Education opportunities open to all
SARAVANAN Arumugam did not let his disability stop him from achieving his dreams. The eldest of three siblings, Saravanan says he has always been enthusiastic about education. It was this passion for learning that inspired the 41-year-old to become a two-time graduate at Open University Malaysia (OUM).
“My life revolves around learning and acquiring knowledge for self-improvement and career advancement,” shares Saravanan, who is currently taking an online computer course.
Saravanan was born with a form of cerebral palsy that affects muscle control and coordination, causing muscle stiffness and exaggerated reflexes in the legs.
He underwent major surgery at the age of five and was able to walk, albeit slowly, by the time he was 10. Daily physiotherapy, as well as the support of his family, especially his grandfather, were instrumental to his recovery.
“I am grateful to have such a supportive family. They have always been there for me,” says Saravanan, who works as a manufacturing equipment technician at a multinational IT firm in Bayan Lepas.
Despite his challenges, Saravanan successfully graduated with a Bachelor of Education (Mathematics) in 2016 and went on to complete the Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme in 2018.
“Even though I had already obtained a degree, I went back to the Seberang Jaya Learning Centre to sign up a second time. I was determined to read for a master’s and I found OUM’s learning process practical for working adults like me. The learning materials were also easily accessible. I only had to attend tutorials on weekends, so my working hours weren’t affected,” he explains.
OUM has been at the forefront of open and distance learning since its inception in 2000. It strives to provide education to everyone through an accessible, affordable and flexible approach that leverages a blended pedagogy comprising e-learning, face-to-face tutorials and self-study.
Its learning management system, myINSPIRE, provides round-the-clock access to learning materials. Learners can interact with their tutors and peers in online forums. Also available are various learning resources to facilitate teaching and learning, including PDF modules, video lectures, e-books and digital library resources.
OUM emphasises affordability tuition that is comparable to other local institutions. The university also offers bursaries and discounts to eligible individuals, including senior citizens and the physically disabled.
Saravanan is one of many who have benefited from the 50% fee discount given to the physically disabled.
“The discount was a big help as it eased my financial burden while also enabling me to fulfil my dream of getting an MBA.”
Like Saravanan, applicants for undergraduate programmes need not come all the way to OUM’s main campus in Kuala Lumpur to enrol. With 33 learning centres nationwide, the university ensures that its programmes are readily available. All learning centres are in strategic locations and equipped with facilities for an environment conducive to learning.
“The tutors and staff are friendly and helpful. I could always count on them when I needed assistance. The eight years I spent learning and completing both a bachelor’s and master’s degree at OUM was definitely meaningful,” he concludes.
OUM emphasises affordability through tuition that is comparable to other local institutions. The university also offers bursaries and discounts to eligible individuals, including senior citizens and the physically disabled.