Dr. Ronald Allan S. Mabunga, Professor VI from the College of Advanced Studies (CAS) at Philippine Normal University (PNU), was invited by Prof. Dr. Peter Mayer of the Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences (Hochschule Osnabrück), Germany, to serve as a resource person from October 19 to 24, 2026. He led a seminar-workshop on “Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight” for graduate students enrolled in the International Business and Management program.

The academic engagement provided an opportunity for Dr. Mabunga to share his expertise and insights on strategic foresight, particularly its fundamental concepts, methodologies, and practical applications in addressing emerging challenges and navigating future uncertainties.

The workshop was conducted in collaboration with Dr. Manfred Rosenstock of the European Commission, who complemented Dr. Mabunga’s discussions by demonstrating how strategic foresight is applied in the Commission’s work and policy development processes. This collaborative learning experience enabled the graduate students to appreciate the relevance of futures thinking and strategic foresight in organizational strategy, decision-making, and policy formulation.

Apart from the graduate seminar-workshop, Dr. Mabunga was invited to deliver presentations to other master’s and bachelor’s student groups. His discussions focused on the processes of transformation in Southeast Asia, providing the students with perspectives on the region’s evolving political, economic, social, and institutional landscape.

Dr. Mabunga brings extensive experience in higher education leadership, institutional development, research, and quality assurance. At PNU, he previously served as Vice President for Research, Planning, and Quality Assurance (VPRPQA) and Dean of the College of Graduate Studies and Teacher Education Research (CGSTER). At Marikina Polytechnic College, he also served as Vice President for Planning, Research, Extension, Linkages, Quality Assurance, Publications, and Alumni Relations, as well as Dean of the College of Graduate Studies.

His engagement at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences underscores the importance of international academic collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the global sharing of expertise among higher education institutions. It also highlights the contribution of Filipino academics to enriching international discussions on strategic foresight, educational transformation, and the challenges shaping the future of societies and institutions.

The invitation, extended by Prof. Dr. Mayer, further strengthens academic connections between Philippine and European higher education communities and provides opportunities for continued intellectual exchange and international cooperation.