MOU signing between UPOU and SOU Principal Signatories
The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) welcomed representatives from the Shanghai Open University (SOU) for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on 25 September 2025 at the UPOU Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna. This partnership formalizes the academic partnership between the two institutions.
UPOU, a pioneer and leader in open learning and distance education in the Philippines, remains committed to equipping Filipinos with essential knowledge and skills for the 21st century. SOU, formerly known as Shanghai TV University, mainly carries out Bachelor degree and Associate-Bachelor degree programmes in the form of open and distance education supported by ICT for adults. The university offers a total number of 51 Bachelor and Associate-Bachelor programmes and has had more than 620,000 graduates since its foundation.
UPOU Chancellor Joane Serrano sharing her message through a recorded video.
In her opening remarks, UPOU Chancellor Joane V. Serrano underscored the importance of forging stronger academic and institutional partnerships, highlighting how such collaborations contribute to advancing open and distance e-learning as well as promoting lifelong education.
Dr. Wang Songhua from Shanghai Open University delivering his message
Dr. Wang Songhua from Shanghai Open University conveyed heartfelt gratitude to UPOU for the opportunity to work together. He warmly expressed appreciation for the partnership and emphasized their shared commitment to providing lifelong learning opportunities for all. Dr. Wang expressed delight in building this partnership and looked forward to future collaborations in areas of mutual interest.
The ceremony featured the official signing of the MOU that formalized the cooperation between the two institutions.
The two institutions have agreed in the following areas of collaboration: capacity building and upskilling; staff and student exchange; consultancy in other services; and resource and information sharing.
The principal signatories from both institutions signing the Memorandum of Understanding
The MOU was signed on behalf of UPOU by Dr. Jean Saludadez, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, representing Chancellor Serrano, and Dr. Roberto Figueroa Jr., Dean of the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies. Signing for Shanghai Open University were Dr. Wang Songhua, Vice President, and Ms. Ying Yiye, Deputy Director of the Non-Degree Education Department.
Other members of the Shanghai OU delegation included Ms. Chu Qin, Vice President for Senior Education; Ms. Yan Mengje, Officer from the Non-Degree Education Department; and Mr. Bai Haijiang, Management Officer.
Exchanging of tokens from both institutions
Tokens of gratitude were exchanged between the institutions, expressing appreciation and symbols of the shared vision, commitment, and trust.
Both institutions expressed optimism that the partnership will pave the way for more opportunities to share expertise, strengthen academic programs, and support the global mission of open and distance learning.
Written by Marinela Hernandez | Edited by Primo G. Garcia | Photos by Anthea Fay Peredo
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