More working adults across Penang and Malaysia may find it easier to upskill and reskill without putting their careers on hold, as Wawasan Open University (WOU) gains national recognition for its digital learning model.
The university was presented with the Malaysian Digital Learning Excellence and Leadership Award at the 9th Malaysian Education and Learning Summit in Kuala Lumpur – an event organised by KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific together with the Malaysian Association of Private Colleges and Universities and the National Association of Private Educational Institutions.
It is the latest affirmation of WOU’s approach to open and distance learning (ODL), which prioritises flexibility for students juggling work, family, and study.
WOU Chief Executive and Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Lily Chan received the award from Tun Dato’ Seri Zaki Tun Azmi, Chancellor of Multimedia University and MAHSA University, who delivered the keynote address.
“This honour affirms WOU’s direction in advancing a digitally enabled learning model that reflects how working adults build their careers today,” said Prof Chan. “As the nature of work continues to evolve, universities must go beyond delivering qualifications to enabling continuous skills development.”
She warned that universities can no longer simply hand out degrees – they must transform into “talent platforms” supporting lifelong learning through flexible programme design and stronger ties with industry.
Prof Chan also took part in a leadership dialogue at the summit, where she discussed how AI and data analytics can help universities improve graduate readiness and align workforce planning with market needs.
WOU Board of Governors Chairman Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon was present at the ceremony.
Since its founding in 2006, WOU has enrolled over 30,000 learners across five faculties – Business & Administration, Education, Humanities & Social Sciences, Technology & Engineering Science, and Digital Technology. It operates Malaysia’s largest APEL Centre, which allows working adults to convert prior work experience into academic credit. Programmes are delivered through its FlexLearn platform, which supports online, hybrid, and work-based study modes accessible via mobile devices even offline.
