Phuket, Thailand – The 27th OU5 Bi-Annual Summit successfully concluded on October 30, 2025, following a dynamic week of research and academic exchange at the Phuket Graceland Resort & Spa. Hosted by Thailand’s Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), the summit brought together leaders and research professionals from Asia’s five leading open universities. The participating institutions included Indonesia’s Universitas Terbuka (UT), Vietnam’s Hanoi Open University (HOU), the Philippines’ University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), and Malaysia’s Open University Malaysia (OUM).
The summit commenced on October 28 with welcoming remarks from Associate Prof. Dr. Taweewat Watthanakuljaroen, President of STOU. He welcomed participants to Phuket, expressing hope that the summit would serve as a vibrant platform for discussion and idea exchange.
Echoing this collaborative spirit, Dr. Hendrian, S.E., M.Si., Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, Partnership, and Business of Universitas Terbuka, highlighted the importance of unity and shared purpose in advancing open and distance learning (ODL) and ASEAN Studies. He described the summit as a “vital platform for regional collaboration, especially in addressing global challenges,” and expressed UT’s sincere appreciation to STOU for hosting the event. He concluded by encouraging participants to “exchange ideas, challenge assumptions, and build meaningful connections.”
Other distinguished speakers included Prof. Dr. Joane Serrano, Chancellor of UPOU; Associate Prof. Dr. Nguyen Mai Huong, Chairwoman of The Board of Regents of HOU; and Prof. Dr.
Norjaya Mohd Yasin, representing Prof. Dr. Ahmad Izanee Awang, Vice Chancellor of OUM. The week’s agenda featured high-level research meetings among delegates, a strategic presidents’ meeting for the university leaders, and a study tour to the Prince of Songkla University Phuket Campus. The event culminated in a closing ceremony where the STOU president reported on the results of the presidents’ meeting, alongside final research presentations from each university group. The summit’s conclusion marked another successful chapter in the OU5 network’s ongoing mission to advance open and distance learning across Asia.
