeast Asian countries or assist them in developing businesses in the region. Its ultimate goal is to promote professional cooperation between public and private sectors throughout Southeast Asia and Taiwan. The new program has cultivated a multi-disciplinary / cross-disciplinary instructional methodology. It includes a strong academic foundation and the opportunity to learn several Southeast Asian languages. Its various modules include government and social development in Southeast Asia, enterprise and industrial advancement, regional politics, economics and international industrial cooperation programs. Students can also participate in two month optional Southeast Asian based research projects, international educational exchanges, thesis research and data collection, internships and short-term work placements.
Since 2008, Wenzao has been offering Southeast Asian language training for students both on campus and throughout southern Taiwan. In 2014, the Center for Southeast Asian Language Teaching was established, and this year the MSEAS Program is also set up. It is certainly an opportune time for Wenzao to be holding the “ 2017 Wenzao International Conference on Southeast Asian Studies”. The 2017 conference held from 10/26-27 successfully welcomed more than 80 scholars from 17 countries, presenting topics ranging from regional cooperation, education and migration, to economic issues and borders. Starting from next year, this Conference will be held every year by the end of October.
ASEACCU Newsletter December 2017 13 Three Consecutive Years of Winning the National Award for Life Education
Dr. Tsai Chieh-Yu is the Dean of Wenzao Ursuline University’s College of Liberal Arts Education. He is known for integrating creative thinking into the programs, which have become very popular with the students. The college promotes an integrated general education, with a focus on cultivating quality life experiences. He believes this is why Wenzao has won the National Award for Life Education for three consecutive years.
Dr. Tsai Chieh-Yu explains that Wenzao’s philosophy and purpose is to provide a holistic education and to cultivate quality people. He feels that all educational programs should be people-centered. Wenzao’s motto, “Revere the divine, love the human”, stems from the Christian belief that every life is God’s creation. Therefore, the basis of Wenzao’s education is to develop students’ character, leadership and life skills. This is particularly the focus of the liberal arts, foreign languages and language teaching institutes. Dr. Tsai stressed that education from kindergarten all the way through university should focus on nurturing and cultivating people. However, many schools simply emphasize the development of professional skills and functional education. The Ministry of Education has also begun to understand the importance of promoting a holistic education and has developed a national award of excellence in life education, which is granted to universities that have been successful in developing these types of programs. Dr. Tsai was this year’s recipient and modestly states that the reason Wenzao has been so highly acclaimed in this area is that it has developed formal courses in life education throughout several of its institutes. He explains that schools should integrate life education into
ASEACCU Newsletter December 2017 14 school activities and academic counseling services, which would promote greater implementation of these ideals. He also attributes Wenzao’s success in selecting the proper educational materials and the hard work of its life education development teams. Dr. Tsai stressed that what he enjoys the most about his work at Wenzao is that he can contribute to the various departments’ educational programs. The university’s teachers also take an active role in developing the curriculum and promoting the potential of their students. He stressed that the university’s success can be attributed to teaching students how to succeed in life. This he believes is also one of his greatest accomplishments and attributes of being a teacher.
Wenzao sets up Indigenous Students Resource Center
Wenzao focuses on developing the skills of aboriginal students. In the afternoon of November 29th, after nearly a year of planning, it finally held the inauguration ceremony for its Indigenous Students Resource Center. The center will provide support for aboriginal students with counseling, career training, tribal services, exchanges, resources and the promotion of campus activities that focuses on these unique cultures. They hope it will provide aboriginal students greater opportunities to travel the world and educate about Taiwan's beautiful native cultures.
ASEACCU Newsletter December 2017 15
In August of this year, Deborah Chang became the director of Wenzao’s Indigenous Students Resource Center. She was invited to become the director as she has a great deal of experience in native culture preservation. As an indigenous person herself, in 1999, she took part in the Taiwan - South Pacific Cultural Festival, where various indigenous people met from various South Pacific countries, such as the Solomon Islands, Fiji and Australia, where they exchanged ideas on development and island culture. This is where Deborah Chang fell in love with aboriginal culture and felt it was important to do something to preserve them. In 2004, Ms. Chang assisted aboriginal students in creating Aboriginal and Cenozoic Associations and began promoting Aboriginal culture throughout Taiwan.
There are currently 133 Aboriginal students that are from the Paiwan, Ami, Bunun, Atayal, Sai Xia, Rukai, Beinan, Taroko and Karnak Nafu tribes, studying in Wenzao’s various academic institutions. Wenzao’s Indigenous Students Resource Center will promote international exchanges; provide resources from Wenzao’s various departments and create opportunities for overseas internships and academic exchanges. They hope it will give aboriginal students more opportunity to visit other indigenous townships around the world, so they can gain a greater understanding of various tribal cultures. They also hope that it can promote aboriginal languages, preserve original cultures, provide educational materials and promote international academia in researching and promoting these tremendously beautiful indigenous cultures.
ASEACCU Newsletter December 2017 CONTACT THE ASSOCIATION 16
The Newsletter is published two times a year (Summer and Winter) by the Association of Southeast and East Asian Catholic College and Universities, and is issued to its members for free.
Published by the Association of Southeast and East Asian Catholic College and Universities.
EDITORIAL Executive Secretary of ASEACCU: Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy Chief Editor: Shieu-ming Chou, President, Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages Managing Editor: Samuel C. Y. Ku, Vice President for International Affairs, Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages Executive Editor: Herlin Chien, Director, Center for Southeast Asia Languages Teaching （CSEALT), Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages Assistant Editor: Kai Otto Chang
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SUBMISSION DEADLINE 30th May, 2018 30th November, 2018
IMPORTANT NOTICE The newsletter editor will review all articles and make changes for readability.
NEXT ISSUE June 2018 WZU CSEALT MSEAS
ASEACCU Newsletter December 2017 BOARD MEETING REVIEW FULL TEXTS 17
PROLOGUE
The birth of the Association of Southeast and East Asian Colleges and Universities (ASEACCU) dates back twenty five years ago and with the numerous activities, projects, and programs the organization has held through the years, we can truly say that time does fly really fast. The beginning of ASEACCU was an auspicious one since the founders, Fr. Dan Ross of Fu Jen University, Brother Prathip Martin Komolmas of Assumption University, Fr. Robert Marx of Nanzan University, and Fr. Ben Nebres of the Ateneo de Manila University, four brave souls, responded to God’s invitation and allowed the spirit to lead them to a future that may have been unimaginable at first but eventually has borne many fruits. On its 25th year, the ASEACCU held its annual conference at the Assumption University, a truly historic place for the conference since it was in this same venue that the organization was born twenty five years ago.
The ASEACCU is an organization that refrains from treading on similar paths or trajectories, looking at things from preconceived notions or from a familiar vantage point, the ASEACCU is one that follows a different drum as it aims to explore new possibilities and discover new pathways. For the past twenty five years, the ASEACCU has covered a wide variety of topics that range from environmental care, bioethics, higher education and modernity, issues involving women, interreligious dialogue among others, all of which contribute to a healthy and dynamic intellectual exchange and likewise serve as an avenue for offering practical approaches or solutions to address common issues that affect our fellow human beings and the society.
This year’s ASEACCU Conference focuses or gives emphasis on giving value to diversity and on giving recognition to the unique contributions differentiated learners bring to the classroom. There is indeed a need to make the learning environment of educational institutions safe and more welcoming to students with different needs to allow them to learn alongside their peers. When our institutions become committed in promoting inclusive education we do not only become instrumental in transforming discriminatory attitudes into a friendlier and more accepting one, but more so, we inculcate among our students, faculty, and staff genuine respect and understanding. By being aware and exerting conscious effort to become more inclusive, we also strive to animate in our institution’s solidarity, sense of community and the common good, values that we consider sacred and if inculcated would distinguish graduates of our schools from the rest.
ASEACCU Newsletter December 2017 BOARD MEETING REVIEW FULL TEXTS 18
This issue of the ASEACCU Newsletter features the latest news, articles, updates, and announcement from member universities and a section is likewise devoted to the successful conference held at the Assumption University. Our newsletter does not only provide useful information, but it also continues to inspire us to support and communicate with each other as well as take note of the significant engagements as well as the future plans of the organization. ASEACCU is 25 years old. Many of us have grown with the association. We do not only cultivate areas of collaboration but also develop new friendships. When we talk the different stages of human maturity, age 25 is considered the age of commitment, a significant time for all of us in ASEAACU as we continue to be deeply committed to undertake what God wills for ASEACCU to accomplish.
- Rev. Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.p.
BOARD MEETING REVIEW The ASEACCU 25th Conference on “Catholic Universities and Inclusive Education: Transforming Spaces, Promoting Practices, Changing Minds,” August 21-27, 2017 Assumption University of Thailand hosted the ASEACCU 25th Conference on “Catholic Universities and Inclusive Education: Transforming Spaces, Promoting Practices, Changing Minds,” between August 21 and 27, 2017 at the Suvaranbhumi campus.
The student camp for seventy four students from ASEACCU institutions, commenced on the evening of August 21, 2017 with dinner and icebreaking activities.
On August 22, 2017 the student campers visited the Father Ray Foundation on the outskirts of Pattaya city, Chonburi province to gain a firsthand exposure to the spaces and practices carried out by the Redemptorist mission for physically handicapped and specially challenged children who are typically abandoned by parents who are either too poor or ashamed to care for such children. A student participant, moved to tears admitted that she was challenged as never before to reach out and understand the children at the Father Ray Foundation, while another student conceded that she saw the kids as energetic and talented, irrespective of their physical or mental limitations. The expert lecture given by Prof. Wiriya Namsiripongpan at the King Solomon student
ASEACCU Newsletter December 2017 FULL TEXTS 19 activities room at the Suvranbhumi campus, the morning of August 23, 2017 clearly proved to the students that human faculty limitations has nothing to do with confidence and optimism in life. The post - lunch session on August 23, 2017 was a half day workshop with nine volunteer students simulating either physical or mental challenges, being led on a campus tour, aided and facilitated by groups of student campers.
The camp activity on August 24, 2017 morning involved a workshop session on conceptualizing the student presentations for August 26, 2017 using the “Tree of Life” conceptual construct.
The student campers joined the Presidents and staff from their respective institutions for the Conference activities on August 24, 25 and 26, 2017. The conference itself ended with a lively session” reflections and conversations with students” at which the students shone forth in brilliance and vivacity with their presentations at 11 am on August 26, 2017. The outcome from the student camp was an innovative social media campaign to show solidarity with less gifted students.
The second major activity of the 25th Conference was the first ever Campus Ministry workshop. The campus ministers, 31 in all from ASEACCU member institutions were hosted to vivacious and thought-provoking sharing motivated by Rev. Brother Amnuay Yoonprayong. Most certainly, networking resulted from open and committed sharing among all the campus ministers at the workshop.
The ASEACCU Executive Board met on the morning of August 24, 2017 at the Brother Martin’s Collection, the Cathedral of Learning, Assumption University Suvaranbhumi campus, to follow up on matters discussed at the April 24-26, 2017 Executive Board meeting at Boracay Island, and to pre-view arrangements for the 25th ASEACCU Conference. Organized with the theme “ Catholic Universities and Inclusive Education: Transforming Spaces, Promoting Practices, Changing Minds,” the 25th ASEACCU Conference, began with a solemn Holy Eucharistic Con-celebration presided over by Rev. Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.p. Rector Magnificus of the University of Santo Tomas, Manila, the Philippines and Executive Secretary of ASEACCU at the ornate Chapel of St. Louis Marie de Montfort. The Assumption University Chorus Group rendered resplendent hymns at the Mass. The Holy Mass was followed by a brief conference opening and awards ceremony honoring the ASEACCU Founding institutions – Fu Jen University, Taiwan, Nanzan University, Nagoya, Japan, Ateneo de Manila University, the Philippines and Assumption University of Thailand. The
ASEACCU Newsletter December 2017 FULL TEXTS 20 opening dinner was held at the Foyer of the John XXIII Conference Center and featured a Thai classical dance and light music courtesy of the Assumption University Faculty of Music. The second day of the conference, August 25, 2017, was launched with the con- celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided over by Bishop Siripong Silvio Charatsri, representing the Catholic Bishops Conference of Thailand. Prayers were offered for the repose of the Soul of Rev. Fr. Daniel Ross, the prime motivator for the setting up of ASEACCU, who has passed away in July 2017 in Taiwan.
The two keynote sessions were indeed thought provoking with Rev. Fr. Joseph Maier and Professor Dr. Dianne Chambers illustrated the definition of Inclusive Education through her vast and unenviable research and workshop experiences in Australia and across Asia. The afternoon sessions of the conference involved resource presentations from Sophia University, Japan and The Catholic University of South Korea, Seoul. At the ASEACCU Business meeting the minutes of the report for 2016-2017 ASEACCU Activities was considered, accounts presented and the proposals to the ASEACCU Bye Laws were vetted. Assumption University (through Rev. Brother Prathip Martin Komolmas and Glen Chatelier) contributed a token amount of US $ 100 to set up the Daniel Ross ASEACCU Research Fund for the Support of Research in Social Sciences among the ASEACCU members.
At the evening dinner, a multicultural display of talents among students and professors redefined ASEACCU as God’s one family built through thediversity of cultures, customs and traditions. The third day of the conference got off to a start with a Holy Mass concelebrated by Rev. Brother Amnuay Yoonprayong and priests from ASEACCU member institutions. The morning resource presentations were equally informative about the implementations of Inclusive Education agendas in the LaSalle Benilde Philippines and the Atma Jaya University, Jakarta, Indonesia. The cultural components of the conference involved a visit to the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall in the heart of Bangkok city where Faculty, staff and students experienced some the finest and decorative of Thai Royal artifacts. The Siam Niramit dinner and cultural extravaganza was indeed a fitting way for the conference to come to a close. The 25th ASEACCU Conference proved to be one in which the largest number of participants attended, and included an observer from the Church in Myanmar courtesy of the goodwill of His Eminence Cardinal Charles Muang Bo. In all ninety nine faculty and staff, thirty one campus ministers and seventy four students from forty seven institutions in nine countries, attended the conference which indeed turned out to be memorable.
---Article prepared and submitted by Glen Chatelier, Assumption University
ASEACCU Newsletter December 2017