OpenLearning’s First Philippine Public University Deal Signals Strategic Risks and Rewards

OpenLearning Limited has secured its first SaaS agreement with the University of the Philippines Manila, marking a strategic entry into the country’s vast public higher education sector.

  • First SaaS agreement with a Philippine public university
  • Partnership with University of the Philippines Manila, the nation’s top-ranked university
  • Initial term covers minimum 10,000 students with A$30,000 annual fee
  • Focus on AI-powered LMS for lifelong learning and micro-credentialing
  • Potential gateway to Philippines’ extensive public higher education market
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Strategic Entry into Philippine Public Education

OpenLearning Limited (ASX, OLL), an AI-driven learning management system provider, has announced a landmark SaaS agreement with the University of the Philippines Manila (UP Manila), the highest ranked university in the Philippines. This deal represents OpenLearning’s first contract with a public university in the country, signaling a significant step into the Philippines’ expansive public higher education sector.

UP Manila is part of the University of the Philippines system, which includes eight constituent universities and serves over 60,000 students nationwide. The public higher education landscape in the Philippines is vast, with more than 233 public universities and colleges educating approximately 1.64 million students. OpenLearning’s entry into this market could open doors to substantial growth opportunities.

Details of the Agreement

The SaaS agreement covers a minimum of 10,000 students for an initial one-year term, with a minimum annual fee of A$30,000. The contract is renewable annually for up to five years, providing OpenLearning with a foothold to expand its footprint in the region. The platform will support both lifelong learning initiatives and micro-credential programs for on-campus students, leveraging OpenLearning’s AI capabilities to enhance educational delivery.

While the minimum fees are not financially material at this stage, the strategic importance of partnering with UP Manila cannot be overstated. The university’s selection of OpenLearning underscores the growing recognition of AI-powered learning platforms in delivering flexible, high-quality education in Southeast Asia.

Implications for OpenLearning and the Market

Adam Brimo, CEO of OpenLearning, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting UP Manila’s influence in the Philippine education sector and the potential for OpenLearning’s platform to become a preferred choice for micro-credentials and lifelong learning. This agreement could serve as a springboard for further contracts within the University of the Philippines system and other public institutions across the country.

As digital transformation accelerates in education globally, OpenLearning’s AI-powered LMS positions it well to capitalize on rising demand for innovative learning solutions. The Philippines, with its large student population and growing emphasis on digital education, represents a fertile market for expansion.

Investors and industry watchers will be keen to monitor how this initial agreement translates into broader adoption and revenue growth in the coming years.

Bottom Line?

OpenLearning’s foothold in the Philippines’ public university sector sets the stage for potential expansion amid rising demand for AI-driven education platforms.

Questions in the middle?

  • How quickly will OpenLearning expand within the University of the Philippines system and other public universities?
  • What adoption rates and usage levels will UP Manila achieve on the platform beyond the minimum student threshold?
  • Could this agreement influence other Southeast Asian public universities to adopt AI-powered LMS solutions?