On October 22, 2024, the UP Open University (UPOU) unveiled the highly anticipated UP OUverse during the inaugural Philippine Metaverse Academic Nexus for Global Opportunities (MANGOs) Forum, marking a significant milestone in metaverse collaboration among ASEAN universities. The event, held virtually, also represented the first-ever forum in any country dedicated to the MANGOs collaboration—a visionary project aimed at fostering academic, cultural, and technological exchanges within the region through the power of immersive technology. Dr. Roberto B. Figueroa Jr., director of the UPOU Immersive Open Pedagogies Program, was in charge of the launch. He was accompanied by UPOU Chancellor Dr. Melinda dP. Bandalaria, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Dr. Jean A. Saludadez, Professor Dr. Lunchakorn Wuttisitikulkij from Chulalongkorn University, and Mr. Kadek Dendy Senapartha from Duta Wacana Christian University.
The UP OUverse, developed through a joint effort by teams from the University of the Philippines, Chulalongkorn University (Thailand), National University of Laos, and Duta Wacana Christian University (Indonesia), showcased digital twins of select UPOU buildings and iconic structures. The digital replicas were meticulously crafted to reflect the university’s distinct architectural identity while symbolizing the core of academic freedom and excellence.
A Collaborative Vision for the Future
The UP OUverse is more than just a virtual representation of UPOU’s campus. It stands as a testament to the power of regional collaboration, representing the combined expertise and technological advancements of institutions across ASEAN. The platform’s open-source nature emphasizes a unified objective to democratize access to metaverse technology for educational purposes, enabling regional universities to adapt, modify, and contribute to the communal ecosystem. Aside from UPOU faculty, staff, and students, the launch was also attended by participants from other UP constituent universities, including UP Cebu, UP Los Baños, and UP Diliman.
Forging a New Path in Immersive Learning
The UP OUverse’s digital twins will enable immersive learning experiences that transcend geographical limitations, giving students and faculty from ASEAN universities the chance to virtually explore campuses, attend collaborative events, and engage in global learning experiences. By creating a shared metaverse platform, the participating universities have opened the door to endless possibilities for collaborative online international learning (COIL), research, and cultural exchanges.
The launch also marks the beginning of a broader partnership, with plans to expand the metaverse beyond UPOU’s digital twin to include the campuses and cultural landmarks of the participating universities. This will provide ASEAN students and educators with an interconnected virtual learning environment that fosters innovation and cultural understanding.
The Future of MANGOs and ASEAN Collaboration
The launch of the UP OUverse and the success of the 1st Philippine MANGOs Forum set the stage for future developments. With a shared commitment to leveraging metaverse technologies, ASEAN universities are poised to lead the way in creating immersive educational environments that enhance collaboration and learning on a global scale. By investing in these technologies, UPOU and its partners are paving the way for the next generation of educators and learners to thrive in the digital age.
As the UP OUverse continues to evolve, it will serve as a catalyst for new forms of academic engagement, research, and innovation—cementing its place as a pioneering platform for the future of education in the metaverse.
Written by Roberto Figueroa Jr.
