USTP students earn top placements in ATU-Net Mobility Program 2026
By James Francis Mendoza, BSIT 3, & Mildred Jade A. Palma, BSTCM 3, USTP Cagayan de Oro
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Students from the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) secured first, second, and fourth places in the Business Proposal Presentation Competition of the ATU-Net Mobility Program 2026, hosted by Universitas Multi Data Palembang (UMDP) in Indonesia from June 2 to 12, 2026.
Rex Dominic B. Sihay won first place for B-Sim AI: Next-Gen Business Simulation Platform, while Floro Jr. C. Ocero contributed to the second-place project, Space Out: AI-Powered Relaxation Capsule. Jhyvriel Ian C. Tion was also part of the team behind GlowSphere, which placed fourth, and Seth Xaviery L. Lofranco advanced to the competition’s second round as one of the Top 5 finalists.
The USTP delegation comprised seven students: James Francis Mendoza, a third-year Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) student from USTP Panaon; Floro Jr. C. Ocero, Jhyvriel Ian C. Tion, Cyrus Jasper V. Meniano, and Rex Dominic B. Sihay, third-year BSIT students from USTP Claveria; and Mildred Jade A. Palma, a Bachelor of Science in Technology Communication Management student, and Seth Xaviery L. Lofranco, a Bachelor of Science in Data Science student, from USTP Cagayan de Oro. Faculty coaches Mr. Warnner D. Amin of USTP Panaon and Ms. Caroline Paraiso-Zaportiza of USTP Claveria guided them.
Anchored on the theme “Strengthening Global Relationships Through Sustainability, Innovation, and Technology,” the program brought together students and academic representatives from member institutions of the ASEAN Technological University Network (ATU-Net), of which USTP is an active member. It provided opportunities for academic enrichment, cultural exchange, and international collaboration.
The program featured learning sessions on entrepreneurship, sustainable business practices, and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in business prototyping. Participants applied these concepts by developing AI-assisted solutions to sustainability challenges in local communities, integrating technology and innovation into business concepts with potential social impact.
During the Business Proposal Presentation Competition, participants presented their concepts and prototypes to a panel of evaluators. The recognized projects showcased different applications of AI, including B-Sim AI, an AI-powered platform designed to enhance business education through immersive simulations, and Space Out, an AI-enabled relaxation capsule intended to promote relaxation and mental well-being. The fourth-place project, GlowSphere, also earned recognition in the competition.
Although the USTP delegation participated remotely through Zoom, the students engaged in the program’s academic activities and international competition. Their participation was supported by Engr. Louriejean L. Alfar and Dr. Ramir Philip Jones V. Sonsona, whose guidance helped the students refine their ideas and prepare for the competition.
The students’ achievements highlight USTP’s efforts to provide international learning opportunities that strengthen technical competencies, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Through platforms such as ATU-Net, the University continues to promote global engagement and the development of solutions to real-world challenges.
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