Since 2022, Open University Malaysia (OUM) has increased initiatives to form strategic regional collaborations in order to strengthen the regional capabilities in providing digital education. On 31st August 2023, OUM signed an MoU with Open University China (OUC). The delegates from OUM led by OUM President, Prof. Dr. Ahmad Izanee Awang were received by OUC’s Party President, Dr. Wang Qiming, Vice-President, Madam Fan Xianrui, and Deputy Director of the International Department (Chinese Language Centre), Mr Shi Yunzhi. The signing marks the establishment of the framework upon which OUC-OUM Centre would explore various forms of cooperation in realising future-ready digital education. The MoU was preceded by the establishment of ASEAN-China Digital Education Alliance (ACDEA) in Guiyang, China on 29 August 2023. OUC acts as ACDEA’s Secretariat. The MoU signed is a tangible outcome of the ACDEA’s efforts in fostering regional cooperation.
In addition to an engaging discussion on open education cooperation, methods of credit certification research collaborations and other matters, OUM delegates, Prof. Dr. Ahmad Izanee Awang (OUM President and Vice-Chancellor), Prof. Dr. Santhi Raghavan (General Manager (Learner Experience and Technology)), and Ms May Yeong (Head of International Partnership Unit) were given tour around OUC’s “Internet+University” Exhibition Centre, and the exhibition space of the Senior University of China (SUC). OUM delegates were joined by the leaders of several departments including the International Department, Information Technology Department and the Engineering Centre.