On August 29, 2025, nearly 180 students from 13 P2A member universities across ASEAN came together to embark on an exciting new chapter of the Hybrid Mobility by Discipline (HMD) 2025 – Language & Culture program.
This year’s program is guided by the inspiring theme:
💡 “Preserving ASEAN Cultural Heritage with AI–Human Co-Creation.”
Far more than a launch event, the opening marked a meaningful gathering of the ASEAN academic community. It was a moment to reflect on P2A’s journey—built on years of cross-border, cross-disciplinary collaboration—and to reaffirm its mission of bringing young people across ASEAN closer together through shared knowledge, technology, and cultural values.
The atmosphere was filled with excitement, energy, and ambition, as distinguished guests, faculty leaders, and enthusiastic students celebrated the start of this journey. From inspiring keynote speeches to the eager participation of students ready to dive into their projects, every moment highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation.
The ceremony was honored by the presence of leaders from P2A and partner universities, each sharing their encouragement and vision for the program:
Dr. Hang Le, Director of the P2A Secretariat, emphasized:
👉 “Hybrid Mobility is not just a program, but a space where ASEAN students can learn, collaborate, and create real value for the community.”
University leaders also delivered heartfelt messages of support, including:
▪️ Dr. Donna T. Padilla-Taguiba, President, Panpacific University
▪️ Dr. Lynette A. Bontia, President, Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology
▪️ Dr. Silverio Ramon Dc. Salunson, President, Tarlac Agricultural University
▪️ Dr. Thin Thin Nwet, Pro-rector, Kyaukse Technological University
▪️ Dr. Fr. Renato A. Tampol, Divine Word College of Calapan
▪️ Ms. Samsel Rhys A. Pampilion, Program Chairperson, Davao del Norte State College
All speakers expressed their joy, confidence, and high expectations for this year’s participants—reaffirming the importance of empowering the next generation of ASEAN leaders.
From the P2A Secretariat, Mr. Benjamin Tran – Program Manager provided an overview of the new season, highlighting how the integration of AI with cultural initiatives can help preserve ASEAN’s shared identity. Adding to this, Mr. Mark Majewsky Anderson – Director of Research and Innovation at P2A delivered an inspiring keynote, reminding students that:
👉 “It’s not what you say, it’s the way you say it!”
underscoring how language and culture are essential bridges that enable true understanding and effective collaboration.
🔥 With 27 student project teams already formed, the HMD 2025 program promises bold, creative, and sustainable solutions that will contribute to protecting and celebrating ASEAN’s cultural heritage.
The kickoff was not just an opening—it was the beginning of a journey of connection, creativity, and breakthroughs that will continue to inspire students and educators across the region.
Stay tuned as we follow these young innovators in their quest to combine technology and tradition in ways that will shape a brighter future for ASEAN!
