a time to rejoiceoumeducation.oum.edu.my/magazines/2017/21convo...taman tamadun islam convention...

NOV 2017

PP 15800/08/2012(030519)

RejoiceA Time to

METEOR HouseJalan Tun Ismail

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CONTENTS

04FIRST WORDS

05A MOMENT OF TRIUMPH

06LEARNING IS FOR LIFE

07DOUBLE CELEBRATION

08SEEKING GREATER GLORY

09OUR MASTERS GRADUATES HAVE THEIR SAY

10 WE DID IT!

12OUT WITH DOUBTS, IN WITH DELIGHT

12FROM THE MALDIVES

13THANK YOU, IOC!

14IPD GRADUATES SHARE THEIR TRIUMPH

06

08

09

07

ChancellorYABhg Tun Jeanne Abdullah Editorial TeamAdvisorYBhg Prof Dato’ Dr Mansor FadzilPresident/Vice-Chancellor EditorsRahmah DaudSenior Manager, Centre for Corporate Communications Azeezah Jameelah Mohamed MohideenAssistant Manager, Centre for CorporateCommunications Associate EditorsHidayati Kasuma Abdul HadiManager, Institute of Professional Development Tengku Amina Munira Tengku Mohd Azzman ShariffadeenAssistant Manager, President’s Office

Layout ArtistYusniza HusinSenior Graphic Designer, Group ICT Services

Contact us at:OPEN UNIVERSITY MALAYSIAJalan Tun Ismail50480 Kuala LumpurT: +603-2773 2045F: +603-2697 8825E: [email protected]

OUM Education is a magazine published everytwo months by the METEOR Group of Companies.The electronic version is available atwww.oum.edu.my

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12OUT WITH DOUBTS, IN WITH DELIGHT

12FROM THE MALDIVES

13THANK YOU, IOC!

14IPD GRADUATES SHARE THEIR TRIUMPH

12

13

14

Nobel laureate and global icon Malala Yousafzai described the value of education in perhaps the most profound of ways when she said: “With guns, you can kill terrorists. With education, you can kill terrorism.”

This sentiment strikes as particularly meaningful in today’s volatile and uncertain world. That education stands between understanding and ignorance, empathy and bigotry, success and failure, is impossible to deny.

Through education, we learn to open our eyes to new possibilities and experiences. Education is a tool that helps us to overcome life’s challenges, develop values and shape our personalities. It is a means by which we can pick up necessary skills and know-how to turn our dreams into reality.

Professor Dato’ Dr Mansor Fadzil

FIRST WORDSOur learners and graduates have proven time and again that success is within reach of anyone who desires it. The 21st OUM Convocation, 13th IPD Awards Ceremony and 6th IOC Graduation, which will take place in several locations around Malaysia between 26 November and 2 December 2017, bear testament to this fact. We are proud of your achievements and celebrate your success in the pages of this issue. Congratulations to all of you!

To all the readers of this magazine, I would like to implore you to take some time to think about what your education means to you. Dare to dream, aim for more and never stop learning. With the right spirit and dedication, I am sure that nothing can be beyond your reach.

Once again, I extend my heartiest congratulations to all graduates. To all our readers, I hope you will enjoy reading this issue!

4 OUMeducation Nov 2017

26 NovemberCentral Zone

MATRADE Exhibition and Convention Centre,

Kuala Lumpur

29 NovemberSouthern Zone

Melaka International Trade Centre, Melaka

25 NovemberIPD

MATRADE Exhibition and Convention Centre,

Kuala Lumpur

30 NovemberNorthern Zone

SETIA SPICE Convention Centre, Penang

Eastern ZoneTaman Tamadun Islam Convention

Centre, Kuala Terengganu

2 DecemberSabah

Dewan Yayasan Sabah, Kota Kinabalu

SarawakCentury Hotel, Kuching

Graduation is a time to rememberAnd a time to dream.

A time to look backAnd a time to reach forward.

A time for songs and laughterAnd a time for tears of joy.

A time for letting goAnd a time for discovering

Hopes and dreams that are yet unborn.

A time to say goodbye to yesterdayAnd a time to greet tomorrow with courage.

A time for loving hearts to gatherAnd a time to celebrate all that you are.

And all that you may become.

Congratulations!

A MOMENT OFTRIUMPH

Congratulations to all our graduates! Around 3,500 of you will be receiving your scrolls at the 21st Convocation. What an exciting time of life this is for you. We hope you will share this happiness with the people who matter most in your life.

Our sister institutions, the Institute of Professional Development (IPD) and International Open College (IOC), will also be holding their graduation ceremonies at the Central Zone. About 700 graduates will receive their scrolls at the 13th IPD Awards Ceremony and another 32 will also receive theirs at the Sixth IOC Convocation.

For the second time this year, the convocation is being held in six different locations.While emotions of excitement, delight and sheer happiness flood in, we hope that you will look to the future with eagerness and anticipation. You are now free to go on new adventures and use your newfound qualification to achieve your goals. As you navigate this new territory,

we hope that you will return to us to further your studies once again.

5OUMeducation Nov 2017

DATO’ IR SYED AMIR SYED ALWI SHAHABUDIN, 69, is living proof that age is not an impediment when it comes to learning. He did not only excel in his Master of Business Administration studies, but is also the recipient of the Lifelong Learning Award, in recognition of outstanding academic achievement by those aged 65 and above.

Syed Amir has proven that with determination and discipline, he has what it takes to excel in his studies even though he has to work twice as hard as his younger classmates. “I was 67 when I enrolled. Memorising was something that people my age have problems doing, so I normally have to spend more time when it comes to revision and doing assignments.”

But he was unperturbed by the challenge as he considers it as part and parcel of learning. “Nothing comes easy in life and you need to work hard for something that you want.” Acknowledging that his family was integral to his quest for success, Syed Amir said he learned a lot about technology from his children, who helped him with various aspects of online learning, from submitting assignments to engaging in the online forum.

Syed Amir studied naval architecture at the University of Glasgow and joined the Royal Malaysian Navy as a naval architect right after graduation in the 1970s.

After 18 years of serving the navy, he opted for early retirement to join the corporate sector, working for a naval dockyard which was later bought over by Boustead Naval Shipyard. “After my retirement in 2013, I took up the challenge to open my own steel fabrication company.”

Steel fabrication is a challenging business and Syed Amir realised that for him to bring the company to the next level, he needed to have the know-how. “That was when I decided to enrol in the MBA programme at OUM. For someone who runs a business, it is difficult for me to commit to full-time studies. OUM provided the flexibility for me to study at my own pace.”

Another plus point was the use of English as the medium instruction. “Being old school, I am more comfortable using English. The attractive discount given to senior citizens was an added bonus.”

Elated at being chosen as one of the Lifelong Learning Award recipients, Syed Amir is thankful to Allah for the honour. He said it was the first time that he has received a personal award in 40 years. “It is late in coming but I am delighted because the whole family will be celebrating this moment,” he shared.

LEARNING IS FOR LIFEBy Zulhilmi Zainudin ([email protected])


For NETTYSARA ABU BAKAR and MOHAMAD ZULHILMI ISMAIL, OUM’s 21st Convocation will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The couple who enrolled at the Melaka Learning Centre in September 2013 together will be receiving their scrolls together as well after almost four years of study.

Zulhilmi will be receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management, while Nettysara will be receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Management. They will be attending the Southern Zone edition of the Convocation at the Melaka International Trade Centre on 29 November.

The couple, who live in Muar, Johor, made the decision to study as a way to inspire their children. “We have a daughter and a son, and we want to teach them that knowledge is important,” they say. “Both sides of our families were very supportive and encouraged us to enrol together.”

Interestingly, Nettysara and Zulhilmi have similar jobs too. Nettysara is a police officer at Ledang District Police Headquarters while Zulhilmi is an officer at Muar IPD. It is understandably a challenge to work full-time jobs as uniformed personnel, manage their family and household, and try to complete their programmes all at the same time. But while the couple found that time management and planning were crucial, becoming learners together proved serendipitous too.

“We had a wonderful experience. In fact, we miss being learners at OUM,” they share. “It was actually easier to study together. Even though we took up different programmes, we could compare notes and discuss with each other.”

As a couple, Nettysara and Zulhilmi adopted a united approach in their studies. “We learnt to sacrifice our time and energy, both individually and as husband and wife,” they explain. “We encouraged each other and reviewed our exam results together. We also always accompanied each other during examinations. Even if only one of us was sitting for a paper, the other one would come along to give moral support.”

Celebration

The couple is thankful to have completed their respective programmes. Zulhilmi, 29, who originally hails from Kajang, Selangor, says: “I have learned to be more responsible, both as a learner and a police officer. Going through the programme has taught me that it is important to always be patient and tolerant.”

His 37-year-old wife, a native Muarian, adds: “I learnt to divide my time for family, studies and work wisely. No matter how tough things get, it is necessary not to lose sight of one’s responsibilities – in my case, as a wife, mother, learner and employee.”

Nettysara and Zulhilmi are looking forward to the upcoming ceremony in Melaka. The journey has come full circle for them, and their donning the academic robes and mortarboards on that day will be a symbolic representation of their efforts and achievements together.

But the couple are not done just yet. They say: “We are already planning to take up our master’s degrees at OUM too!”

By Tengku Amina Munira ([email protected])

DOUBLE


SEEKING GREATER GLORYThere are two PhD (Business Administration) graduates at this convocation. Both live and work in the Klang Valley. While one is an academic, the other is a national non-governmental organisation leader. Their achievements show that it pays to pursue knowledge, regardless of your background and age. Here are their stories:

He is one of the two PhD graduates who will receive their scrolls at this convocation. The 52-year-old, who enrolled at OUM’s Kuala Lumpur Learning Centre in 2012, will receive

his PhD in the field of Business Administration.

He previously received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (specialising in human resource management) and a Master of Business Administration (specialising in marketing) from the University of Wales, United Kingdom, and Charles Sturt University, Australia, respectively.

For Ganesh, the path towards a PhD is unsurprising, considering his 17-year experience as an academic. He is currently a senior lecturer at a college in Cheras. “I chose to do a PhD because I wanted a step up in my career and thorough exposure to research,” he says.

Ganesh had a clear grasp of what it took to learn in a relatively unconventional way. “A PhD programme goes beyond the learning of basic principles. I focused on making a critical analysis of factors which affect decision-making in business management. This required a special measure of persistence. I also had a clear objective at every level of my studies, which provided me with a sense of stability throughout the programme,” he explains.

Ganesh concludes that he now has a higher level of understanding in his academic profession. Through what he has learned, he can apply statistical methods to management decision-making at his institution – something he believes will have long-term advantages.

The ODL experience also brought with it an opportunity for personal growth. “Getting to know many different people has made me a better person,” he says. “Through my interactions, I have learned to accept advice and comments that I know would help me to improve.”

He credits his parents and supervisors for his success. To him, this achievement signifies a celebration of knowledge. To other PhD candidates, Ganesh says, “Visualise what it means to enrol in a PhD programme. One should see it as something that will not only lead to career success but improve all other aspects of life.”

The rising cost of living is a major concern to a lot of people in our society. Taxes, lack of affordable housing and escalating consumer prices are some of the worries that plague Malaysians. A majority of the working population is relatively young, with equally young families and households. Through overspending and lack of financial planning, many of them end up with financial woes.

For the Chief Executive Officer of the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA), Dato’ Paul Selvaraj Joseph Thamby, this is not simply another news headline. He wanted a deeper understanding of the financial behaviours of young Malaysians so that FOMCA could develop better intervention programmes for them.

“That’s why I chose to enrol at OUM,” he says. “Studies in this specific area are limited and existing programmes have not been successful in encouraging more responsible financial behaviours. I wanted to contribute to a solution that would be useful for relevant practitioners.”

Dato’ Paul, who lives with his wife Datin Marjorie Jane Louis in Selangor, has a background in agribusiness and psychology. Having to juggle the demands of a hectic job and his studies, he says that he experienced plenty of hardships along the way.

“The journey has certainly been tough,” he admits. “There were many frustrating moments but I was often reminded that the study would be extremely relevant to my work.”

Dato’ Paul considers his exposure to PhD research methodology as a powerful learning experience. He is now better equipped to write research proposals and undertake other consumer behaviour studies. He is especially proud of the opportunities he has had to share his research findings.

“I have presented my findings on several occasions, once even attracting the attention of foreign agencies. That was a particularly motivating moment for me,” he shares.

He is determined to translate his learning experience into tangible and practical applications. “I think my research can contribute significantly towards a national financial education strategy that can take a more ecological approach towards changing financial behaviours.”

By Tengku Amina Munira ([email protected])

GANESH RAMASAMY, 52Kuala LumpurSenior Lecturer

DATO’ PAUL SELVARAJ JOSEPH THAMBY, 62

SelangorCEO


OUR MASTERS GRADUATESHAVE THEIR SAY

PRESIDENT’S AWARD (POSTGRADUATE)

Thank you OUM for providing the opportunity for people to further their study through its flexi-ble learning system. The University also gives scholarships to students who excel in their stud-ies. This year, my husband and I were chosen to receive the scholarship. Such scholarships truly benefit deserving students and those who really work hard.

Every little encounter and experience gained at OUM has been enriching and will remain in my memory for life. I never expected my studies to end this fast. I will miss the time spent with friends and facilitators, particularly during seminars. These seminars were ocassions where we got to interact with successful people and be motivated because many of my peers were authorities in their fields. I started viewing things from a different and broader perspective ever since I started taking the postgraduate programme. I hope to be able to spread the knowledge that I have gained for the betterment of future generations. I am thankful that I was able to complete my studies without any hassle and I would like to congratulate fellow graduates on their achievements.

Alhamdulillah! Thanks to Allah for enabling me to complete my masters study. OUM’s flexible learning approach and virtual learning environment made my two-year study a breeze. My gratitude goes to the facilitators and staff of the Sandakan Learning Centre. Thank you also to my family – my beloved mother and husband who encouraged and supported me, and my children who were so understanding. Only Allah can reward them all. I cherished the moments with friends who shared and went through the same struggle, for us to finally achieve success.

Age is no obstacle if you are motivated. Don’t let age hold you back from further study. Set goals, make plans and you may discover that going back to school after the age of 40 is actually the best decision you ever made! OUM’s flexible learning has enabled many of us to continue working while pursuing our studies at the same time. Without such flexibility, it would not have been possible for many of us to be here today. I’m a great example! Thank

you, OUM!

SOH WAN GEOKMaster of Management

Johor

YEW PEI GINMaster of Quality ManagementPenang

SARMILIH AHMAD MUDUSMaster of Human Resource Management

Sabah

ZAHRAWAANI ISMAILMaster of Islamic StudiesPahang


Working and studying at the same time is challenging but not impossible. With grit and determination, and overcoming various hurdles, these graduates are now reaping the fruits of their labour. Read their inspiring journey!

FELICIA DE SOUZA, 25Market Research SurveyorSelangorBachelor of Psychology with HonoursPRESIDENT’S AWARD (UNDERGRADUATE)

“I obtained my Diploma in Hospitality Management in 2012 but it was not my choice programme. I have always wanted to do psychology since secondary school. I finally enrolled in the psychology degree programme at OUM and graduated at the age of 25. Thank you to OUM for this opportunity and for choosing me as the President’s Award recipient. It is indeed an honour and a once-in-a-lifetime achievement. I did not regret pursuing my studies because no one knows what the future holds. It is important that we cherish every moment because life is unpredictable and full of obstacles. But I do believe that if one has faith and persevere, every obstacle is surmountable.”

CHANG PUI KEE, 36TeacherPahangBachelor of Teaching (Primary Education) with Honours

I am incredibly happy because I am finally a graduate. The experience studying at OUM was awesome, with its diverse and well-structured programmes, learned and caring tutors and staff who were always there to help and guide us. My deepest appreciation to the Teacher Education Division of the Ministry of Education for sponsoring my study. I also wish to thank my family and friends for their support.

YONG SIEW IK, 37TeacherSarawak

Bachelor of Teaching (Primary Education) with Honours

I am thankful I was given the opportunity to further my studies at the Sibu Learning Centre. I am also delighted that I could complete my four-year studies with the help of reliable and helpful lecturers. As a teacher, I found studying while working challenging. When the goings got tough, my husband and coursemates motivated and supported me. Those were sweet memories that I had studying at OUM.

WE DID IT!


JULIE SOO SET YEE, 32TeacherSabahBachelor of Teaching (Primary Education) with Honours

I grew up aspiring to study and graduate from a university. Thanks to OUM and the Ministry of Education, I was able to live my dream. In the midst of juggling work and studies, I realised that having a positive mindset and a clear goal are crucial to survive each semester. I would love to dedicate this achievement to my family and the people who have supported me along the way. To me, the convocation is long awaited, and once celebrated, is a milestone.. It is a pat on my shoulder, telling myself, “I have done it!”

NG KOK HOONG, 28TeacherSelangorBachelor of Psychology with Honours

I chose OUM because it is the most suitable university for working adults. The University provides tutorials during weekends, thereby giving me the opportunity to attend classes and learn face to face from tutors. Apart from that, the University’s learning management system, myINSPIRE, enabled me to interact with tutors and coursemates anytime regardless of where I was. I am very proud of my graduation and intend to strive further to attain greater academic success.

PRABUINDRAN KARUPPANAN, 30Teacher

PerakBachelor of Teaching (Primary Education) with Honours

I used to feel low and intimidated when I started working as a teacher. So, I decided to pursue higher studies for self-satisfaction – to feel good about myself. Despite the heavy workload, hardship and unavoidable issues that I faced, I told myself that the children of today need an educator who constantly strives to seek knowledge. This kept me going and I am proud of what I have achieved today.

WONG KAH MIN, 26Banker

Johor Bachelor of Business Administration with Honours

I began my studies at OUM in 2014. I went through a stressful first semester as I was not accustomed to balancing study and work commitment at the same time. I found it hard to do assignments, study and at the same time trying to cope with office work. I felt like giving up but with support from my family and OUM, I persevered. I am happy that I finally achieve my dream of getting a degree. Studying is a never-ending journey. We must continue learning throughout our lives.

WE DID IT!


OUT WITH DOUBTS, IN WITH DELIGHT

FROM THE MALDIVESThey are among scores of students who took up OUM’s programmes through Villa College in the Maldives. The hard work and struggles that they went through have finally borne fruit. Listen to what they have to say.

AMIRUDDIN TAHIR, 25, SelangorDiploma in Management

I chose to study at OUM because of its flexibility and online interaction which are very useful for me as a working adult. Along my rough journey, I had to pay through the nose for my studies, juggle commitments, and study until midnight. I wanted to give up but I believed that good things do not come easily. So, here I am today, graduating with good results. I intend to continue developing my career and have my own business one day.

SARAH ANNE LIM, 22, PenangDiploma in Early Childhood Education

I had doubts about my studies but did not let them get me down. Watching movies helped me in my course and exams as the movie plots and languages were somehow related to my studies. People might think it is a distraction but many of us get through our studies by doing something that we love. I have no goals and never had any. I let life take me wherever I am supposed to go. I believe that even if you have set goals, there will be other things that will come to you and turn out to be better.

WIDAD JALEEL, 34Master of EducationSchoolteacher

I chose to study for my masters at OUM because I wanted an internationally recognised programme related to my field. I was interested in the programme as it was taught by professional and expert lecturers. The programme has enriched my knowledge and allow me to progress academically. After completing my studies, I received offers to work in different colleges. Initially, I was working as a part-time lecturer at Villa College for three years and now I am a science teacher at Kalaafaanu School. My studies have taught me to be more confident and independent. Almost everything that I learned is very valuable. I hope the programme will be useful for me to progress career-wise.

AFAAF MOHAMED SAEED, 25Bachelor of Business Administration

Senior Procurement Officer

I initially studied at a different university and then enrolled in Villa College for OUM’s programme after a year. It was my best academic decision. I enjoyed my studies and gained valuable knowledge. Best of all, I met many new people with whom I have continued to have strong friendships. They have helped me develop a more open personality. I thank Villa College and OUM for making this possible.

RAFEAH ASARI, 47, Johor Diploma in Islamic Studies

I am a full-time housewife with children who are pursuing higher education. It pains me that I could not be a role model for my children because I lack an academic qualification. That was when I decided to get a diploma, which meant that I had to get out of my comfort zone and do something that I was unfamiliar with. Studying online was a great challenge but with the support of family members and strong determination, nothing is impossible.

By Izura Ibrahim ([email protected])


HIDAYAH SYED ABOO TAHIRBachelor of ManagementBeranang

I am on cloud nine thinking about my graduation. Time has flown so fast and the four years at IOC have given me unforgettable memories. I got to know different people, make many friends, grasp a bit about the business world and acquire a variety of knowledge from my lecturers. I am forever grateful to all the lecturers who showed us patience and were passionate in educating us. I would like to express my greatest appreciation to my parents for supporting me along the journey.

Never stop learning because life never stops teaching.

NOOR FAZIRAH MUHAMMAD ASLAMDiploma in Human Resource ManagementPetaling Jaya

I am proud of what I have achieved today. After two and a half years of struggling, all my hard work has paid off. At IOC, we had a small number of students per class which

made interaction between students and lecturers more effective. The lecturers were always available for their students and ensured that they understood their subjects well.

I would like to give credit to my mother who supported and guided me through dark times as well as my friends Yana, Sarah and Maddy for always being at my side and all my lecturers for guiding me. In the future, I wish to take a part-time bachelor’s programme at OUM as I am currently working as a secretary at an insurance company. Thank you to IOC for giving me great memories. I’ve had the time of my life.

MONISHA SURESHBachelor of ManagementKepong

Thank you to all the people who matter in my life and with whom I share my accomplishment – my family, friends and peers. Much gratitude also goes to the wonderful lecturers and administrators who helped me build the person I am today.

Becoming one of the top achievers has made me understand that anything is possible when we take on each new challenge with confidence. My mother, who is a single parent and the family breadwinner, gave me the strength and confidence to keep reaching my goals.

I believe that nothing worthwhile is easy. I would say don’t worry about your grades, results or success. Success is defined in myriad ways and it will come from the knowledge and skills that you master. One of my favourite quotes is by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam who said, “Dream is not that which you see while sleeping, it is something that does not let you sleep.”

Let’s be the best that we can be so that we may fill our lives and the lives of those closest to us with happiness and pride.

Thank You,IOC!

The following are some of our 32 IOC graduates who will be leaving the coop and spreading their wings. We wish them well and hope you will take a minute to read their thoughts about this beautiful moment in their lives.

NURIN DALILAH ANUARDiploma in ManagementKuala Lumpur

Who would have thought that after two years of struggling, I would finish my diploma with flying colours. I have to say diploma life was not easy and I had my ups and downs. I struggled in my fifth semester but I managed to score. I kept my chin up especially when I knew that I was already halfway through. Without perseverance and sacrifice, I could not have achieved what I have now.

I never thought that I would become one of the top scorers, making my parents proud and becoming a role model for other students. I wish to continue my studies to a higher level and with God’s will, one day I will become a successful person in my field. I will never give up until I achieve my dream. I believe that difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.


I chose the Executive Bachelor in Business Administration with specialisation in Human Capital Management programme due to the nature of my job. I am a senior human resource executive at a multi-national company in Selangor. My forte includes recruitment and selection, learning and development, employee engagement, performance management and compensation and benefit besides other human resource administrative and quality management tasks.

Initially, it was challenging for me to manage a full-time job, family, children and parents. However, thanks to the Malaysian Institute of Human Resources Malaysia, where I had earned a professional diploma in human resource management, I have a solid foundation in managing time efficiently. I became more confident as I sailed along each module. The lecturers were quite helpful in conveying knowledge very effectively as well.

There was always a burning desire to complete my studies. The time seemed ripe especially since I am already in my forties. That helped supersede any hurdles or challenges prevalent in my life. My absolute aim was to give my best shot for this degree. I thank my beautiful family and friends, employer, supervisors and peers who often encouraged me and prayed for my success.

I also thank IPD for enabling working professionals like us to continue our studies. It should continue to provide this opportunity for working adults who could not pursue further studies after secondary school due to various reasons. This qualification will add value to my eligibility for any promotion at my current workplace.

I am currently a facilities manager at a company in Kuala Lumpur and my responsibilities include maintaining company facilities and equipment as well as providing a safe and healthy working environment for staff. After completing my Diploma in Business Studies at the Malaysian Institute of Management, I decided to further my studies in the field of building and facilities management as it is closely related to my current job.IPD is doing a great job in enhancing the skills and knowledge of working adults who wish to climb the career ladder. I hope with this qualification, I will be able to elevate my position in the corporate world.

I had a good time with my classmates during classes. We shared our knowledge and working experience until the end of the programme. Good self-discipline was the key to success in ensuring that I completed this journey.

IPD GRADUATES SHARE THEIR TRIUMPH

The Institute of Professional Development is holding its 13th Awards Ceremony a day earlier than the 21st OUM Convocation for the Central Zone. At this graduation, a total of 728 graduates will receive their scrolls. For the four graduates featured here, undertaking a compact and value-laden programme has improved their professional capabilities.

Kudos to all of you! You are now great role models for other executives who seek a better future.

NIRUMALA DEVI R SATHIVELSelangorExecutive Bachelor in Business Administration (Human Capital Management)

CHIN WAI LEONGSelangorExecutive Bachelor in Business Administration (Building and Facilities Management)

By Hidayati Kasuma Abdul Hadi ([email protected])


I am now working as a Coating Inspector Level 2 and Site Safety Supervisor with a company in Bintulu, Sarawak and I hold a Yellow Book issued by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). My primary responsibility is inspecting and reporting the technical aspects of a coating and blasting project and its conformance or deviation from the project specifications. I also supervise scaffolding work and ensure that projects meet the stipulated deadline.

I am happy I took this programme as I gained new knowledge about occupational safety and health. I hope I can use what I have learnt in my current job. I aspire to become a safety health officer in the future.

Before enrolling in the Executive Bachelor in Business Administration programme, I was a computer science diploma holder. I work as a sales force effectiveness manager that requires me to provide background support for the sales teams and distributors all over Malaysia.

Since I was studying part-time, it was rather challenging as I had to make a lot of personal sacrifices, and at the same time I need to focus on my work and family. My classes were held workshop-style in which every module was completed within five weeks followed by a final exam. The tight schedule required every serious learner to attend classes regularly. Honestly, my course mates and I need to give ourselves a pat on the back for making it to the end. It does require a lot of perseverance to sustain this learning path.

IPD did a great job to customise the programme for working adults who missed tertiary study in the past. This programme is a compact version compared to the standard degree offered by universities. It is well-structured and suitable for people like me, who have many years of working experience and want it recognised.

This qualification helped me to accumulate more theoretical knowledge about business administration and also combine both knowledge from my studies and years of work experience into a more structured foundation for my personal development. Having the degree opens up more job and promotion opportunities.

I would like to convey my gratitude to the lecturers who generously shared their knowledge with us and constantly provided guidance. Their sincerity and passion in teaching motivated me to stay focused and study diligently. My course mates also gave me a lot of positive energy to stay put in the programme.

IPD GRADUATES SHARE THEIR TRIUMPH

ESTHER LIM MEI LINKuala LumpurExecutive Bachelor in Business Administration (Business Management)

KAYONG ANAK KAYASarawakIndustrial Executive Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health


Open University Malaysia

Jalan Tun Ismail

50480 Kuala Lumpur

Tel : +603-2773 2121 | +6012-303 9935

Fax : +603-2697 8780

www.oum.edu.my

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