PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au    *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*

02 September 2025, CANBERRA – Philippine Ambassador to Australia Antonio A. Morales attended the launch of the Asia-Pacific Academic Mentoring Program 2025 at the Australian Academy of Science in Canberra, welcoming the participation of Filipino early-career researchers in this regional initiative.

The Asia-Pacific Academic Mentoring Program is organized by the International Science Council (ISC) Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific and hosted by the Australian Academy of Science. This one-year mentoring initiative connects early-career researchers from Asia and the Pacific with senior scientists in Australia. The program aims to build leadership capacity in the region and strengthen international research networks, supporting young researchers to advance their careers and contribute to sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific.

In his remarks, Ambassador Morales emphasized the importance of scientific exchange and collaboration in the region. He highlighted the Philippines’ performance in the Global Innovation Index 2024, where the country ranked 53rd out of 133 economies, rising three places from the previous year, and was recognized as an “innovation overperformer” for the sixth consecutive year. He also noted that the Philippines ranks among the top three innovation performers among lower-middle-income economies, alongside India and Vietnam.

The Filipino participants in the 2025 program are:

  ● Assistant Professor John Andrew Albay, University of Santo Tomas
  ● Ms. Melinda Gagaza, De La Salle University–Manila
  ● Dr. Chinee Padasas-Adalla, Cavite State University
  ● Dr. Leslie Ubaub, University of the South Pacific
  ● Dr. Temmy Vales, Caraga State University

Associate Professor Richard Alorro of Curtin University served as a mentor, highlighting Filipino representation in the regional scientific community.

Ambassador Morales noted that the presence of Filipino scientists across diverse disciplines—biological, physical, chemical, and mathematical sciences—reflects the country’s growing contributions to science and innovation in the Asia-Pacific. He expressed appreciation to the ISC and the Academy for creating opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing across borders.

The program also includes participants from Fiji, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Thailand, and Vietnam, showcasing its regional reach. The Philippine Embassy’s involvement demonstrates its support for Filipino scholars overseas and reinforces the country’s commitment to advancing regional cooperation in science, education, and research. END