UPOU Takes Part in OU5 Research Cycle 2026 in Malaysia

The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) took part in the Open University 5 (OU5) Research Cycle 2026 held on 23-24 April 2025 in Penang, Malaysia. The bi-annual OU5 Research Conference fosters collaborative research among five open universities in Asia: the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) in Thailand, Hanoi Open University (HOU) in Vietnam, Open University Malaysia (OUM), and Universitas Terbuka (UT) in Indonesia.

UPOU’s team is led by UPOU Chancellor, Dr. Joane V. Serrano and included UPOU Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Aurora Lacaste, UPOU Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Jean A. Saludadez, UPOU Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) Dean, Assoc. Prof. Roberto B. Figueroa, Jr.; University Registrar, Asst. Prof. Luisa A. Gelisan; Assoc. Prof. Diego S. Maranan; Asst. Prof. Margaret Jarmin-Suarez and Asst. Prof. Remsce Pasahol. 

Representatives from each participating institution were organized into six research groups to engage in collaborative discussions and develop joint research initiatives. These initiatives centered on key themes relevant to contemporary developments in higher education and technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), ASEAN studies, the role of open universities in promoting Open Science, and other related areas. The research topics discussed were as follows:

• • Group 1
    • Members: Assoc. Prof. Dr Nantha Kumar Subramaniam (OUM); Asst Prof Dr Worrawit Nakpan (STOU); Asst. Prof. Blancaflor Arada (UPOU); Della Raymena Jovanka, S.Pd., M.Si. (UT); Dr. Dang Hai dang (HOU)
    • Project Title: Al and Quality Assurance
      • Empowering Al in Promoting ODeL
      • Tackling Academic Integrity in The Emergence of Al Member
      • Mental Wellness in the Context of ODeL: Mental health situation of OU students
  • Group 2
    • Members: Dr. Charisse Reyes (UPOU); Assoc Prof Dr Sungworn Ngudgratoke (STOU); Dr S. Vighnarajah P.K. Selvarajah (OUM); ing. Mohamad Rajih Radiansyah, B.AS., M.Sc. (UT); Assoc. Prof.Dr. Nguyen Mai Huong (HOU)
    • Project Title: Strengthening Research Productivity and the Role of OU in Promoting Open Science
  • Group 3
    • Memebers: Rahmat Budiman, S.S., M.Hum., Ph.D. (UT); Dr Choneratt Suriyarangsun (STOU); Dr. Suhaila Abdul Hamid (OUM); Dr. Finaflor Taylan (UPOU); Dr. Nguyen Thi Phan Mai (HOU)
    • Project Title: Cross-crediting and recognition across ASEAN OUs (with a focus on Language/English proficiency, micro-credentialing, and quality)
  • Group 4
    • Members: Dr. Vu Huong Giang (HOU); Ami Hibatul Jameel, S.Pd., M.A. (UT); Asst. Prof. Dr. Patthanan Bootchuy (STOU); Asst. Prof. Lorena Jean Saludadez (UPOU); Dr. Norbaini Abdul Halim (OUM)
    • Project Title: Relationship of Technology and Social Capital
  • Group 5
    • Members: Asst Prof Dr Khajornsak Sitthi (STOU); Dr. Hamidah Mat (OUM); Dr. Maria Lourdes Jarabe (UPOU); Kani, S.Kom., M.Kom. (UT); Dr. Le Thi Minh Thao (HOU)
    • Project Title: Educational Opportunities for Disadvantaged Groups
      • Soft skills Training for the Silver Economy
      • Possibility of the Use of Al In Promoting Educational Opportunities for Disadvantaged Groups 
  • Group 6
    • Members: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norjaya Mohd Yasin (OUM); Mrs. Rattip Phukkeson (STOU); Dr. Le Thi Minh Thao (HOU); Asst. Prof. Margaret Jarmin Suarez (UPOU); ing. Mohamad Rajih Radiansyah, M.Sc. (UT)
    • Project Title: Fostering Innovations at universities

The conference, which featured the Research Cycle 2026, concluded on 25th April, marking the end of another productive cycle of collaboration and knowledge exchange among the OU5 partners.

Written by Alexil Fajardo ♦ Edited by Margaret Jarmin-Suarez, Primo Garcia and Anna Cañas-Llamas ♦ Photo from OU5 Retreat Gallery

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