The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) actively participated in the recent OU5 meeting held from October 30 to 4 November 2023, in the vibrant city of Hanoi, Vietnam. The primary objective of this gathering was to reflect on the accomplishments of the past year and to align the plans and strategies of OU5 for their upcoming research initiatives.
The event commenced with an inspiring welcome from esteemed educational leaders, setting the tone for the participants to delve deeper into their research endeavors. Key researchers seized the opportunity to present their cutting-edge projects for 2023, addressing crucial themes in education and development. The presented thrusts included: Innovative Pedagogy in the 4IR Era (by Dr. Roberto Figueroa, Jr., UP Open University); Sustainability Development and Open Universities in ASEAN or The Role of Open Universities in ASEAN in Sustainability Development (by Nguyen Thi Huong An, Ma, Hanoi Open University); Metaverse in Promoting Effective Learning Design for Practical Sessions at Open Universities in ASEAN (by Mr. Antares Firman, S.E. M Prof, Acc, Universitas Terbuka); Indigenous People in ASEAN (by Prof. Mark Nogra, UP Open University), and Disaster Risk and Reduction Management in ASEAN (by Dr. Azli, Open University Malaysia).
Looking forward to 2024, the group discussed upcoming research projects, including
- Inclusive Education: Providing Quality Education for All; Artificial Intelligence (AI) in digital education;
- Promoting Sustainable Industrialisation (SDG9) in ASEAN Region (smart manufacturing employability & decent work, green grown (SDG9) as the selected agenda);
- Counseling Services at OUs to Promote Good Mental Health in ASEAN; and
- Preserving ASEAN Culture in the Digital Age.
In tandem with the futuristic and innovative efforts of OU5, the consortium has already initiated projects for 2025. The meeting also addressed benchmarking exercises involving OU5 universities, emphasizing the commitment to excellence and collaboration. OU5 coordinators convened to solidify plans for future research endeavors.
A highlight of the three-day activity was the addendum to the ASEAN Studies MOA Signing Ceremony. Notable participants included UP Open University Chancellor Dr. Melinda dP. Bandalaria, Hanoi Open University President Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Nhung, Open University Malaysia President – Vice Chancellor Dr. Ahmad Izanee Awang, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University Acting President Assoc. Prof. Manit Jumpa, and Universitas Terbuka Vice-Rector of Research, Innovation, Partnership, and Business Rahmat Budiman, M.Hum., Ph.D.
The event concluded with the announcement of the next OU5 meeting, further solidifying the commitment of these esteemed institutions to collaborative research and academic advancement. UPOU remains at the forefront of driving positive change and innovation in the field of open and distance education within the ASEAN region.
Written by: Nikhaela Valenciano• Edited by: Margaret Jarmin-Suarez and Yasele Yambao
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