Gullas College of Medicine (GCM) proudly welcomed distinguished delegates from the Republic of Indonesia for an institutional visit highlighted by meaningful dialogue, collaborative exchange, and the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This milestone visit reinforces GCM’s commitment to internationalization and the continuous pursuit of academic excellence in medical education.

The delegation was composed of respected leaders from key medical and educational institutions in Indonesia, including representatives from the Indonesian Doctor Association, the Indonesian Ministry of Education, and partner medical schools, as well as leaders from the UISL Indonesia Foundation.

Distinguished Indonesian Delegates

GCM was honored to host the following delegates during the visit:

• Dr. Sutrisno – Deputy, Indonesian Doctor Association

• Dr. Telogo – Secretary General, Indonesian Doctor Association

• Mr. Andrew – Bureau of International Cooperation, Indonesian Ministry of Education

• Dr. Ivo Devi – Vice Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Muhammadiyah Semarang

• Dr. Leonardo – Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Satya Wacana Christian University

• Dr. Indrawan – Vice Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Satya Wacana Christian University

• Dr. Wahono – Director, UISL Indonesia Foundation

Advancing Cross-Border Medical Education

The institutional visit provided a platform for in-depth discussions on academic collaboration, faculty and student engagement, and future opportunities in medical education and training. The signing of the MoU marks a shared commitment to fostering cross-border partnerships that support innovation, knowledge exchange, and the development of globally competent future physicians.

This partnership underscores GCM’s growing global presence and its dedication to building strong international networks that enhance learning experiences for students and faculty alike.

As Gullas College of Medicine continues to expand its global partnerships, initiatives such as this reaffirm its mission of providing #TheFinestTrainingForTheHighestCalling, united by excellence, purpose, and service beyond borders.

#GCMRising
#GCMGlobalEducation
#MedSchool
#MedSchoolPH
#MedSchoolCebu

ADB, Philippines. Held on December 3–5, 2025, the global spotlight shone on Manila and GCM seized it. The 11th edition of the ADB International Education & Skills Forum, under the banner "Applying a Fresh Lens to Unlock the Power of Human Capital,” convened education ministers, global development leaders, academic innovators, and policy‑makers from over 40 countries, with more than 300 participants committed to shaping the future of education across Asia and the Pacific. 

At the heart of this gathering were calls to rethink what education means in a rapidly changing world - from digital transformation and climate resilience to health‑sector readiness and cross‑sectoral collaboration.

GCM’s Presence and Purpose 

Represented by Dr. Felisse Marianne Z. San Juan, Chief Internationalization Officer, and Mr. Aldren H. Hila, International Linkages Officer, GCM did more than attend, it actively engaged. The team positioned GCM not just as a medical college, but as a prospective partner in Asia’s evolving human‑capital ecosystem: 

- In the Forum’s networking area, GCM displayed collaterals and program profiles for all participants to peruse a deliberate move to showcase GCM’s offerings and internationalization vision. 

- Interactions with ministers, education leaders, and institutional representatives opened doors for potential collaborations, exchange programs, and even future campus visits in Cebu. 

- With ADB's emphasis on future‑oriented sectors including health, aging care, green economies, and technology‑enabled services, GCM’s medical program gains renewed relevance. 

ADB’s Clarion Call and Why It Resonates 

In his keynote, Hon. Masato Kanda, President of Asian Development Bank (ADB), urged stakeholders to view education as the most strategic investment in the region. He spoke of bold partnerships, cross‑sector cooperation, and the urgent need to align education systems

with evolving labor markets, from AI and tech to biotechnology, healthcare, and sustainable development. 

This message aligns closely with GCM’s aspirations to internationalize, expand its reach, and contribute to human capital development especially in health education. 

What GCM Gains and What Lies Ahead 

By stepping into the region’s premier education‑policy forum, GCM signals readiness for cross‑border collaborations, attracting interest from embassies, universities, agencies, and NGO partners, and conversations with education ministers, institutional heads, and international development agencies created a rich pipeline of potential partnerships from student exchange, joint research, to international recruitment and funding collaborations. 

GCM’s Promise to the Region: From Participation to Purposeful Action 

GCM’s involvement in the 2025 ADB Forum was more than an institutional appearance, it was a strategic milestone. By showing up, showcasing, engaging, and extending invitations, GCM has shifted from observer to participant in Asia’s education‑development conversation. 

Moving forward, what counts is not just the presence but the follow‑through: forging partnerships, mobilizing networks, refining curricula, and aligning institutional strategy with regional priorities. After Manila, GCM is no longer simply a medical college in Cebu — it is now a rising node in Asia’s evolving human‑capital ecosystem. 

For GCM’s leaders, faculty, and stakeholders: Congratulations and the horizon just expanded. The journey ahead is ambitious, but after this Forum, it’s also vastly more possible. 

Gullas College of Medicine(GCM) continues to expand its global presence as its Chief Executive Consultant, Dr. David Koil Pillai, and Chief Internationalization and Strategics Communications Officer, Dr. Felisse Marianne Z. San Juan, completed a successful visit to Indonesia from November 27 to December 2, 2025.

Invited by Indonesian academic and consular leaders, Dr. Pillai and Dr. San Juan met with top universities across the country to explore strategic partnerships aimed at elevating cross-border medical education and research. The delegation engaged with students, university heads, and international relations officers, creating new avenues for collaboration between the Philippines and the Republic of Indonesia.

During their visit, GCM and several well-known institutions in Indonesia discussed the areas for collaboration including student and faculty exchange program, joint research and publication opportunities, shared use of facilities and laboratories, collaborative academic conferences, and offering GCM’s Medicine program to prospective Indonesian students.

Dr. Pillai highlighted his goal to continuously offer GCM’s Medicine Program with affordable fees, state-of-the-art facilities, and high-quality education to aspiring medical students not just in the Philippines, but internationally. To add up, Dr. San Juan emphasised that the engagement aligns with the GCM’s mission to nurture globally competitive medical professionals and broaden international academic reach.

This initiative marks a significant step in building stronger academic bridges between the two countries and opening doors for a broader ASEAN cooperation in medical education and research. As GCM continues to champion global perspectives in the field of medical education, its leadership remains dedicated to creating international alliances that will benefit the current and future generations of healthcare professionals. The visit concluded with a tour in one of Indonesia’s esteemed medical schools and discussions about the institutions’ commitment to collaboration and mutual growth.