We are stepping up our global game!
On 4 December 2025, OUM signed a Memorandum of Understanding with The Open University UK (OUUK) to collaborate in open and distance learning, research, and academic innovation.
The MoU is a launchpad for academic exchanges, joint research, capacity-building workshops, sharing of educational materials, and much more.
Both universities have common goals: to expand access to quality education, enhance research impact, and push the boundaries of digital learning. This covers AI in education, micro-credentials, programme validation, and boosting institutional capacity.
Leading the delegation was Prof Dato’ Dr Ahmad Izanee Awang, President/Vice-Chancellor, joined by Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Tajudin Md Ninggal, Vice President/Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & Research); Shawira Abu Bakar, Director of the Centre for Instructional Design; and Aisyah Nik Yahya, Manager of the Centre for Research and Innovation.
Together, they met OUUK counterparts to explore collaboration in programme development, digital learning technologies, joint research, and curriculum sharing.
The discussions covered:
- Collaborative research in learning analytics, AI-enabled education, and teaching innovation
- Digital learning integration, from personalised learning support to predictive analytics for student success
- Early exploration of dual-degree or dual-award programmes for richer academic exchanges
The visit also gave the OUM team a peek into OUUK’s pioneering work in generative AI, institutional AI strategies, and personalised virtual learning environments. These provided plenty of sparks for future tech-driven collaboration. Both sides agreed to follow-up technical meetings to turn these ideas into real projects.
This milestone comes right after OUM’s Top 10 recognition at the QS Reimagine Education Awards 2025 in London (1–3 December).
Often called the “Oscars of Education,” the awards celebrate global teaching and learning innovation. OUM’s project, “Clicks to Connections: Empowering Learners with myLEARNINGPACKS,” presented by Shawira, was named one of the Top 10 winners in the Sustainability in Education: Literacy category.
Our more than 37,000 active learners can benefit from flexible, multimodal learning as myLEARNINGPACKS tackles fragmented resources, diverse learning needs, and accessibility challenges. It’s inclusive, scalable, and sustainable, so it’s exactly the kind of innovation that puts OUM on the global map.
This partnership and international recognition have set the stage for deeper collaboration, innovative research, and programme development that will benefit learners and institutions alike, both regionally and globally.
