University of Melbourne welcomes Philippine Ambassador to strengthen STEM and education partnerships

L-R: Angela Laurente, Third Secretary and Vice-Consul, Embassy of the Philippines; Jan Sherin Perez Wenceslao, Consul, Consulate-General of the Philippines in Melbourne; Jesus Domingo, Consul-General of the Philippines in Melbourne; Antonio Morales, Ambassador of the Philippines to Australia; Professor Frank Vetere, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global); Jad Cordon; Dr Maxine Chan; Associate Professor Felix Hui, Associate Dean (International), Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology; Shirley Xie, Manager, Global Engagement and Partnerships, Faculty of Science; Julie Fam, Manager, International Partnerships, Chancellery Global, Culture and Engagement.

The University of Melbourne hosted the Ambassador of the Philippines to Australia, Ambassador Antonio Albero Morales, to discuss deepening research collaboration and education partnerships, with a focus on STEM and the student experience.

Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global) Professor Frank Vetere hosted the meeting, joined by senior academics from the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, the Faculty of Science, and Filipino students. The discussion combined academic expertise and student perspectives to explore ways to expand research collaboration, mobility, and partnership opportunities.

The meeting also highlighted the important contributions Filipino and other international students make to campus life, research, and teaching at the University. Their diverse perspectives and experiences help foster stronger partnerships and innovation across the University community.

Ambassador Morales emphasised the relationship’s benefits for students and research.

“The Philippines values its growing partnership with the University of Melbourne, which serves not only to support Filipino students as they pursue excellence overseas, but also contributes to the enrichment of our education and research sectors at home. By working together in areas like STEM and academic mobility, we create opportunities for lasting impact that benefit both our nations,” Ambassador Morales said.

Professor Vetere explained that the University’s engagement with the Philippines is central to its global outlook.

“Strengthening ties with the Philippines aligns with our commitment to global partnerships and supporting student diversity across our campuses. Filipino students and alumni make significant contributions to our academic, community, and research endeavours, especially in the STEM disciplines that are at the forefront of global innovation,” Professor Vetere said.

Dr Maxine Chan, a recent PhD graduate in Engineering and IT, said studying at the University of Melbourne opened doors.

“The supportive environment and collaborative research culture have allowed me to pursue projects that have real impact for communities in both Australia and the Philippines,” Dr Chan said.

The University currently has 203 students from the Philippines enrolled across undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Around 40 per cent of Filipino students at the University previously studied at partner institutions, University of the Philippines and Ateneo de Manila University.

In recent years, the University has deepened academic collaboration with Filipino counterparts through joint projects in conservation science, public policy and cultural heritage.

The visit concluded with a tour of Ormond College, led by Master and Head of College Dr Areti Metuamate, and attended by Ormond College residents.

The University of Melbourne will continue to develop its engagement with Filipino higher education institutions, particularly in STEM, mobility, dual degrees, and transnational education models, to support academic excellence and research impact across both countries.