graduating class of 2018! -...

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SEPTEMBER 2018

Congratulations,Graduating Class of 2018!

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FIRST WORDS

06A CUT ABOVE

07HONORARY DEGREE FOR FILM PRODUCER

08DEAN OBTAINS A SECOND PHD

09EX-STEWARDESS FLIES HIGH AGAIN, WITH A MASTER’S

10BATTLING THE ODDS AND WINNING...A BACHELOR’S DEGREE

12VETERAN ACTOR RECEIVES IPD MERITORIOUS AWARD

13IOC = I OVERCAME CHALLENGES!

14WORK & STUDY THE OUM WAY

11TRIO THRILLED TO RECEIVE A DIPLOMA

ChancellorYABhg Tun Jeanne Abdullah Pro ChancellorYBhg Tan Sri Azman Hashim Editorial TeamAdvisorYBhg Prof Dato’ Dr Mansor FadzilPresident/Vice-Chancellor

Chief EditorKamariah Mohd NoorVice President (Operations and Learner Experience) EditorsRahmah DaudSenior Manager, Centre for Corporate Communication

Azeezah Jameelah Mohamed MohideenAssistant Manager, Centre for Corporate Communication Tengku Amina Munira Tengku Mohd Azzman ShariffadeenAssistant Manager, Centre for Corporate Communication

Layout ArtistSharifah Zaharah Syed HusseinGraphic Designer, Centre for Corporate Communication

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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32 OUMeducation September 2018OUMeducation September 2018

We once again have the pleasure of celebrating the success of our learners, at the 22nd OUM Convocation, 7th IOC Convocation and 14th IPD Awards Ceremony. This joyous triple event will witness the graduation of learners in various fields and programmes.

On behalf of the management and staff, I offer our heartiest congratulations to all of you.

Convocations are a special but not uncommon event in a university’s calendar. Over the last 14 years, we have seen more than 73,000 learners successfully cap their studies as graduates. We hope many more will follow suit in the coming years.

One theme that emerges time and again during the convocation season is a sentiment of gratitude for family members who have made our graduates’ dreams a reality. Without sacrifice, understanding and support from those closest to us, achieving

anything could seem next to impossible.

Thus, I would like to dedicate this momentous event to the husbands and wives, children and parents, siblings, companions and all loved ones who have been a part of our graduates’ journey. As you proudly walk up to the stage to receive your scroll, remember to let them know that you appreciate all that they have done for you.

With your families’ love and support, I hope all our graduates will make learning a truly lifelong endeavour. Let the words of author Anthony Brandt inspire you:

“Other things may change us, but we start and end with the family.”

Congratulations again on your success!

CLASS OF 2018Will Be Receiving Their Scrolls

Where: Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala LumpurWhen: 22-23 September 2018 (Saturday-Sunday)

Come to the edge, he said.We can’t, we’re afraid! they responded.

Come to the edge, he said.We can’t, We will fall! they responded.

Come to the edge, he said.And so they came.

And he pushed them.And they flew.

- Guillaume Apollinaire

OPEN UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA

Levels GraduatesPhD 10Master 770Postgraduate Diploma 55Bachelor 1,459Diploma 233Executive Diploma 3Total 2,530

INTERNATIONAL OPEN COLLEGE

Programmes GraduatesBachelor of Management 6Diploma in Human Resource Management 14Diploma in Management 11Diploma in Accounting 4Diploma in Mass Communication 3Executive Diploma in Early Childhood Education 16Total 54

INSTITUTE OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Number of Programmes 60Number of Graduates 581

*Correct at time of printing


The Convocation will see two graduates receiving the President’s Award for their outstanding academic performance at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. A graduate aged more than 65 who has excelled academically will be conferred the Lifelong Learning Award. These are their stories.

By Izyan Diyana Merzuki ([email protected])

A CUT ABOVE HONORARY DEGREE FOR FILM PRODUCER

This Convocation will see prolific filmmaker, Datuk Yusof Haslam, being conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Arts (Films). The award will be presented in recognition of his exemplary success and contributions to the film industry as an actor, film producer and entrepreneur.

Born as Md Yusof bin Md Aslam in Kuala Lumpur on 24 April 1954, Datuk Yusof was the fourth of seven children in his family. He received his schooling at Sekolah Kebangsaan Polis Depoh and Sekolah Aminuddin Baki in Kuala Lumpur. Starting his working life as a bus conductor, he tried various jobs before entering the world of acting and rising to become an icon in the Malaysian film industry.

Datuk Yusof started acting in television dramas in 1970. Then in 1974, he received an offer from Shaw Brothers, where he worked for three years. He starred in several notable movies, one of which was Laksamana Do Re Mi, directed by legendary entertainer, the late Tan Sri P Ramlee.

After his stint at Shaw Brothers, he began working for the late Tan Sri Jins Shamsuddin’s production company, where he acted in the movie, Tiada Esok Bagimu. He also joined fellow artistes, Latif Ibrahim and Hail Amir, in organising performances around the country. Apart from these, he worked as a car salesman, operated eateries and tried his hand at other jobs.

Datuk Yusof’s involvement in the film industry deepened as he ventured into script writing, directing and producing. He has acted in 31 films and directed 13 features, all of which have been well-received by the cinematic audience. In addition, he has produced several popular television drama series such as Remang-remang Kota Raya, Roda-roda Kota Raya and Gerak Khas.

Datuk Yusof’s brilliance as an actor has been acknowledged through awards such as the following:• 1984 – Best Supporting Actor award at the Malaysian Film

Festival for the film, Mekanik;• 1993 – Ahli Mangku Negara medal; and• 2001 – Panglima Jasa Negara medal, which carries the title

“Datuk”.

In 1985, he established his own film production house known as Skop Productions. To date, it has produced more than 40 films and several television programmes. He was given the moniker, the Six Million Dollar Man, when one of his productions, Sembilu II, earned RM6.1million at the box office. This achievement was unprecedented as no other Malay language film had grossed such earnings before.

His television series, Gerak Khas, was acknowledged by the Malaysia Book of Records as the longest running local television series based on the police force.

Datuk Yusof has also established several other companies, such as Haslam Trading, Haslam Properties, Skop Publishing and Skop Audio Visual Enterprise. In his continuous pursuit of excellence, he has attained remarkable success as a film actor, drama and film producer, as well as an entrepreneur.

He and his wife, YBhg Datin Fatimah Ismail, have four children, two of whom have also made names for themselves in the film industry, proving that their father’s talent also runs in their blood.

By Azeezah Jameelah Mohamed Mohideen ([email protected])

PRESIDENT’S AWARD - UNDERGRADUATEEMILY WONG OI YAN, 25MELAKABachelor of Occupational Safety and Health Management with Honours

I chose this University because I wanted to study and work at the same time. I had an enjoyable learning experience, though it was stressful at times due to examinations. Nevertheless, I never gave up and always tried my best. I’m very excited about the convocation and the sense of accomplishment feels great! I never thought of receiving the President’s Award because I just tried to do my best in assignments and examinations. I was actually motivated by OUM learners who were still pursuing their studies even in old age. Be brave in pursuing your dreams and goals. Always remember that your family and friends will continuously support and motivate you.

PRESIDENT’S AWARD - POSTGRADUATEMUHAMMAD SAUFI FIRDAUS SABUDIN, 28SABAHMaster of Education

Learning at OUM was exciting and memorable with a lot of support from lecturers and digital resources which could be easily accessed anywhere. The modules and books were readily available in soft copy, which made it easy for me to read at my convenience via mobile phone or laptop computer. No matter how difficult the assignments or tasks were, I could do them and complete my master’s with the blessings and support of my parents and family. I am honoured to be the recipient of such a prestigious accolade. I am excited yet nervous about graduation day.

LIFELONG LEARNING AWARDMUHAMMAD BIN ISMAIL, 71JOHORMaster of Islamic Studies

As the headmaster of Sekolah Menengah Agama Darul Ulum, I felt the need to improve myself and be more dynamic and well-versed. I struggled with the project paper and had to rewrite it a few times before it was accepted. Nonetheless, support from my family, especially my children, eased the pressure. I also enjoyed befriending younger course mates from whom I learnt a lot. I couldn’t be more grateful that I have obtained my master’s after studying for more than two years. Praise to the Almighty for this achievement. I would like to thank OUM for the learning opportunity and for honouring me with the award. I really believe in lifelong learning. Everyone should be bold in the pursuit of knowledge.


Jude Stephen @ Judy Mingkong has made quite the career leap.

Decades ago, she traversed the skies as a stewardess with Malaysia Airlines. She now works as a corporate executive, managing finance and human resources at a corporation in Kota Kinabalu.

She enrolled in the first cohort of the Master of Psychology (MPSY) programme in 2016, right after she had completed her bachelor’s degree in the same field. This convocation will be the second time she dons the robe as an OUM graduate.

“Psychology is such a fascinating area of study,” says Jude, 50. “It touches all aspects of life. Who we are, what we will be, how we interact with others – these are all things that psychology can help you to better understand. It was especially enlightening to learn about personality formation and influences on behaviour.”

“MPSY was perfect for my job. Besides making me a better communicator, it also gave me critical thinking skills and insight into human development. All these helped me cope with the multifaceted aspects of human resources,” she explains.

Jude, who hails from Penampang, a district in Sabah, enrolled via accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL). She used her work experience to gain admission. Like other working adults, she knew studying while working wasn’t going to be easy.

“It’s a tall order to be a wife, mother, employee and learner all at once. But with determination, discipline and perseverance, any obstacle can be overcome. My basic rule

is this: take advantage of any free time you have. I carried my notes and read everywhere, even while waiting for food to be served!”

“I was looking forthe perfect learning partner, and I found it in OUM,” she adds.“The staff, supervisors and lecturers

were always helpful and supportive. This is definitely a university that understands the

needs of working adults like me.”

Although her flying days are over, the mother of two daughters continues to keep tabs on the aviation industry. In fact, her master’s project involved studying the correlation between occupational stress, job satisfaction and

performance among airline cabin crew.

Throughout her studies, she often travelled to Kuala Lumpur to attend seminars at the

Kuala Lumpur Learning Centre. There were occasional bumps, but Jude feels that OUM staff often

went out of their way to help her.

“Once, a mistake in timetabling left my peers and me in the lurch as we had already made travel plans to Kuala Lumpur. Our lecturer came to teach us on his day off, even though no class was scheduled. It was reassuring to know that at OUM, learners’ welfare always comes first.”

Her master’s degree may already be in the bag, but Jude is not done yet. She has just signed up for the PhD (Arts) programme.

“A friendly, approachable and supportive attitude among staff and lecturers makes this university a great place to study,” she concludes. “With OUM, I know I’m placing my future in the hands of the right institution.”

By Tengku Amina Munira ([email protected])

Ex-Stewardess Flies High Again, With a Master’s

For many, formal education ends after a first degree. Some might take a few extra steps towards a postgraduate qualification. A select few will vow never to stop, no matter how far they go.

Dr Purushothaman Ravichandran is one of the select few.

With more than 30 years of experience as an academic under his belt, Dr Ravichandran already has a string of degrees, including a PhD in Education, specialising in pedagogical leadership. He is also a familiar face at OUM, having been a tutor for the Master of Instructional Design and Technology programme for several years.

At the 22nd Convocation, he is one of the three PhD graduates in the field of information technology.

Today, Dr Ravichandran works as the Dean at the Centre of Postgraduate Studies at a university college in Wangsa Maju. Although he is originally from Salem, a city in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, he and his family have called Malaysia home for the last 17 years.

It would appear that he has everything sorted out in life. So why commit to a second PhD?

“I didn’t plan to sign up for another doctorate, but when I had a chance meeting with OUM’s President/Vice-Chancellor and several other academics, I changed my mind.They were very enthusiastic and motivated me to do so,” the 54-year-old explains.

Although he identifies as a lecturer, Dr Ravichandran wears several other hats too. Among others, he is a learning management system developer, author, trainer, curriculum designer and external examiner for PhD candidates.

You would think that reading for a PhD would be tough for someone with such a busy schedule. But the seasoned researcher was not fazed by the challenge.

“Three things stood out to me while I was an OUM learner. Supervisors were always friendly and approachable, the Digital Library was a treasure trove of resources, and lastly, the learner support system was one of the best in the country.”

To obtain his PhD, Dr Ravichandran conducted a research project entitled, “Developing a Student Model for an Intelligent Tutoring System”. The project focused on designing a system that combines the use of neural networks and psychometric testing to accurately evaluate learner performance.

Now armed with his second PhD and an in-depth knowledge of computing technology for learner assessment, Dr Ravichandran hopes to return to his tutoring roots at OUM.

“As a learner, I enjoyed presenting my research findings at conferences and conducting seminars in e-learning. But now that I have graduated, I would like to contribute as one of the teaching staff again,” he concludes.

By Tengku Amina Munira ([email protected])

Dean Obtains a Second PhD

The learner support system is one of the best in

the country.


More than 200 graduates will be receiving their diploma at this convocation. Three of them share their experience with us.

MOHD FADHILAH DAUD@ABDULLAH, 33SelangorDiploma in Information Technology

Studying at OUM was a very interesting experience. Since it was part time, I faced a lot of challenges. However, I was not deterred and completed my studies with the help of experienced lecturers and tutors. The learning experience and knowledge that I have obtained are both valuable to me in enhancing the quality and performance of my work.


TRIO THRILLED TO RECEIVE A DIPLOMA

A bachelor’s degree is your ticket to better job opportunities and higher pay. With a bachelor’s degree, you are far less likely to be unemployed than people with only a secondary school qualification. And you are more likely to have a job that provides health and retirement benefits, giving you a better quality of life.

This Convocation, more than 1,400 individuals will be receiving their bachelor’s degree. Among them are these three graduates from different parts of the country.


BATTLING THE ODDS AND WINNING...A BACHELOR’S DEGREE

I’m nervous and very happy all at once for my graduation day. The hard work I put in has finally paid off. I never thought of becoming one of the top achievers as my target was to just pass. I found the modules well-designed and most importantly, career relevant and suit my personal interest. The programme has sharpened my time management, teamwork, communication and computer skills. I’m more confident. In fact, my life has become more wonderful and meaningful after completing the degree.

CHUA HOON TENG, 51Kedah

Bachelor of Accounting with Honours

ELAVENY KESAVAN, 37Kuala Lumpur

Bachelor of Accounting with Honours

Some people laughed at me for deciding to further my studies at my age. I took their mockery as motivation to succeed. The accounting programme, which I started studying in 2013, really helps me in my career. Though it was tough juggling studies, work and married life, I overcame all obstacles with support from my husband and lecturers. Studying at OUM has helped boost my confidence. There’s no age limit in the pursuit of higher education. The only thing that matters is strong determination to go for it.

CHEONG BOON HOW, 24Pahang

Bachelor of Business Administration with Honours

Studying at OUM enabled me to work and study at the same time. Achieving a balance was not easy in the first few semesters. However, the tutors and staff were very helpful in helping me to adapt to OUM’s learning mode. Pursuing a degree has taught me to be more responsible while improving my self-control and time management skills. In my opinion, time management and effective planning are vital in order to achieve great results in life.

HASRUL NIZAM AHMAD, 33KedahDiploma in Information Technology

The programme was very beneficial to my career as a system administrator. I even developed a system for my final project, which is particularly useful for the Royal Signals Regiment. I am very grateful to OUM, my lecturers and friends who helped me a lot in my studies. I received a lot of guidance and support from them. I would love to further my studies again at OUM if the opportunity arises.

SITI MARIAM NYATA, 40Negeri SembilanDiploma in Islamic Studies with Education

After almost 11 years of teaching, I still had no professional qualification in education. This was the reason I chose to enrol for a diploma at OUM. The programme gave me interesting ideas in teaching. I can share my knowledge with my students and apply the right teaching methods in class. I’m very happy to graduate with distinction and most importantly, I get to fulfil my late father’s wish. I had a wonderful learning experience. I would like to thank OUM as well as my husband, family and friends.


Graduation is a grand achievement. These past years of studying have gone in just a blink of an eye and these IOC graduates have their whole life ahead of them. Let’s hear them out.


IOC = I OVERCAME CHALLENGES!


SITI NUR AZYYATI ARFAN RAHIMI, 24Selangor

Bachelor of Management

Words cannot describe how ecstatic I am about my convocation. I’m so thankful that IOC gave me the opportunity to grow into the individual that I am today. I have developed the necessary skills to enter the working world. The lecturers made tremendous effort to meet our needs and help us build a great future for both our work and lives. It was a fruitful journey as I learnt to be open and adaptive, ready to face and overcome challenges that may come in future. I believe I will achieve success with perseverance and tenacity.

NORIWANI ZULKIFLI, 21TerengganuDiploma in Human Resource Management

Studying at IOC was a combination of joys and hardships. I have learnt both theoretical and practical aspects which helped a lot to sharpen my skills in my field of study. I faced many challenges but these did not stop me from achieving my dream goal. Being one of the top achievers is a dream came true. I’m very grateful and lucky to have the support of my lecturers, friends and especially my family throughout my studies. I’m so excited about graduation day!

NUR SYAKIRA AIMAN NOR ENSHAM, 21Kuala Lumpur

Diploma in Accounting

Convocation day is the day I can make my parents proud of my achievement. I’m still in disbelief that I’m one of the top scorers. However, I’m proud of myself for what I have achieved throughout my studies. It has made me more disciplined and independent. Practicality and flipped learning are the two things I love about IOC. I did a lot of hands-on assignments and activities which prepared me for the working environment. There were times when I was at my lowest and became stressed out over studies but with advice from my lecturers and parents, I managed to get back on my feet.

At the 14th IPD Awards Ceremony on 23 September, a veteran actor with more than 40 years’ experience in the entertainment industry, Dato’ Ahmad Tamimi Siregar Kamaruddin, will receive the IPD Meritorious Award. This award is conferred upon individuals who have strong commitment and passion in the development of human capital through the enculturation of lifelong learning.

One of the most common faces in Malay movies and television dramas, Dato’ Ahmad Tamimi is now a Deputy Chairman at the Creative Content Industry Guild Malaysia (CCIG). This non-governmental organisation enables individuals in the creative industry to enhance their skills through academic and training programmes.

Beginning this year, CCIG and IPD have begun collaborating to improve the professionalism of various entertainment industry personnel such as actors, producers, cinematographers, make-up artists, production managers, script writers and animators.

Most of these creative personnel have been active in the industry without proper qualifications, as a result of which they are unable to demand higher salaries from production houses. Through their partnership, IPD and CCIG have opened the door for them to upgrade their knowledge and obtain a recognised qualification.

The Meritorious Award will be presented to Dato’ Ahmad Tamimi in recognition of his efforts at CCIG to promote lifelong learning among the younger generation in the creative industry.

Dato’ Ahmad Tamimi, who was born in Perak in 1950 became a singer at weddings and other functions at the tender age of 16. From singing, he went on to dancing and even took part in competitions, before progressing to acting. He starred in several memorable films and also became actively involved in television programmes. His talent has been recognised with several national awards since the 1970s. He maintained a day job all the while, first at the income tax department and then at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

He did not lose sight of the importance of academic achievement and in 1992, obtained a bachelor’s degree in filming and performing arts. He then returned to work at the Theatre Development Division at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. He received fellowships to study theatre arts in Tokyo and Manhattan.

It was also in 1992 that Dato’ Ahmad Tamimi began trying his hand at directing. His foray into the world of directing was also successful, with his first drama winning several awards. This was the moment which led him to seriously consider a career in directing even though at the time, he held the position of Deputy Director-General at the National Theatre. The same year, he was awarded the Best Television Personality as the host of a morning talk show, Selamat Pagi Malaysia.

Having served as a civil servant for 27 years, he opted for early retirement in 1997 and began dedicating his time completely to the arts. Today, at 68, Dato’ Ahmad Tamimi’s passion in the arts has not waned and he continues to act as well as share his knowledge with fellow artistes.

Veteran Actor Receives IPD Meritorious Award


A handful of OUM staff will be receiving their scrolls at this convocation. They are excellent proof that OUM doesn’t only preach lifelong learning but also practises it.

Says the mother of five children aged 9 to 17, “The PGDT is relevant to my current responsibility as the Programme Director for the Diploma in Islamic Studies with Education programme. I am also involved in the development of assessment materials.

“I would encourage academics from different backgrounds to pursue the PGDT. It teaches us about modern teaching skills and techniques and how to be real educators.”

She is another PhD holder who took up the PGDT programme at the same time.

Dr Khairul Hamimah Mohammad Jodi, 43


Work & Study the OUM Way

Dr Hamidah (second from right) with her family.

She is the Programme Director for the Master of Islamic Studies programme in the Cluster of Education and Social Sciences. She is also the wife of our Education Minister, Dr Maszlee Malik. Together, they have four children aged 9 to 18. Although she already had a PhD, she enrolled in the Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching (PGDT) programme in January 2017. She was motivated by its focus on educational theories, which she felt could help her make the learning process more interesting.

“We would never know our limits until we try. I did my masters and PhD while continuing to work as a lecturer. Alhamdulillah, I had the best support from my beloved husband and all my children. The best thing a mother can do is to inspire her children and prove that there is no limit to education.”

Dr Hamidah Mat, 42

He believes that the more we learn, the more knowledge we will continue to seek. Motivated to pursue a better life here and in the hereafter, he undertook the Bachelor of Islamic Studies (Islamic Management) programme.

Azizan Yaakub, 43

A security guard at the OUM Main Campus in Kuala Lumpur, Azizan was delighted to meet course mates from diverse backgrounds, even celebrities, in his quest to improve himself.

“My family and working environment fired up my spirits to study. I also wanted to spur my four children to keep striving and not give in to age.”


graduating class of 2018! -...

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