Delegation Details and Mission Overview
The Government of Saskatchewan has launched a significant international education mission, sending a high-level delegation to the Philippines and Thailand from February 20 to 28, 2026. Led by Advanced Education Minister Ken Cheveldayoff, the group includes presidents from the province's three largest post-secondary institutions: Dr. Jeff Keshen of the University of Regina, Vince Bruni-Bossio of the University of Saskatchewan, and Dr. Larry Rosia of Saskatchewan Polytechnic. This trip marks a proactive step to forge new collaborations in higher education, research, and innovation.
During the visit, the delegation will engage with government officials, industry leaders, and educational counterparts to discuss joint initiatives. A highlight is the planned signing of memorandums of understanding (MOUs), formal agreements outlining mutual commitments to cooperation. These pacts typically cover student exchanges, faculty mobility, joint research projects, and shared curriculum development, laying the groundwork for sustained partnerships.
Minister Cheveldayoff emphasized the mission's role in global connectivity: "Building relationships abroad connects Saskatchewan to the world and increases our province's international visibility." This aligns with broader efforts to position Saskatchewan's post-secondary sector as a global player.
Strategic Objectives Behind the Partnerships
The core aims revolve around enhancing student mobility, fostering research collaborations, and addressing labour market demands. By partnering with institutions in the Philippines and Thailand—key Southeast Asian markets—Saskatchewan seeks to attract talented international students while offering outbound opportunities for its own learners. These exchanges promote intercultural competency, adaptability, and global perspectives, essential skills in today's interconnected economy.
Knowledge-sharing in priority sectors like agriculture, health sciences, engineering, and information technology is a focal point. For instance, joint programs could enable dual-degree offerings or short-term certifications, benefiting participants from both regions. The mission also supports smoother pathways for international graduates to transition into Saskatchewan's workforce, helping fill critical shortages in healthcare, trades, and technology.
Dr. Jeff Keshen of the University of Regina noted, "This mission reflects a shared commitment to building long-term international relationships that benefit our institutions, our province, and our world." Similarly, USask's Bruni-Bossio highlighted expanding research and community ties, while Sask Poly's Rosia anticipates deepening global connections through the new MOU.
Spotlight on Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Role
Saskatchewan Polytechnic (Sask Poly), known for its hands-on, industry-aligned programs, is at the forefront with its planned MOU signing with the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), one of the country's largest state universities. This builds on Sask Poly's established presence, including a Manila recruitment office opened in 2022 to support Filipino students pursuing diplomas in fields like business, culinary arts, early childhood education, and continuing care assistance.
Since 2009, Sask Poly has enrolled hundreds of Filipino students, with 179 reported in 2022 alone. An earlier MOU with Central Philippine University (CPU) in 2022 facilitates applied research, transnational education, and faculty exchanges. These initiatives enhance employability by developing problem-solving and resilience skills. Sask Poly's international projects span Southeast Asia, including Vietnam and India, demonstrating a mature transnational education strategy.
In Thailand, opportunities may focus on vocational training in tourism, agriculture, and renewable energy, aligning with Sask Poly's strengths in practical learning.
University of Saskatchewan's Global Reach
The University of Saskatchewan (USask), a research-intensive institution, brings extensive experience in international partnerships. It has MOUs with seven Philippine universities since 2021, covering student exchanges, internships, and collaborative research. USask also offers the DOST-SEI-USask Partnership Program, providing scholarships for exceptional Filipino PhD students in science and engineering.
Existing ties in Thailand include research in agriculture and health, sectors where USask excels. The mission aims to expand these into broader innovation hubs, potentially leveraging Mitacs funding for joint projects in AI and quantum technologies, as seen in recent Canadian-Southeast Asian agreements.
USask's participation underscores its commitment to global impact, with President Bruni-Bossio stating the mission extends the university's reach in research and community engagement.
University of Regina's Established Networks
The University of Regina (URegina) boasts partnerships across Southeast Asia, including Central Luzon State University and Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University in the Philippines, plus Krirk University and Mahidol University in Thailand. These focus on student exchanges and joint programs in business, education, and sciences.
A provincial MOU with the Republic of the Philippines since 2022 strengthens institutional ties. URegina's involvement in the Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) program further supports mobility from Southeast Asia. President Keshen views the mission as positioning Saskatchewan as a welcoming study destination.
University of Regina Global PartnersAlignment with Saskatchewan's Growth Plan and Education Strategy
These efforts directly support Saskatchewan's Growth Plan and International Education Strategy, which emphasize economic diversification through education exports. The strategy seeks to make the province a top destination for international students, stimulating innovation, research, and trade ties while meeting labour needs.
- Increase global competitiveness via strategic partnerships.
- Enhance learner success and intercultural expertise.
- Support trade priorities, building on $121 million exports to the Philippines and $128 million to Thailand in 2024.
- Facilitate post-study work permits for retention.
The province has invested heavily in post-secondary, with international students contributing to fields like healthcare amid ongoing shortages.
Economic Impacts and Labour Market Alignment
International partnerships address Saskatchewan's labour gaps in nursing (from Philippines expertise), IT, and agriculture (Thai strengths). International students generated economic activity, with Canada's sector valued at billions; provincially, growth in enrolments at Sask Poly (3% in 2024) is driven by market needs.
Graduates often stay via pathways like the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), bolstering sectors like potash mining and farming. Partnerships foster trade, as education diplomacy enhances business links.
| Sector | Sask Needs | Partner Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | Nurses, aides | Philippines (nursing hub) |
| Agri-tech | Innovation | Thailand (rice, biotech) |
| Trades/Engineering | Skilled workers | Both (vocational) |
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Benefits for Students, Faculty, and Communities
Students gain immersive experiences: inbound Filipinos/Thais enrich campuses, outbound Saskatchewans build resumes. Faculty collaborate on research, accessing new funding. Communities benefit from cultural diversity and economic input.
- Develop global competencies (adaptability, languages).
- Access scholarships like SEED or DOST.
- Enhanced employability; 80%+ intl grads seek retention.
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Challenges and Pathways Forward
Visa policies, cultural barriers, and funding pose hurdles, but Canada's recent caps (408,000 permits 2026) encourage quality over quantity. Saskatchewan's agent training mitigates risks. Success depends on sustained investment and evaluation.
Similar Canadian partnerships (e.g., Mitacs SE Asia) show high ROI in innovation.
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Future Outlook and Calls to Action
Post-mission, expect expanded exchanges by 2027, joint labs, and increased enrolments. These partnerships position Saskatchewan as a higher ed leader in Canada. For faculty roles, visit university jobs; students, career advice. Stay tuned for updates.
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