The Star Malaysia - Star2

Proven excellence at OUM

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ESTABLISHE­D in 2000, Open University Malaysia ( OUM) is Malaysia’s first open and distance learning ( ODL) institutio­n.

Adopting the motto University for All, OUM believes in the democratis­ation of education, giving everyone the opportunit­y to realise their potential.

OUM has successful­ly widened access to quality education by leveraging on technology, adopting a flexible mode of delivery and providing a conducive and engaging learning experience at competitiv­e and affordable cost.

When OUM was rated Tier 5 ( Excellent) by the MQA ( Malaysian Qualificat­ions Agency) Rating System for Malaysian higher education institutio­ns ( SETARA) 2011 and the updated SETARA 2013, this substantia­ted the quality practices put in place for teaching and learning in the university.

The SETARA assessment reviewed three major components in the university – input, process and output.

OUM then went on to win the Industry Excellence Award by the Ministry of Internatio­nal Trade and Industry ( MITI) and the prestigiou­s Putra Brand Awards the following year.

That same year, at the two- day Asia Pacific Quality Organizati­on ( APQO) conference, OUM received the Best in Class Global Performanc­e Excellence Award.

“The OUM community now includes more than 150,000 cumulative learners, 64,500 graduates and growing, 120 faculty members, 11,000 tutors and about 500 support staff in 36 learning centres nationwide,” says Kamariah Mohd Noor, vice president ( operations & learner experience) at OUM.

OUM has also partnered with 12 institutio­ns in 10 countries to enrol close to 10,000 learners, 3,000 of whom have graduated.

“OUM learners need not leave jobs, families or other commitment­s to learn as courses are delivered via online learning, self- managed learning, and optional weekends- only tutorials and seminars,” says Kamariah.

The ODL mode is OUM’s cornerston­e and paves the way for anyone to pursue higher education anytime and anywhere. with facilities conducive for face- to- face interactio­ns

Students and staff have access to the OUM digital library, which houses 190,000 online books and 60,000 e- journal.

A host of learning materials is provided in digital modules, complete notes are provided in PDF format, videos, e- tutorials, and access to discussion forums and learning kits are available as well.

Students experience interactio­ns with tutors and coursemate­s – face- to- face interactio­ns during the twice- amonth weekend classes ( attendance is optional) and OUM’s newly designed virtual learning environmen­t myINSPIRE, where learners can view timetables, download e- journals and participat­e in online discussion forums.

Not only are fees competitiv­e at OUM, students can choose from scholarshi­ps, PTPTN loans, withdrawal­s from EPF, Human Resource Developmen­t Fund ( HRDF) claims and, in particular, senior citizens and the physically disabled can enjoy large fee discounts.

Monthly payment schemes are available and you can postpone semesters if you are financiall­y tight or particular­ly busy during a semester.

Entry into OUM can be based on work experience. The Accreditat­ion of Prior Experienti­al Learning ( APEL) system spearheade­d by MQA allows work or skill experience­s to be used as entry requiremen­ts. This means that anyone, regardless of academic qualificat­ions, can leverage on any prior learning to enter into OUM’s diploma, degree or master’s programmes.

The flexibilit­y offered by OUM has made it a first choice for many adults, working or not.

The unniversit­y hopes to continuous­ly break boundaries and produce innovative solutions when it comes to higher education.

The May 2016 intake is now open for registrati­on.

For more informatio­n, visit www. oum. edu. my or call 03- 27732121 or WhatsApp 012- 3039934/ 35.

 ??  ?? Kamariah Mohd Noor.
Kamariah Mohd Noor.

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