Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
Two faculty members from Central Mindanao University (CMU) represented the institution at the 5th Hanseatic League of Universities Conference 2025, held from July 9 to 11 in Dumaguete City, Philippines. This prestigious global gathering brought together university leaders, educators, and innovators from around the world who are committed to advancing innovation, collaboration, and excellence in higher education.
This year’s conference was hosted by Silliman University, Negros Oriental State University, St. Paul University Dumaguete, and Siquijor State College. A major highlight of the event was the official release of the WURI (World University Ranking for Innovation) Global Ranking 2025.
CMU was represented by Prof. Erwin P. Ambasa, Assistant Director of the Office of Quality Assurance (OQA), and Dr. Cecilia O. Bucayong, Director of the Office of Environmental Safety and Management (OESM). Both faculty members were instrumental in preparing and submitting CMU’s entries to the WURI Global Ranking.
The conference gathered nearly 200 participants from countries such as South Korea, Egypt, India, Bangladesh, the USA, Taiwan, and the Philippines, which recorded the highest number of attendees. Parallel sessions featured innovative programs and initiatives from selected presenters across various institutions worldwide.
One of the most anticipated moments was the announcement of the WURI Global Ranking 2025 results by Dr. Kyung Sung-Kim, President of i-STAT. CMU made a remarkable achievement, ranking 184th out of the top 400 universities worldwide, from among 1,253 universities representing 87 countries. CMU submitted 18 entries across 16 categories, with three programs making it to the Top 100:
55th in Industrial Application (Category A3)
38th in Cost-Benefit Management (Category B7)
47th in University Brand and Reputation (Category B8)
This marks CMU’s fourth year of active participation in the WURI rankings. The university continues to uphold its commitment to developing innovative programs that make a lasting impact on industry and society.
Another notable highlight was the announcement of the newly appointed Guest Editors for the AI Journal Special Issue, where Dr. Bucayong was selected. Her submitted paper was also chosen for publication and presentation during the WURI Global Conference 2025, with the special issue scheduled for release in June 2026. The announcement was made by Dr. Dong-Sung Cho, Chair of the WURI Foundation and President Emeritus.
Finally, Dr. Jin-Suk Kim, President of the INBP, revealed that the WURI Global Conference 2025 will be held in Busan, South Korea, hosted by Tongmyong University from September 24–26, 2025. The official awarding ceremony and issuance of certificates to recognized contributors and writers will also take place during this event.
CMU remains steadfast in its mission to promote academic excellence and innovative education that matters not just for today, but for the future of society and the global academic community. [Information from Prof. Erwin P. Ambasa, OQA Assistant Director]
