George Town Institute of Open and Advanced Studies (GIOAS)
Founded in December 2018, we are an independent, nonprofit institute that is part of Wawasan Open University in George Town, Penang.
We seek to explore ideas and complexity within open societies through inclusive discussions, research, and knowledge exchange. As a UNESCO World Heritage City, George Town is well placed to attract thinkers, teachers, students, and doers from the worlds of science, social science, business, government, and civil society. Through Open Dialogues Georgetown, we bring diverse perspectives together to deliberate ideas that can advance openness, diversity, and complexity thinking in the pursuit of peace, human prosperity, happiness, and well-being.
As a platform for Global Dialogue Georgetown, we encourage meaningful conversations among scholars, practitioners, and communities while supporting Open Conversation Georgetown as a space for exchanging ideas and exploring solutions to shared challenges.
The idea of open studies within open societies recognizes that progress is open-ended and that there are no limits to knowledge, only the willingness to pursue knowledge for the betterment of society and nature. Openness means that the Institute welcomes diverse perspectives and ideas from all societies, East or West, while remaining independent from religious denominations and political affiliations.Through Open Dialogues Georgetown, the Institute creates an inclusive platform where thinkers, researchers, and communities can exchange perspectives, explore complexity, and contribute to a culture of openness. These conversations support Global Dialogue Georgetown by encouraging cross-cultural understanding and the continuous pursuit of knowledge.
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OUR PARTNERS
Open dialogues always happen within a community with shared values and beliefs. If you wish to be informed or play a role in this open dialogue platform, please contact us and become part of Open Dialogues Georgetown. Through this platform, individuals and communities can participate in meaningful exchanges, contribute ideas, and engage in Open Conversation Georgetown to support a more connected and inclusive society.
