14 August 2026
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde held a series of activities for Global ASEAN Connect 2026, giving students and members of the Benilde community different ways to learn about Southeast Asia through leadership, research, culture, sports, and the arts.
The activities took place from late July through August as the Philippines served as ASEAN Chair in 2026. Across the different schools and programs, students explored ASEAN from topics that connected with their own fields of study and interests.
The School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS) opened its activities with a presentation on Deaf Sports and ASEAN on July 28. The session looked at the sports culture of Deaf communities in ASEAN countries, the work of regional Deaf sports organizations, and ways the Philippines can support Deaf athletes in local and international competitions. SDEAS also prepared an exhibit featuring student work related to ASEAN sign languages, literature, and sports.
On July 29, the School of Diplomacy and Governance held the lecture “ASEAN Youth Leadership: Preparing the Next Generation of ASEAN Leaders.” H.E. Thippasone Sengsouriya, Ambassador of Laos to the Philippines, spoke about leadership and the role of young people in the region.
The following day featured three activities across Benilde. The School of Management and Information Technology’s EGBM program held the Going Global Workshop, where students learned about export readiness, international markets, policies, and market entry strategies. SMIT-ACI also held the SMIT-ACI Student Research Forum 2026 under the theme “Research Without Borders: Driving ASEAN’s Digital Future through Innovation, Security, and Cultural Intelligence.” Students presented research related to artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital education, and cultural innovation.
The School of Diplomacy and Governance also held the ASEAN Quiz Bee on July 30, giving students an opportunity to test their knowledge of the region.
Cultural activities continued in August. The ASEAN Exhibition Booths and Exhibit Display opened on August 3 at the Atrium Campus Lobby. The activity gave students a space to share information about ASEAN countries and cultures.
On August 4, the Center for English Language and CCX presented “Festivals: Celebrating the ASEAN City.” The exhibition looked at festivals in ASEAN capital cities and how these celebrations connect communities, express national identity, and support cultural tourism. SDEAS also continued its exhibit activities during this period.
The program extended into design through “Threads of Heritage,” an exhibition by the Fashion Design and Merchandising Program. Launched on August 7, the exhibition featured 23 creations by seven young designers from the inaugural PhilFIDA Ambassadorship cohort. The works explored the use of Philippine natural fibers such as piña, abacá, cotton, and silk in contemporary design. The collection was originally presented at the September 2025 ASEAN Agriculture Ministers reception at the National Museum of Fine Arts.
Together, the activities gave students different ways to engage with ASEAN while bringing regional topics into their classrooms, research, creative work, and campus activities. The program also added to Benilde’s experience in hosting international gatherings. In 2025, the College hosted Workability Asia, which brought more than 300 delegates from 13 countries to Manila for discussions on inclusive education and employment.
For more information on Benilde’s undergraduate programs, contact us at (63) 2 8230 5100 local 1801 or admissions@benilde.edu.ph. You may also visit our website at www.benilde.edu.ph.
