The late Tun Dr Lim Keng Yaik was a true visionary behind Wawasan Open University (WOU).

The chairman of WOU's board of governors, Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Gajaraj Dhanarajan said the late Dr Lim was both the inspiration and driver behind the founding of WOU.

"He was a concerned patron and did much to ensure that the university maintained its independence as an academic institution, shielding us from political and other unwarranted interference.

"It was both a pleasure and privilege to work with him in the establishment of WOU and we will miss his unique brand of leadership," he said in a statement, here, today.

WOU's vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Ho Sinn Chye said the late Dr Lim, a fervent believer in lifelong education, always urged WOU to stay relevant by offering affordable programmes catering to the educational needs of contemporary job seekers amid the changing perception and career plans.

The late Dr Lim served as WOU Council chairman since 2005 and was appointed as chancellor on May 9, 2011 for a three-year term. He was formally installed as WOU's second chancellor on Nov 19, 2011.

The last function attended by the late Dr Lim was the recent third convocation ceremony held at WOU main campus in Penang on Nov 24.