WAWASAN Open University (WOU) - the country's first distance learning tertiary institution has a new head after Professor Dr Lily Chan left WOU earlier in July.
Professor Dr Yap Eng Hwa takes over the helm as WOU's fifth vice-chancellor, who would also assume the role of chief executive.
As the fifth vice-chancellor, Yap succeeds Prof. Dr Lily Chan, who helmed the institution for seven years.
He brings extensive international experience in higher education leadership and research expertise in engineering, sustainability, and complex systems analysis.
His appointment marks the next phase in the University’s continuing commitment to widening access to quality higher education through flexible, open, and industry-relevant learning pathways, WOU said in a statement.
Yap joined WOU in 2024 as an associate vice-chancellor and subsequently served as deputy vice-chancellor (academic).
Before WOU, Yap was the founding Dean at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University’s (XJTLU) industry-integrated Taicang Campus in Suzhou, China.
Yap holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from University College London, a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education from the University of Nottingham, and a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Marine Technology from the University of Plymouth.
WOU’s board of governors' chairman, Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, said the appointment reinforces WOU’s commitment to serving lifelong learners and addressing Malaysia’s evolving talent requirements.
WOU will continue to strengthen its contribution to Malaysia’s industrial transformation and nation-building quest, said Koh. - July 31, 2026.
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