Seoul, Korea
The Smart WUNI leaders—a global network of innovators united by their commitment to making a difference. BCU’s Dr. Genevieve Balance Kupang (5th from L), Dean of the Graduate School and a member of the Board of Directors, is seated alongside the elected President of the WUNI Leaders, Dr. Robert F. Hayden Jr., WGC 2024 Conference Chair Dr. Jin Suk Kim, and other esteemed members of the Board of Directors.
Baguio Central University (BCU) has showcased its commitment to innovation and academic excellence by participating in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) Global Conference 2024 (WGC24) in Seoul, South Korea. The university was represented by Karl Matthieu Rillera, Marketing Officer, and Genevieve Balance Kupang, PhD, Dean of the Graduate School and Representative for Internationalization.
The Symbol/Promotion presenters passionately shared their universities’ stories of innovation and success. Among them were Dean Javier G. Antonio of LPU-Cavite, Vice President Yung Ping Tseng of National Chi Nan University (Taiwan), Mr. Karl Matthieu Rillera, and Dean Genevieve Balance Kupang, who presented ‘Scaling the Ladder of Innovation: BCU’s E.M.A. Projects.
During the conference, BCU proudly presented “Scaling the Ladder of Innovation: BCU’s EMA (E.A.G.L.E., M.A.R.G.A.R.I.T.A., and A.G.S.H.A.N). Projects”—three remarkable initiatives that exemplify BCU’s dedication to empowering communities, nurturing excellence, and ensuring well-being. In recognition of their outstanding work on the 2024 WURI Ranking project, both Rillera and Kupang were awarded for their significant contributions. The certificate of appreciation given to them underscores their expertise and dedication to advancing innovation within the university.
WGC24 Chair Dr. Jin-Suk Kim awards certificates of appreciation to Dr. Genevieve B. Kupang and Mr. Karl Matthieu Rillera, WUNI leader and expert respectively.
Dr. Dong-sung Cho, Founder of WURI, delivered his closing message, expressing gratitude to all co-organizers, staff, and participants for their invaluable contributions in making the conference a tremendous success.
BCU’s participation in the WGC24 provided a valuable opportunity to network with other leading universities from around the world, including participants from Albania, Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Germany, India, Indonesia, Korea, Lebanon, the Philippines, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Taiwan, Türkiye, the USA, and Vietnam. The exchange of best practices, impactful programs, and insights from international experts will undoubtedly inspire further innovation and collaboration at BCU.
Sir Karl Matthieu Rillera proudly presents Project MARGARITA, a tribute to both legacy and innovation. On the background slide, two generations of leadership shine: his grandmother, Dr. Margarita Joven Fernandez, the visionary founder of BCU, alongside the current president, Dr. Margarita Cecilda B. Rillera, continuing the legacy of excellence.
We joined WURI because it is a forward-thinking ranking system that encourages institutions to think beyond traditional academic boundaries while ensuring we future-proof our strengths and distinctive contributions to society. Like WURI, Baguio Central University values innovation, differentiation, and long-term impact on both industry and society. In an era where relevance and innovation are indispensable, higher education needs a ranking system that transcends outdated measures of academic performance. Traditional rankings, rooted in academic tradition and past achievements, often overlook institutions with visionary, future-oriented approaches to addressing societal challenges. The World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) bridges this gap by recognizing universities that prioritize creativity, societal impact, and industry relevance. This aligns seamlessly with Baguio Central University’s mission to be a transformative institution, fostering innovation, excellence, and meaningful contributions to the global community.
BCU’s presenters, Mr. Karl Matthieu Rillera and Dr. Genevieve B. Kupang, share a moment with the Philippine Ambassador to Korea, Dr. Theressa Dizon-de Vega, highlighting the university’s commitment to fostering international relations and collaboration.
Dr. Genevieve Kupang and Mr. Karl Rillera soar high as they unveil Project E.A.G.L.E., showcasing BCU’s educational excellence and global impact.
BCU proudly stands alongside fellow CAR delegate Dr. Sherry Junette Malaya-Tagle, President of CCDC.
With fellow Philippine Delegates from CAR (University of Baguio delegation).
Dr. Genevieve Kupang (5th from L) participates in the colorful Bibimbap mixing ceremony embracing cultural traditions while fostering connections with fellow attendees.
Networking session with Philippine Delegations WCC ATC, CCDC, and Indian Delegation Christ Redeemed to be University.
Dr. Genevieve Kupang and Mr. Karl Rillera, alongside Dr. Jerry Cristobal of PRMSU, proudly represent the Philippines in their national attire while commuting to aSSIST University by train, showcasing their cultural heritage and commitment to international collaboration.
