Wawasan Open University (WOU) welcomes the appointment of Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon as Chairman of Wawasan Education Foundation (WEF) effective today.
He takes over from Dato’ Seri Stephen Yeap, who had served as WEF Chairman from 28 November 2002 to 22 October 2013. Dr Koh, 64, is also the Pro-Chancellor of WOU, appointed on 24 November 2012.
DR KOH TSU KOON.
“With his vast knowledge and experience in academia and government, Dr Koh is a suitable person to lead WEF, enhance the image of WOU and assist in further promoting the University as a quality provider of higher education opportunities for every Malaysian via the Open Distance Learning and On Campus Learning mode of study,” remarked Dato’ Seri Stephen.
WOU Vice Chancellor Prof Dato’ Dr Ho Sinn Chye described Dr Koh as an outstanding academician. “The management and staff of WOU look forward to his valuable guidance in various aspects related to the development and advancement of the University,” he added.
Meanwhile Dato’ Seri Stephen assumed the chairmanship of WOU Sdn Bhd, previously held by the late Tun Dr Lim Keng Yaik, on 6 September 2013. He had been serving as Acting Chairman following Tun Lim’s passing on 22 December 2012.
DATO’ SERI STEPHEN YEAP.
Dr Koh, a former Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (2009 – 2013) and an academician, is a Princeton graduate in physics. He earned his MA and doctoral degrees in economics and sociology of education from the University of Chicago, and was a Fulbright Scholar in Stanford University.
He started his career as a lecturer in the School of Educational Studies at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in 1975 and became a Deputy Dean in 1978. He ventured into politics in 1982 by joining Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia under the leadership of the late Tun Lim and contesting and getting elected as a Member of Parliament.
In 1986-1990, he served as the Political Secretary to the second Chief Minister of Penang, the late Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu. He subsequently became the third Chief Minister of Penang, serving in that capacity for 18 years from 1990-2008.
After being in electoral politics and government for more than 30 years, Dr Koh did not contest in the 13th General Election and did not assume any government post after the General Election. He also resigned as the President of Gerakan on 16 May 2013.
