OUM’s winning traits
OUM has enabled the university to flourish in these areas.
Miti introduced the AKI in 1991 to celebrate the best of the best in the industry. The award is useful in preparing an organisation to scale greater heights by encouraging enhancements in management practices, leading to improvements in the quality of products and services.
The rebranded award uses the Business Excellence Framework, a key tool of reference to enhance organisational productivity.
The framework was developed to include key components of a wellmanaged organisation. Some of the components it addresses are leadership, planning, information, customers, people, processes and results.
“The selection criteria for each category are tight. OUM was invited by Miti to bid for the award and was requested to present our profit and loss accounts, quality of teaching methodology, and enrolment and organisational ability,” says Prof Anuwar.
Making lifelong learning accessible
As a pioneer open and distance-learning (ODL) institution in the country, the university introduced the blended mode of learning that constitutes self-learning through printed modules and online learning resources, face-to-face tutorials and online discussion forums.
Over the years, many began to see the merits of studying through ODL, particularly working adults.
“We believe in lifelong learning and second chances. Currently, our learner composition is wide-ranging, from office workers, teachers and home-makers to police and army officers, nurses and even prison inmates,” says Prof Anuwar.
A critical element to OUM’s success in attracting students is its flexible learning and entry modes that allow those with minimum PMR qualifications to take up higher studies on the basis of their prior learning experience.
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• First ODL university in the country More than 150,000 students to date More than 57,000 graduates to date 34 learning centres nationwide Present in 10 countries across Asia, Africa and Europe First university in Malaysia with learning material on iTunes U Course materials on OUM App Only ODL university to provide modules Owns the buildings in which its learning centres are located so they can be equipped with facilities that meet the needs of its learners
He adds that with this alternative route, all levels of society are now able to pursue higher education, which is in line with the university’s philosophy to democratise education.
Additionally, with 34 learning centres throughout the country, students no longer have to travel far to attend classes.
The convenient access to education in OUM includes a financial aspect. With regard to fees, Prof Anuwar says, “Even though we are a private university, our fees are comparable to, if not cheaper than, other institutions of higher learning.”
Prof Anuwar does not waver from his stand that OUM endeavours to bring education to all.
“If there is a significant population of working adults with an interest in furthering their education without having to leave their jobs or worry about an age limit, we want to reach out to them as we plan to set up more learning centres in new townships throughout the country,” he adds.
For more information, visit www.oum.edu.my