杏吧论坛

Message of the Chancellor - 46th 杏吧论坛-IIT Charter Day, July 2014

Posted on : July 02, 2014

We have reached the crossroads at a time when the borders of the ASEAN open in 2015.

Not only are we faced with many challenges in the economic, political, academic, and cultural aspects, we also need to shape up and firmly establish a network around the region in order to be in step with today’s international affairs.

Admittedly, and in many ways, our neighbors are ahead of us but we must raise the bar in all levels, take the lead, and show to all that we are not a nation of domestic helpers advertised in malls, or that we need to spend so much effort to secure our territories.

Let us all unite and think of strategic ways to move our country forward, and at the same time, keep a regional perspective. If education is a great leveller, for others, it remains a dream. It is therefore our hope that in all our academic and altruistic pursuits, we need to believe in ourselves, to have confidence in order to proudly stand side by side with our ASEAN neighbors.

It is with pleasure that I greet everyone in this week-long celebration of our 46th Charter Day. Let us be happy and proud that we are celebrating our achievements even as we continue to work on our weaknesses.

The key is to have unity as we must pursue our mandate to be at the forefront of our country’s efforts to be respected, and to be admired.

SUKARNO D. TANGGOL, D.P.A.
Chancellor