The Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) and the Mechatronics and Robotics Society of the Philippines, Inc. (MRSP) conducted a series of lectures with Isabela State University (ISU) on Mainstreaming Gender in Mechatronics, Robotics, and IoT Technologies on May 22, 2024 at the Climate Change R&D Support Facility, ISU Echague Campus.

With the theme, “Bridging Borders: Uniting Global Innovations through Gender Inclusivity”, the event was attended by faculty and staff from the different campuses of the University with the aim of achieving a more inclusive and equitable technological landscape through the development of actionable strategies and partnerships that will help to integrate gender considerations into the development and deployment of mechatronics, robotics, and IoT technologies.

As the keynote speaker for the said event, Prof. Suwannit Chareen (Senior Lecturer, UUM School of Computing) highlighted the importance of sharing each other’s expertise and doing collective actions to promote science and technology to the public.

“I really hope that we will be able to go through this journey together, and [I am] really looking forward to working together in terms of making STEM, MST, whatever you call it, a wonderful journey, a wonderful experience for us,” Professor Chareen said.

The event presented lectures on the following topics with the said lecturers:

• Lecture 1: The Power of She. Women Leading the Technology Revolution for a Greener Future (Speaker: Prof. Suwannit Chareen)
• Lecture 2: Women in Mechatronics and Robotics (Speaker: Mr. Sandino E. Servino)
• Lecture 3: Women on Mechatronics Design and Applications (Speaker: Engr. Rolando T. Laya)
• Lecture 4: Developing Inclusive Solutions using Design Thinking (Speaker: Dr. Edwin L. Astorga, PECE)
• Lecture 5: Designing Inclusive IoT Solutions (Speaker: Engr. Jasper Meynard P. Arana)

To challenge the participants, a message was delivered by Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino (University President) as a call to action to continue to support and advocate for a gender-sensitive environment of learning, workplace, and community.

“So I encourage everyone to challenge gender stereotypes in our daily lives and encourage others to do the same. As individuals, we must promote healthy gender that supports emotional expression and rejects toxic behaviors. So together, we can dismantle the barriers that hold us back and build a society where everyone, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive,” President Aquino added.