Building on a shared vision for innovation in open distance education, Wawasan Open University (WOU) hosted a senior delegation from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Open University System (PUPOUS) for a comprehensive benchmarking visit on 29 April 2026. The visit served as a practical follow-up to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by both institutions on 17 April 2026.
The PUP delegation was led by Dr. Rudolf Lacerna, Executive Director, and Dr. Pamela Muhi, Internationalisation Focal Person. The visiting group also included Associate Professor Karen G. San Diego, Academic Programme Head; Dr. Diana Lee Tracy Chan, Chief of the Centre for Research and Extension; Richard Sana, Programme Coordinator; and Dr. John Mark Distor, Course Specialist. They were received by WOU’s leadership, including Chief Executive and Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Lily Chan, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) Professor Ts. Dr. Yap Eng Hwa, and Dean of the School of Education, Humanities, and Social Sciences (SEHS) Professor Dr. Anna Christina Abdullah.
In her welcome remarks, Prof. Chan highlighted how WOU’s focus is deeply influenced by its unique location and the specific needs of the regional economy. She stated:
“In Penang, our strategic direction is deeply shaped by our proximity to Penang’s global hub for semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, often referred to as the ‘Silicon Valley of the East’.”
According to Prof. Chan, many of WOU’s students and industry partners come from the hi-tech manufacturing workforce, as well as a broad range of industries across the private and public sectors. “Our programmes are therefore designed to respond to evolving industry needs and close skills gaps within a diverse talent pool,” she added.
Prof. Chan further emphasised the shared mission between the two institutions in fostering academic and professional growth, noting:
“Both our institutions share a commitment to advancing talent development in our respective ecosystems. At WOU, this is achieved through industry-aligned modules, accredited degree programmes, and demand-driven upskilling via flexible and accessible digital learning pathways.”
The benchmarking visit included in-depth briefing sessions where Prof. Anna provided an institutional overview, while senior academics Associate Professor Dr. Tan Saw Fen and Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Arjuna Marzuki explored synergies in research and publications under the Centre for Research and Innovation (CeRI).
Further discussions led by Dean of the School of Graduate Studies Associate Professor Dr. Lee Heng Wei and SEHS Deputy Dean Dr. Sean Ooi focused on aligning postgraduate matters and colloquium standards. These sessions aimed to define specific, actionable initiatives to enhance the ODL experience for students in both Malaysia and the Philippines.
The visit concluded with a guided tour which included a visit of the historic Homestead Mansion and WOU’s facilities in the Albukhary Building.