On February 27, 2025, Mindanao State University at Naawan participated in the 2025 ARC-BRES International Student Networking Program, a virtual event organized by the Asian Research Center for Bioresource and Environmental Sciences (ARC-BRES) at the University of Tokyo. Students and young researchers from Japan, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, and India joined to connect, collaborate, and share knowledge on an international level.

MSU at Naawan was well-represented by a dedicated group of 18 participants from the College of Fisheries and Marine Sciences. The delegation included eight undergraduate students, nine master’s students, and one doctoral student. Five undergraduates from the Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Bachelor of Marine Biology programs had the opportunity to present their research and experiences, receiving positive feedback for their thoughtful and engaging contributions.

Shine Khacil Villar and Jonalyn Ordoña, both fourth-year Marine Biology students, shared their ongoing thesis work in the session on current research challenges, leading to thoughtful discussions with attendees. Third-year students Marlon Balaba and Jessiel France Dala talked about their academic experiences at MSU at Naawan, focusing on hands-on laboratory activities in aquaculture and phycology, which drew interest from participants and faculty. Tamara Maghanoy, also a third-year student, gave a well-received presentation on the scenic tourist spots of Siquijor and Palawan.

The 2025 ARC-BRES International Student Networking Program provided a valuable opportunity for students of MSU at Naawan to connect with the global academic community. Their active participation reflected their enthusiasm for meaningful academic discussions and cross-cultural exchange. Through this experience, MSU at Naawan remains committed to contributing to fisheries and marine sciences education and research while building strong international collaborations.