USM is NCCA Accredited
July 30, 2026
The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) President Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel along with the USM-Kidapawan City Campus heads and directors strengthened its international engagement as they participated in the week-long International Certificate Program on Applied Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at KCG College of Technology in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, from July 14 to 21, 2026.
Joining President Pimentel were Engr. Fredelino A. Galleto Jr., a faculty member from USM-Main Campus, Prof. Marcos F. Monderin, Director for International Affairs, Prof. Marlowe E. Llorito, USM-KCC Vice Chancellor, Dr. April Rose B. Flores, Dean, College of Technology and faculty members: Dr. Vanessa Jane C. Lim and Engr. Niño Marvin A. Reston.
According to Dr. Pimentel, he was impressed with the exposure and presentations of the various institutions in India. He emphasized that USM is fortunate to be signing a memorandum of understanding with them as it will open countless opportunities for its students and faculty members.
Hosted by KCG College of Technology under the Hindustan Group of Institutions (HGI), the program brought together participants for a series of academic discussions, technical training, research exchange, and institutional engagements focused on emerging technologies and international collaboration.
The program opened on July 14 with discussions on faculty and student mobility, collaborative research, technology commercialization, and capacity-building initiatives between USM and its partner institutions. These engagements reflected the shared commitment of both institutions to develop globally competent professionals and advance sustainable technological development.
On the second day, July 15, the delegation joined technical training sessions on Applied Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at KCG College of Technology. Resource speakers discussed the concepts and applications of Machine Learning, Data Visualization, Artificial Neural Networks, Convolutional Neural Networks, and modern AI tools. The lectures were complemented by hands-on workshops using Orange Machine Learning, Google Colab, and Kaggle, allowing participants to apply the concepts through practical exercises. The training also highlighted the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in higher education, engineering, scientific research, and industry.
The program continued on July 16 at the Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (HITS), where the delegation participated in the International Conference on Latest Innovations in Computing and Knowledge 2026 (CLICK’26). During the conference, Engr. Galleto Jr. presented his research, showcasing the University’s contributions to research, innovation, and sustainable technological development.
On the same day, USM and the Hindustan Group of Institutions formalized their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The agreement strengthens collaboration in education, research, innovation, and capacity-building initiatives between the two institutions. The delegation also visited the HITS Centers of Excellence, where they explored advanced research facilities, industry-academe collaborations, and emerging technologies that support instruction, research, and innovation.
On July 17, the delegation visited the Tamil Nadu Centre of Excellence for Advanced Manufacturing (TANCAM) and the Tamil Nadu Smart and Advanced Manufacturing Centre (TANSAM) together with the Directors for International Affairs of KCG College of Technology and HITS.
The industry visit introduced the delegation to advanced manufacturing systems that integrate government, industry, and academic institutions in developing innovation and workforce competencies. At TANCAM, the delegation observed how industry training centers operate within academic campuses to provide students with hands-on learning while enabling faculty members to strengthen their technical expertise through industry-led training.
At TANSAM, the delegation explored Industry 4.0 technologies, including additive manufacturing, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), digital engineering, predictive analytics, and augmented and virtual reality applications. The visit also demonstrated how these technologies support digital transformation, improve productivity, and promote sustainable manufacturing.
Through the week-long program, USM expanded its international partnerships, participated in technical learning and research engagements, and gained valuable insights from academic and industry institutions in India.
