Wawasan Open University (WOU) has officially appointed Professor Ts. Dr. Yap Eng Hwa as its new Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor, effective 1 July 2026.
As the fifth Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Yap succeeds Professor Dr. Lily Chan, who helmed the institution for seven years. He brings extensive international experiences in higher education leadership and research expertise in engineering, sustainability, and complex systems analysis.
His appointment marks the next phase in the University’s continuing commitment to widening access to quality higher education through flexible, open, and industry-relevant learning pathways.
Prof. Yap joined WOU in 2024 as Associate Vice-Chancellor and subsequently served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic). During his tenure, he strengthened the University’s academic governance, including the establishment of the School of Graduate Studies and the Centre for Student Engagement and Success. He also led several key academic initiatives to enhance programme quality, student success, and institutional capability, while strengthening WOU’s industry integration by aligning its academic programmes more closely with Penang’s rapidly growing digital and semiconductor ecosystems.
Prior to WOU, Prof. Yap was the founding Dean at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University’s (XJTLU) industry-integrated Taicang Campus in Suzhou, China, where he led the creation and development of three cutting-edge industry schools: School of Intelligent Manufacturing Ecosystem, School of Robotics, and School of CHIPS.
His previous academic leadership roles span premier institutions globally, including the University of Technology Sydney, the University of Nottingham Malaysia, and University College London (Australia). He is currently a Visiting Professor at XJTLU.
Prof. Yap holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from University College London, a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education from the University of Nottingham, and a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Marine Technology from the University of Plymouth.
Chairman of WOU’s Board of Governors, Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon, said the appointment reinforces WOU’s commitment to serving lifelong learners and addressing Malaysia’s evolving talent requirements.
“Prof. Yap brings a potent combination of global academic leadership and a deep understanding of WOU’s role in expanding opportunities for adult learners.
“As industrial demands shift, WOU bridges the gap between workforce capability and economic relevance. The Board is confident that under Prof Yap’s leadership, WOU will continue to strengthen its contribution to Malaysia’s industrial transformation and nation-building agenda,” he said.