Wawasan Open University
Wawasan Open University, abbreviated as WOU, is a private university located in Penang, Malaysia, that provides working adults with access to higher education via open distance learning (ODL).
It was established in 2006 and enrolled its first batch of students in 2007. In September 2013, WOU began to also offer full-time degree programmes to STPM school leavers and diploma holders at its Main Campus in Penang.
Academic programmes and accreditation
All WOU programmes are accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency and approved by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education. WOU achieved a Tier-5 or "Excellent" rating in the SETARA local university ranking exercise conducted by the MOE in 2011 and 2013.
Campus
The university's main campus is located by the sea in the northeastern part of Penang Island, Malaysia. It consists of two buildings: the historic Homestead mansion and the modern 12-storey Al-Bukhary Building. Additionally, the city campus is situated in the heart of George Town, Penang. WOU also has regional centres in Johor Bahru and Kuching, along with regional offices in Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur, which provide support to distance learners in these cities and their surrounding areas.
University Leadership
Chancellor
The prominent sports administrator and former president of the Olympic Council of Malaysia, Tunku Tan Sri Imran Tuanku Ja'afar, was appointed as the fourth Chancellor of WOU in 2019, succeeding Tun Mohamed Dzaiddin Abdullah, the former Chief Justice of Malaysia, who held the position for five years until December 2018.
Pro-Chancellor
Tan Sri Dato’ Chang Ko Youn was appointed by the WOU Board of Governors as the Pro-Chancellor on 18 November 2024. He is a lawyer and former Perak State Executive Councillor with extensive experience in government and public administration. He currently chairs Yayasan Penjaja dan Peniaga Kecil Malaysia and serves on several boards, including the Perak Academy.
Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor
Professor Dr. Lily Chan was appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of the university in April 2019. She succeeded Professor Dato’ Dr. Ho Sinn Chye, who departed from the university at the end of 2017. During the interim period, Professor Dr. Zoraini Wati Abas served as the Acting Vice-Chancellor.