Flexible learning continues to serve as a catalyst for career advancement among working adults, as more than 750 working professionals — 80% under the age of 40 — graduated at Wawasan Open University’s (WOU) 16th Convocation from 21 to 23 November 2025. The milestone reflects a sustained appetite among working professionals for flexible learning models that fit real-world schedules and responsibilities, enabling individuals to upskill and progress without stepping away from the workforce.
This year’s convocation produced 182 postgraduates and 573 undergraduates from the Schools of Business & Administration; Technology & Engineering Science; Digital Technology; and Education, Humanities & Social Sciences. The graduates now join WOU’s expanding alumni network — thriving across industries and disciplines in Malaysia and abroad.
WOU’s Chief Executive and Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr Lily Chan, said the graduates’ accomplishments reinforce the importance of higher education models designed around the realities of the working adult.
“Most of our students juggle multiple responsibilities. Our role is to provide a system that fits their realities — flexible, digital, and recognising their experience. Their success today shows that working adults can advance when the right support structures are in place,” she said.
Prof Chan added that WOU will continue strengthening its partnerships with employers and industry associations to co-develop programmes that align with talent development and the future of work.
Several outstanding graduates were recognised for their academic excellence:
- Krystian Avik Lee, 28, homeschool educator from Penang — Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Memorial Gold Prize and Valedictorian (Postgraduate), Master of Arts in Psychology
- Wong Hau Hang, 37, real estate consultant from Kuala Lumpur — Chancellor’s Gold Medal and Valedictorian (Undergraduate), Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Finance
- Yeoh Chern Shi, 28, Penang — Tun Dr Lim Keng Yaik Memorial Gold Prize, Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Psychology
- Tan Tian Muh, 32, materials management specialist — LogM–WOU Best Student Award, Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Logistics & Supply Chain Management
WOU Welcomes Third Pro-Chancellor
The ceremony also marked a significant milestone with the official proclamation of WOU’s third Pro-Chancellor, Tan Sri Dato’ Chang Ko Youn, officiated by the Chancellor, Yang Amat Mulia Tunku Tan Sri Imran Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Ja’afar.
A distinguished practising lawyer and former Perak executive councillor, Tan Sri Dato’ Chang succeeds Dato’ Dr Lim Thuang Seng, who served as Pro-Chancellor from 2019 to 2024.
“It is a privilege to join hands with all of you in advancing WOU’s mission — championing access to learning opportunities and empowering individuals through quality higher education. In this new era of AI-driven workforces and accelerated digital transformation, WOU’s flexible model continues to play a vital role in upskilling Malaysia’s workforce and advancing professional education,” he said.
Across three days and six sessions, the convocation recognised graduating cohorts from different faculties and levels of study. The ceremony was hosted at WOU’s main campus, framed by the historic Homestead Mansion. Chancellor Tunku Tan Sri Imran presided over the main and second sessions, while newly proclaimed Pro-Chancellor Tan Sri Dato’ Chang led the third. Subsequent sessions were officiated by Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, Chairman of WOU’s Board of Governors, and Prof Dr Lily Chan, Vice Chancellor.
Distinguished guests included Dato’ Seri Stephen Yeap, Chairman of WOU Sdn Bhd Board of Directors, members of WOU’s Board of Directors and Board of Governors; as well as Datuk Dr Dominic Lau, President of Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia, and other party leaders.