Asst. Prof. Cyrose Suzie Millado	Architect's conception of the pilot buildings for the UPMin KIST Park

University of the Philippines Mindanao (UPMin) Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs Prof. Annabelle Novero announced that the Mindanao Japan Science and Technology Platform (MJSTEP) awarded its first scholarship slot to UPMin faculty member Asst. Prof. Cyrose Suzie Millado. 

Asst. Prof. Millado will pursue her PhD studies in the Division of Biological Sciences (Department of Biophysics) at Kyoto University's Uji campus.

The MJSTEP scholarship grant covers school fees, airfare, and living expenses for the entire study period. 

The MJSTEP scholarship originated from an understanding between UP Mindanao and Japan Consul-General Mr. Yoshiaki Miwa to establish a Knowledge Innovation Science & Technology (KIST) Park on campus for an academe-industry-government innovation ecosystem modeled after the Kitakyushu Science and Research Park in Japan. 

Asst. Prof. Millado’s study grant coincides with the anticipated approval of initial funding for UP Mindanao’s KIST Park from the Department of Trade and Industry’s PRISTINE project. 

“Upon completing my PhD, I am expected to foster networks and projects related to the KIST Park project,” Millado said. 

In addition, Millado said that Kyoto University and the MJSTEP organization allowed her family to accompany her. 

“My faculty host and research mentor, Associate Professor Tomohiko Tsuge, and Sir Tony Miwa of MJSTeP have always supported me since my application and have been very helpful so I can bring my family,” she said

The MJSTEP scholarship and the KIST Park project align with UP President Angelo Jimenez’s plan to produce more Ph. D.s and campus innovation hubs. They also address the Sustainable Development Goals of Quality Education, Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and Decent Work and Economic Growth, among other goals.