HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam – The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) strongly supported the Philippine Association of Research Managers (PHILARM) in successfully convening the 6th International Research, Development, and Extension Management Congress (IRDEMC) on 18-19 March 2025 in partnership with Saigon Business School (SBS), Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), Marinduque State University (MarSU), and Philippine School of Business Administration (PSBA). Held at the Canadian International School (CIS) and SBS, the event brought together researchers and educators from the Philippines and Vietnam to tackle and share best practices on innovation in research management.
Dr. Diosdado Zulueta, PHILARM National President and MarSU President, opened the Congress with a compelling call to prioritize research and development to uplift marginalized communities. Emphasizing collaboration over competition, Dr. Zulueta encouraged participants to strengthen research capabilities and international partnerships.
SEARCA's delegation to the Congress was led by Dr. Nur Azura binti Adam, Deputy Director for Programs, and included Ms. Sharon Malaiba, Unit Head for Partnerships, and Senior Associates Loise Ann Carandang and Joseph Matthew Hedreyda, who supported the successful conduct of the event.
Dr. Nur Azura binti Adam, SEARCA Deputy Director for Programs, delivers the Center’s message as co-organizer.
Representatives from co-organizing institutions expressed their commitment to translating research into actionable solutions to real-world challenges. In her message on behalf of SEARCA, Dr. Nurhighlighted agriculture's pivotal role in sustainability. She encouraged the participants to engage in meaningful discussions and collaborations to pave the way for a digital transformation in agriculture that benefits everyone. She thanked co-organizers for their shared commitment and her anticipation for a smarter, stronger, and more sustainable future for the Philippines' food security and agriculture market.
Dr. Nur gives SEARCA's presentation on "Research and Development for a Resilient Future: Bridging Innovation, Policy, and Sustainability in Southeast Asia" during the plenary session on Day 1 of the Congress.
Plenary speakers tackled critical topics, including the role of research in shaping resilient futures, harnessing digital economies, and addressing global climate challenges.
In her presentation on Research and Development for a Resilient Future: Bridging Innovation, Policy, and Sustainability in Southeast Asia, Dr. Nur highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between science and policy by fostering collaborations among researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers, or the academe-industry-government (AIG) interconnectivity, which is the focus of SEARCA's 11th Five-Year Plan: Accelerating Transformation Through Agricultural Innovation (ATTAIN). She shared insights into ongoing regional efforts, including SEARCA's contributions, demonstrating how cross-border cooperation can drive economic growth and sustainability. She shared some of SEARCA's programs related to climate-smart agriculture, biotechnology, and digital transformation, which aim to enhance food security and address pressing challenges in agriculture across Southeast Asia. Dr. Nur previewed upcoming SEARCA initiatives designed to foster multi-stakeholder collaboration for agricultural development. She concluded by stressing the need for evidence-based policymaking, institutional collaboration, and investments in sustainable agricultural practices as key drivers for sustainable agricultural development in the region.
The event culminated in an awarding ceremony that honored plenary speakers, paper presenters, and organizers. In closing the program, Dr. Johnny Ching, PHILARM National Vice President, expressed gratitude to the Congress co-organizers for their crucial support and to the participants for their active engagement. He urged the attendees to carry forward the insights gained, emphasizing the collective goal of strengthening research management practices across borders and preparing for PHILARM's future engagements.