North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU) strengthened its global linkages through a Virtual Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Signing Ceremony with Fine Vintage Ltd., followed by an International Wine Talk, held on September 8, 2025, via Zoom Meeting.
The university was represented by Dr. Nemesio G. Loayon, University President, together with the Vice Presidents, Internationalization Directors, heads, and other key officials. Fine Vintage Ltd. was represented by James Cluer, CEO and Master of Wine; Charles Curtis, Master of Wine and consultant based in New York City; Mike Lee, Director of Education Programs from British Columbia; and Ms. Jane Edorio, Sales and Administration Manager based in Tandag City.

Fine Vintage Ltd., founded in 1995 by James Cluer MW, is an institution recognized for its work in wine education. It offers WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) certification courses, wine training, wine tours, and consulting services across the Americas and Asia.

The MOU outlines several areas of collaboration. NEMSU students and faculty will have access to free online WSET wine certification courses, with the possibility of microcredential recognition. The agreement also opens part-time employment opportunities for the top 50–100 students in sales and marketing projects, alongside internships in wine tour businesses that may be used as academic case studies.

In addition, faculty members will receive specialized training in ICT, graphic design, accounting, and marketing projects. Both institutions will also explore joint research on wine production, marketing trends, tourism development, and other related fields.

This partnership is particularly directed toward the BS in Business Administration (BSBA) and BS in Hospitality Management (BSHM) programs. It is expected to enhance academic instruction, research, and training, while also improving employability through industry-recognized certifications and practical experiences.

Through this international collaboration, NEMSU continues to pursue opportunities that extend learning beyond the local context, ensuring that its graduates are prepared to engage with professional and academic communities worldwide.