Wawasan Open University (WOU) is pleased to announce the appointment of Tan Sri Andrew Sheng as the new Chairman of Wawasan Education Foundation (WEF). He succeeds Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, whose leadership from November 2013 to March 2026 has been instrumental in the University’s growth. Tan Sri Dr Koh will continue to serve in his current capacity as Chairman of WOU’s Board of Governors.
As the philanthropic and strategic backbone of WOU, WEF is dedicated to advancing equitable access to quality higher education, fostering cutting-edge research, and empowering a new generation of digital-ready learners.
Tan Sri Sheng’s appointment signals a bold new chapter for the Foundation, leveraging his profound global expertise in financial systems, public policy, and institutional governance to expand the University’s social and economic impact.
The appointment of Tan Sri Sheng to helm the Foundation received the unanimous support of its Board of Directors, comprising prominent leaders from the corporate, professional, and academic sectors who share his vision for the Foundation’s next phase.
Tan Sri Sheng is a deeply integrated figure within the WOU ecosystem, currently serving as a member of the Board of Governors, Chairman of the George Town Institute of Open and Advanced Studies (GIOAS), and Professor of Practice at the School of Business and Administration. In these capacities, he continues to play a vital role in steering the University’s intellectual trajectory, particularly in the areas of global economic strategy, financial governance, and innovation-driven growth.
In a dual celebration of his leadership, WOU also extends its warmest congratulations to Tan Sri Sheng on his recent appointment as Special Adviser to the Sabah Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor. We are confident that his international advisory experience will be an invaluable asset to Sabah and the region, bridging the gap between financial governance and sustainable development priorities to drive meaningful progress and community upliftment.
In welcoming Tan Sri Sheng’s appointment as Chairman of WEF, WOU Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Dr Lily Chan, said, “Tan Sri Sheng brings with him a wealth of global experience and unparalleled insight spanning diverse domains. His expertise bolsters WOU’s mission to transform digital open learning and drive systemic impact, empowering individuals to contribute to a more inclusive and resilient economy. Under his strategic guidance, the University will further its goal of providing future-proof education that strengthens economic resilience both locally and internationally.”
The University looks forward to working closely with Tan Sri Sheng to shape a future where technology-driven education serves as a cornerstone for sustainable development and shared prosperity.