A revamped graduate centre
POSTGRADUATE learners at Open University Malaysia (OUM) will discover that changes are taking place at the university.
The Kuala Lumpur Learning Centre has been recently renamed OUM Graduate Centre (OUMGC), a move that is in line with the shift in leadership.
Dr Gurcharan Singh Bishen Singh (pic) has been appointed as the new director of OUMGC effective Aug 1.
A seasoned academic with 30 years of experience, Dr Gurcharan joined OUM as programme director for the Master of Education (MEd). He received his Doctor of Education from University of Birmingham, United Kingdom, specialising in educational leadership.
He spent most of his career at the Education Ministry as an educational leadership trainer at Institut Aminuddin Baki, where he made major contributions, including leading the development of the National Professional Qualification for Educational Leaders.
Dr Gurcharan says, “OUMGC is the hub for postgraduate studies across Malaysia, particularly the Klang Valley since it is the only learning centre where master’s and PhD programmes are offered.”
He adds that OUMGC will expand its role to include improved coordination of postgraduate studies for all learners throughout Malaysia. Under his leadership, Dr Gurcharan wants to ensure proactive engagement with learners and facilitators.
“I will be personally engaging with them right from the first seminar. This is one way we can ensure learners enjoy great service and support from day one until they complete their studies,” he says.
OUMGC will focus on more structured and organised seminars, talks and workshops covering areas such as academic writing, research and soft skills development.
The centre will also add value to learners’ experience by hosting events where they can present research findings and obtain feedback from experts.
With respect to lecturers and facilitators, OUM only hires experienced individuals who pass the stringent selection process to ensure that learners receive enough support and guidance throughout their studies.
“We are putting our hearts and minds into it. As the director, my main concern is to provide quality services so that learners enjoy the process of acquiring knowledge and studying here with us and among their peers.”
Dr Gurcharan also maintains his role as the programme director for MEd. He shares, “I will be introducing School Leadership as a subject matter that is suitable for leaders in schools. We want to provide a platform for them to obtain a master’s degree that is relevant to their workplace.”
For the current September intake, OUMGC is re-offering the Master of Quality Management (MQM) programme.
According to MQM programme director Dr Raziana Che Aziz, “OUM academics have collaborated with experts from Sirim STS Sdn Bhd in the development of the programme and learning materials. This is to ensure that the programme will be able to produce competent graduates who are sought after by employers.”
As a senior faculty member at OUM, Dr Raziana has vast experience in quality management. She has also been appointed as an internal auditor for the Malaysian Association of Distance Education, member of the Board of Studies of MQM and internal auditor for OUM.
Dr Raziana explains that MQM graduates will receive credentials upon passing Sirim assessment tests. The credentials include Certified Quality Manager, Certified Quality Professional, Total Quality Fast Track Model and Certified Lead Auditor.
For more information on MQM and other postgraduate programmes offered at OUMGC, call 03-2773 2121 or e-mail enquiries@oum.edu.my
OUMGC will focus on more structured and organised seminars, talks and workshops covering areas such as academic writing, research and soft skills development. The centre will also add value to learners’ experience by hosting events where they can present research findings and obtain feedback from experts. Dr Gurcharan Singh Bishen Singh