09/12/2025
๐๐จ๐ฐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐จ๐ฏ๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ก?
โ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ง ๐๐ง๐๐๐ก๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐๐ฎ
In a world full of wonder, we question most, if not all, the material things we seeโand through these questions, a journey starts. A journey from scratch, turned into something vital, bigger, and useful, a progression, all thanks to what we now call research. It is vital in this ever-changing world. Without the breakthroughs for humanity's progress, we would remain in the same loop of darkness, unable to move forward.
At Asian College of Technology, a remarkable person serves as a guiding hand to discovery. ๐๐ข๐ซ ๐
๐ซ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ก๐๐ฏ๐๐ณ, the epitome of what it means to conquer through the pursuit of the research process. He does not just teach research, he embodies it. His curiosity, commitment, and dedication mirrors the very process he imparts; asking questions about problems that matter, seeking answers for solutions, and creating impact that drives change.
Canon to every learner, he never really had the same burning passion for research before. It was a mere academic requirement for him, much like every student he taught. But what we tolerate will always find a way to warm our hearts, especially when it matters. This was how Sir Freeland learned to love research. The realization of its impact and how it helps us create meaningful and sustainable change is what caused his dedication for discovery to bloom. This alone led him to a calling that helped foster thousands of students' love for research.
Before joining ACT, Sir Freeland spent several years shaping minds in higher education. He taught as a college instructor at CNU and CTU for three years before stepping into ACT, where he has now served for another three. His journey was not just about teaching, it was about discovering how research helps us look at issues critically and develop evidence-based solutions that make a real difference. It was also what taught him to strengthen his way of teaching. A commitment to a legacy he wants to pass on to sharpen more minds towards the betterment of the world.
And as his commitment grew, deeper reflections came. Reflections that made him question the essence of research but also strengthened his commitment. There was a question he once came across that he reflected on: Why do we prioritize tree planting over research? While environmental initiatives are undeniably important, he believes that research guides long-term decisions, strengthens communities, and helps create sustainable change.
When asked to describe research in 3 words, he chose: Problem. Solution. Impact. For him, these three words capture the essence of research. Problems spark questions. And when questions arise, research begins. Then solutions, these are the insights that help us address the issues. And these solutions will carry an impact towards the world. The change that will help us progress towards a better future.
Research has always been complex to many, a journey often measured in intellect and analysis, a test of patience and resilience for the pursuit of the truth. Its complexity and demand for time and dedication, often intimidate students. Sir Freeland met the same challenges in the process of mastering research. But the challenges themselves taught him instead, he says, to stay patient, persistent, and always willing to learn. And he hopes to impart the same lessons he learned along the way to young people.
Sir Freeland says, "Your involvement today will help build a smarter, more innovative future," hinting a reminder that future relies in our hands, and the catalyst of change is with action and indulgence, caring for the world and contributing to its betterment. The progress that we will also be able to live through. He finished off by saying, "You cannot master research by theory alone. You learn it by doing. Every project teaches you something new.โ
Living at the core of it all, he sustains the determination in probing through a mantra he reminds himself of in a dailyโone that each of the Asianistas have valued just as much: "I love research.โ Keeping a positive mindset and strengthening his passion in the art of discovery. โIt encourages me to stay curious, committed, and dedicated to guiding others in their own research journey.โ He added. Itโs a call to embrace learning, to face challenges with resilience, and to let the pursuit of knowledge light the way forward.
In all, Sir Freelandโs advocacy is evident: ๐๐ญ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐ข๐จ๐ฎ๐ฌ. ๐๐ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐. ๐๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ก ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ.
Like how research carries every evolution forward, Sir Freeland is the same force that drives his students forward as well; a guide towards a better future, and a better future in the making. It goes without saying that in love there is seeking, as in research there is love. And in saying so, I will love research.
Words by: ๐๐๐ง๐ง๐๐ก ๐๐๐จ๐ฉ๐ข๐ณ & ๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ ๐
๐๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐๐ฆ๐จ๐ฅ๐จ๐ง
Graphics and Layout by: ๐๐ง๐ง ๐๐จ๐ข๐ฌ๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ซ
