The 115-year-old UST Faculty of Engineering received a scholarship grant from ZTE Philippines Inc., in a virtual Memorandum of Agreement signing ceremony on August 17, 2022.
UST was represented by the Vice Rector for Finance and Faculty of Engineering Regent Rev. Fr. Roberto L. Luanzon, O.P., SThD, DL., while ZTE Philippines Inc. was represented by its Vice President Mr. Jin Zhichao. The MoA signing was witnessed by the Faculty of Engineering Acting Dean Prof. Angelo R. dela Cruz, Ph.D., and ZTE Chief Human Resource Officer Mr. Wang Bin.
Three students in the last two years of their academic studies under Engineering, Computer Science, or Information Technology programs will be eligible to receive a fixed grant as part of the ZTE STAR (Skills, Talent, Attitude, Responsibility) Scholarship Program.
Vice Rector for Finance and Faculty of Engineering Regent Rev. Fr. Roberto L. Luanzon, O.P., SThD, DL, in his opening remarks, said “For me this is a very important event as part of our partnership and collaboration between an industry and academic community. The scholarship will be helpful, particularly during this time of pandemic and economic crisis. We are very much thankful. Indeed, this kind endeavor is what we need to be more global and helpful to one another.”
ZTE PH Vice President Mr. Jin Zhichao said, “We hope this scholarship can cultivate emerging talents [in telecommunications] as they continue and finish their studies under UST.”
Faculty of Engineering Acting Dean Prof. Angelo R. dela Cruz, Ph.D.,, in his closing remarks, expressed gratitude toward the officials for “their generosity in providing our students with a brighter future through the STAR Scholarship program. It is timely, since in these trying times, many of our students face financial difficulties in continuing their education. In return, we guarantee to provide our students with industry-ready curricula and continue producing competent, committed, and compassionate graduates.”
The partnership began earlier in June 2022, when the University of Santo Tomas (UST), represented by the Rector Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., Ph.D., signed a strategic cooperation memorandum of understanding (MOU) with ZTE PH, represented by Mr. Jin Zhichao, for their Industry Academe Linkage Program (IALP) where both parties agree to collaborate on different activities. These include, but are not limited to, faculty immersion programs, internship partnerships, career fairs, career talks, and research collaborations.
Attending the signing on August 17 were Assistant Project Director Mr. Ong Ken Wee, and HR Manager Ms. Joyce Te from ZTE PH.
From UST, the Faculty of Engineering Assistant Dean Engr. Anthony James Bautista, Ph.D., Faculty Secretary Asst. Prof. Ma. Luisa Asilo, Faculty of Engineering Industry, Government, Academe, and Alumni Relations Program (IGAARP) Officer-in-Charge Engr. Charlie Marquez, IGAARP Immersion Coordinator Engr. Sharlene Insigne-Cabal, Engineering Alumni Association Secretary Engr. Judelia Magahis, Asst. Prof. Mildred Antonio, and UST Office of Public Affairs Director Asst. Prof. Joreen T. Rocamora, Ph.D., also joined the event.
