MSCA-GLOPOL Session at EU–ASEAN Peer-Learning Workshop, 12–13 February 2026

On 12–13 February 2026, the MSCA-GLOPOL ASEAN team organised the MSCA-GLOPOL Info Days in Manila. One highlight was the session during the EU–ASEAN Peer-Learning Workshop, held under the EU–ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package (SCOPE) Higher Education Programme (SCOPE-HE). The programme is led by Netherlands Organisation for International Cooperation in Higher Education (NUFFIC) Southeast Asia and German Academic Exchange Service Indonesia, with support from the Commission on Higher Education, the ASEAN Secretariat and the European Union Delegation to the Philippines.

The workshop gathered close to 100 participants for panel debates on the state of play of the ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework (AQRF)and the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), as well as breakout sessions that allowed deeper exchange among the participants – policy makers, representatives from government ministries, higher education agencies, universities and research institutions. The Opening Remarks by Dr Shirley Castañeda Agrupis, Chairperson CHED, H.E. Sujiro Seam, EU Ambassador to ASEAN, and Mr Tan Tai Hiong, Head of Services & Investment Division at the ASEAN Secretariat, stressed a shared priority: keep qualification systems relevant, trusted and future ready.

The MSCA-GLOPOL session highlighted how the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions support the implementation of the EQF at levels 7 and 8. Through doctoral training, postdoctoral fellowships and staff exchanges, MSCA set high standards for skills, career development and international mobility. They also contribute to the ASEAN–EU Strategic Partnership Action Plan 2023–2027 by deepening connectivity and advancing the internationalisation of higher education.

MSCA-GLOPOL is proud to hear from three inspiring MSCA alumni:

• Prof Siong Fong Sim, University Malaysia Sarawak. See the presentation here.
• Dr Chanchai Boonla, Chulalongkorn University. See the presentation here.
• Dr Quoc Chi Nguyen, VNU-Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology. See the presentation here.

They shared how MSCA projects strengthened research capacity, enhanced skills development and raised international visibility within their institutions. Their practical tips for successful applications offered real value for peers across the region.

EU–ASEAN cooperation in higher education and research continues to grow. When frameworks align and people connect, mobility becomes easier, talent thrives and partnerships last.

MSCA-GLOPOL Info Session at De La Salle University, 12 February 2026

The MSCA-GLOPOL ASEAN team had the pleasure to collaborate with De La Salle University for an information session on the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks (DN) and Staff Exchanges (SE). Around 30 researchers joined the discussion on funding schemes and concrete cooperation paths.

The session complemented the regional EU–ASEAN peer-learning workshop with a focused, hands-on exchange for the university community. As a current partner in the MSCA Staff Exchanges project FEMENA (FEMale ENTrepreneurs in Asia), De La Salle University already shows strong engagement in international research collaboration.

Opening remarks came from Prof Raymond R. Tan, Vice-President for Research and Innovation at De La Salle University, and Frédéric Grillet, Attaché at the European Union Delegation to the Philippines. Their messages stressed the value of cross-regional research ties and long-term capacity building.

MSCA-GLOPOL is honoured to hear testimonials from:

• Prof Siong Fong Sim, University Malaysia Sarawak, who shared insights from MSCA Staff Exchanges projects on low-energy edge computing and volatolomic approaches in reproductive technology. See the presentation here.
• Dr Quoc Chi Nguyen, VNU-Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology who reflected on his experience in European-ASEAN research collaboration. See the presentation here.
• Dr Francis de la Rosa from the DLSU Department of Chemistry guided the discussion and helped connect the MSCA opportunities with local research priorities. See the presentation here.

Through Doctoral Networks and Staff Exchanges, MSCA strengthens skills, supports mobility and builds lasting research bridges between Europe and Southeast Asia. This local session showed once more that global cooperation grows from active campuses and committed researchers.

MSCA-GLOPOL ASEAN Webinar on Policy Enhancement & Strategic Promotion, 13 February 2026

On 13 February 2026, close to 120 researchers from across ASEAN joined the first MSCA-GLOPOL Info Webinar. Representatives from universities and research organisations learned how the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions strengthen institutional research capacity and open doors to long-term international collaboration.

MSCA-GLOPOL is honoured to hear from two distinguished MSCA alumni:

• Prof Siong Fong Sim, University Malaysia Sarawak, who contributed to the MSCA Staff Exchanges projects ARTVOC and VOLATEVS
• Dr Chanchai Boonla from Chulalongkorn University, who joined the MSCA project SUPRO-GEN

They shared first-hand insights on project design, consortium building and the impact of participation on research excellence and global visibility. MSCA country representatives from Vietnam and the Philippines also provided practical guidance for applicants in the region.

The strong turnout shows a clear demand for structured mobility schemes and trusted research partnerships between Europe and ASEAN.