Learning knows no limitations
OPEN University Malaysia (OUM) held its 22nd Convocation on Sept 22 and 23 at Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur.
The event celebrated the graduation of more than 2,500 learners across various disciplines and levels of study.
Overall, there were 10 PhD, 770 master’s degree, 1,459 bachelor’s degree, 55 postgraduate diploma, 233 diploma and three executive diploma recipients.
The ceremony witnessed the conferment of the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Arts (Films) to prolific filmmaker, Datuk Yusof Haslam, in recognition of his contribution to the Malaysian film industry.
Graced by Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik, the first session also saw the presentation of the President’s Award to Emily Wong Oi Yan and Muhammad Saufi Firdaus Sabudin, who were honoured for their outstanding academic performance in the undergraduate and postgraduate categories respectively.
Another notable graduate was Muhamad Ismail, who graduated with a Master of Islamic Studies. The 71-year-old headmaster was honoured with the Lifelong Learning Award, which lauds the achievement of outstanding graduates aged 65 and above.
“I would like to thank OUM for the learning opportunity and for honouring me with this award. I really believe in lifelong learning. Everyone should be bold in the pursuit of knowledge,” says Muhamad.
Muhamad’s achievement is a testament to the value of lifelong dedication to learning, be it for personal or professional growth.
Another graduate, Dr Purushothaman Ravichandran, also proved that learning will always be a worthwhile cause. Already a PhD (Education) holder, he received his second doctorate in information technology.
“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,” says Dr Purushothaman.
Three graduates from Sekolah Integriti Kajang were also conferred their bachelor’s degrees and diploma. Their success is a result of OUM’s ongoing collaboration with the Malaysian Prison Department, which gives incarcerated individuals the chance to further their studies behind bars.
OUM has cumulatively enrolled 68 inmates in various programmes at prisons in Kajang, Kota Kinabalu and Bentong. Thus far, 12 of them have graduated.
The two-day event also included the 7th Convocation of the International Open College, where 54 graduates received their bachelor’s degrees and diplomas.
In the afternoon session on Sept 23, the 14th Awards Ceremony of the Institute of Professional Development (IPD) was held for more than 500 award recipients, which included awarding the certified professional master’s to 20 veterans of the entertainment industry.
Although not the equivalent of a master’s degree, these certificates provide recognition of the expertise and experience of these outstanding individuals.
The highlight of the IPD ceremony was the conferment of the Meritorious Award to veteran actor Datuk Ahmad Tamimi Siregar Kamaruddin for his commitment and passion in the development of human capital within the creative industry.
Since its establishment in 2000, OUM has set its vision to become a leading provider of open and distance learning.
By leveraging on accessible, affordable and flexible modes of learning, OUM believes in providing access to higher education for everyone, regardless of age, creed, background or location.
In total, OUM has more than 75,000 graduates. Its alumni include celebrities such as Soo Wincci and Vanidah Imran, as well as professionals, entrepreneurs, uniformed personnel, senior citizens and the physically disabled.