Scholarships for deserving students
EVERYONE knows that university education does not come cheap. In a 2017 article, a local newspaper reported that it costs about RM3,500 a year to study at a public university in Malaysia. At private higher education institutions, it costs RM25,000 in tuition fees alone.
These figures are expected to increase in the near future, especially considering rising inflation rates and cost of living.
For those within the bottom 40% (B40) income group, any kind of financial assistance can make a difference in helping them achieve their higher education dreams.
As a university that champions the democratisation of education, Open University Malaysia (OUM) aspires to make higher education a reality for anyone who seeks it. One way the university demonstrates its concern for the welfare of its learners is by providing scholarships to deserving individuals who enrol at OUM.
In addition to affordable tuition fees, OUM has provided bursaries to a large number of high-achieving learners and those deserving of assistance since its establishment in 2000.
Starting next year, OUM will provide Rm2mil in scholarships to eligible new learners in all undergraduate programmes.
OUM president and vice-chancellor Prof
Datuk Dr Mansor Fadzil says, “The reason for introducing this new scholarship scheme is to open the door for more Malaysians to study with OUM. This special initiative is also to commemorate our 20th anniversary next year.”
An estimated 300 learners will be receiving scholarships beginning the January 2020 semester. Recipients will get financial assistance in the form of a 50% tuition fee discount for their first semester of studies.
As Prof Mansor explains, “The first semester fees for the Diploma in Early Childhood Education programme is RM1,278. Qualified individuals will have these fees slashed in half, so in addition to the minimum fee payment of RM200, they will only need to pay RM439 for that particular semester.”
This scholarship is expected to benefit one out of every 12 learners every semester. Subject to terms and conditions, those interested must submit an application and provide evidence that they:
Are recipients of the Cost of Living Aid (Bantuan Sara Hidup); and
Have not received any sponsorship or scholarships from other parties.
The closing date for applications is Feb 9 for the Jan 2020 intake.
In line with the university’s vision to provide an accessible, affordable and flexible learning experience, this endeavour is part of OUM’S long-held initiative to encourage anyone, anywhere to pursue their academic dreams.
Prof Mansor concludes, “I hope that Malaysians who are interested in pursuing higher studies will take advantage of this scholarship. In the broader context of things, I also hope this will help make Malaysia a truly developed nation.” For more information on OUM’S scholarships and programmes, call the speed line at 03-7801 2000, email enquiries@oum. edu.my or visit www.oum.edu.my
HOW do you feel about media representation of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or social class? What is evoked when you read the news that is typically associated with what you think is the natural way of life?
Yap Yoong Jian, who recently completed the Master of Communications and Media Studies programme at Monash University Malaysia, shares his views on media representation.
What is media representation?
Media representation generally refers to the way the media portrays ideas, concepts or values related to specific societal groups, cultures, or experiences. In other words, the media presents an interpretation of reality for us, and the question we should learn to ask is whose agenda does it serve, because institutions do have agendas, be it political, economic, or others, and these agendas will play a role in the development of media representations of anything.
A case in point is the recent political appointment of a transgender woman to monitor the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the country. The appointment resulted in certain segments of the media to portray it as a national issue that could threaten the social and religious values of society.
What are some things we should consider when engaging with these media content?
Selection and omission
Firstly, we must understand that media