Dr. Joane V. Serrano, Chancellor of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), recently conducted courtesy visits to two higher education institutions in Malaysia: the Universiti Sains Malaysia School of Distance Education (USM SDE) and Wawasan Open University (WOU) on 5-6 February, respectively.
The courtesy visits provided opportunities for institutional engagement and dialogue on shared interests in open and distance e-learning (ODeL), lifelong learning, and regional cooperation in higher education. During the visits, the Chancellor met with various faculty members and institutional leaders, allowing for exchanges on institutional contexts and priorities, as well as discussions on the broader role of flexible and technology-enabled learning systems in widening access to education.
Chancellor Serrano meets with Universiti Sans Malaysia School of Distance Education Officials. (Photo from Universiti Sains Malaysia – School of Education Facebook Page.)
At USM SDE, discussions focused on potential areas for collaboration in education, technology, open and distance learning, environmental research, and sustainability-related initiatives, including academic mobility.
During the visit to WOU, both institutions identified two initial areas for collaboration to be pursued moving forward. These include a staff exchange initiative, particularly aimed at providing junior academic staff with greater exposure and professional development, as well as collaboration in research, including work currently underway with regional partners.
Chancellor Serrano meets with Wawasan Open University Officials. (Photo from Wawasan Open University.)
The discussions across both visits underscored the importance of maintaining strong connections among open and distance learning institutions in Southeast Asia, especially in fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and mutual learning across the region.
Overall, the courtesy visits reflect UPOU’s continuing commitment to strengthening regional partnerships and contributing to a collaborative network of institutions working toward accessible, inclusive, and future-ready higher education.
Written by Sydney Macahiya | Edited by Anna Cañas-Llamas
