Successful completion
WAWASAN Open University (WOU), a Tier 5 Excellent MQA-rated institution of higher learning, held its 3rd convocation ceremony at the university’s main campus in Penang recently.
The convocation ceremony also witnessed the proclamation of the appointment of Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon as WOU’s first pro-chancellor.
The convocation ceremony saw a total of 365 graduates from various disciplines. They range from 24 to 69 in age.
Of the total graduands, 117 of them came through WOU’s unique Open Entry admission system that takes their work experience into consideration.
All the graduates have successfully completed the rigorous demands of university studies while holding full-time jobs and discharging their family responsibilities.
A mother of two kids and recent Commonwealth Executive Master of Public Administration graduate, Satnam Kaur, 41, encourages women, especially mothers, to upgrade themselves.
“My journey at WOU had left a positive impact on both my children. Having seen their mother working hard towards her studies, they realised that education is important and home-work should be done on time, and they have become avid readers as they see me reading a lot,” added Satnam, who is also a project officer with Right Livelihood College.
She has been involved in international NGO work for the past 12 years.
Some graduates look at the qualification they earned as a passport to promotion.
WOU vice chancellor, Prof Datuk Dr Ho Sinn Chye, meanwhile, welcomed the appointment of Dr Koh as pro-chancellor of WOU.
“Dr Koh is a highly respected leader and educator, and is known for being diligent, far-sighted and for always giving his best to any tasks assigned to him. The management and staff of WOU look forward to his valuable guidance in various aspects related to the devel- opment and advancement of the university,” said Prof Ho.
The convocation also witnessed the conferment of the Honorary Doctor of Letters degree upon the founding general manager of the Penang Development Corporation (PDC), Datuk Seri Chet Singh, 76. He is a special advisor to the current Chief Minister of Penang, and also sits on the board of directors of the Penang Institute and the board of governors of WOU.
The ceremony also saw the award of the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Memorial Prize to the best postgraduate student, Poh Boon Fong, of Penang and the recipient of the Chancellor’s Gold Medal for the best undergraduate is Chan Chu Aik.
Since it began operations in January 2007, WOU has provided learning opportunities to more than 11,000 working adults from different socio-economic background, occupation and age. WOU believes that quality higher education is vital to the development of human resource capacity and asset in this country.
Enrolment for January 2013 intake is now open. Enrol today at WOU through Regular Entry or via WOU’s unique Open Entry Admission System. As a new student, you can apply for the free WOU Study Grant (up to RM600) before Dec 16 to start your study in January 2013.
For details, call the WOU tollfree Careline at 1-300-888-968 (WOU) or visit wou.edu.my today for more details. Do visit the WOU Open Day at the Main Campus and Regional Centres nationwide on Dec 15 and 16.