SEPT-OCT 2018

An investment in knowledge
always pays the best interest
- Benjamin Franklin

PP15800/08//2012(030519)
 Chancellor
YABhg Tun Jeanne Abdullah

Pro Chancellor
YBhg Tan Sri Azman Hashim

Editorial Team
Advisor
YBhg Prof Dato’ Dr Mansor Fadzil
President/Vice-Chancellor

Chief Editor
Kamariah Mohd Noor
Vice President (Operations and Learner Experience)

Editors
Rahmah Daud
Senior Manager, Centre for Corporate Communication

Azeezah Jameelah Mohamed Mohideen

Assistant Manager, Centre for Corporate Communication

Tengku Amina Munira Tengku Mohd Azzman Shariffadeen

Assistant Manager, Centre for Corporate Communication

Layout Artist
16 Sharifah Zaharah Syed Hussein
04 Graphic Designer, Centre for Corporate Communication
FIRST WORDS 14TH IPD AWARDS CEREMONY

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2 OUMeducation September-October 2018 OUMeducation September-October 2018 3


The past month has been a busy and exciting time as we
celebrated OUM’s 22nd Convocation, IOC’s 7th Convocation and
IPD’s 14th Awards Ceremony. My heartiest congratulations once
again to all who received their scrolls and awards last 22-23
September!
It has become something of a tradition for this magazine to
highlight the most outstanding individuals in our learning
community. Alongside honorary doctorate recipient Datuk Yusof
Haslam, there were more than 2,000 local and close to 300
international graduates. Among them, a housewife completed her
PhD, a 71-year-old headmaster walked away with a Master’s, and
believe it or not, three prison inmates each earned degrees and a
diploma behind bars.
4 OUMeducation September-October 2018
Dr Maszlee Malik making this family’s day.
Our Graduates, Our Glory!
By Azeezah Jameelah Mohamed Mohideen
(azeezah@oum.edu.my)
What a graduation it was! another pursued Bachelor of Business Administration and the
third inmate obtained a Diploma in Management.
We had four sessions, three for OUM’s 22nd Convocation
and one for the 14th IPD Awards Ceremony. While the OUM The University had begun taking in learners from the prison
graduates received their scrolls from the University’s Pro school, Sekolah Integriti Kajang, since 2009. We have academics
Chancellor, Tan Sri Azman Hashim, the IPD graduates received who go to prison, not to serve a sentence, but to teach those
theirs from OUM President/Vice-Chancellor, Prof Dato’ Dr struggling behind bars. Besides Kajang Prison, we also have
Mansor Fadzil. learners in two other prisons, in Pahang and Sabah. In total,
we have a cumulative intake of 68 learners and thus far, 12 of
Education Minister, Dr Maszlee Malik, attended the first them have graduated.
OUM session, where his wife, Dr Hamidah Mat, received her
Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching. One of our academics, she is In IPD’s sole session on Sunday afternoon, veteran actor,
also the Programme Director for the Master of Islamic Studies Dato’ Ahmad Tamimi Siregar Kamaruddin was conferred the
programme. We were greatly honoured to have the Minister join Meritorious Award. In his acceptance speech, he shared how
the main procession and sit on stage with our management and entertainment industry veterans such as him had a lot of
academics. expertise and experience to impart to younger entrants into
the industry but couldn’t and didn’t receive due recognition
During the same session, prolific filmmaker, Datuk Yusof Haslam and reward because of academic inadequacy. It was heartening
was conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Arts (Films). He to see him, Datuk Yusuf and 18 other entertainment industry
delivered a witty yet heart-warming acceptance speech which veterans receive a Certified Professional Master in Creative
touched on the need for even celebrities to acquire credible Industry at this session. Among others, they specialised in
paper qualifications. film production, directing, acting, cinematography, digital
animation, photography, screenwriting, make up and production
A total of 93 nurses from Sri Lanka, who took up OUM’s master’s management.
There is one clear lesson in all of their stories: no matter who
and bachelor’s degrees in nursing, also received their scrolls
you are, nothing is impossible if you try hard enough. For all our
in the first session. The programmes were made available to These graduates weren’t the only ones who lighted up our
graduates, there is one simple yet essential question you need to
them through a collaboration with the International Institute of faces and hearts with their happiness on their big day. There
answer: What’s next?
Health Sciences in Colombo. were many others who turned up with their loved ones to
claim their glory and allowed us to share a moment that is both
A graduation ceremony should not spell the journey’s end as there
The University also had international graduates through meaningful and memorable.
is still so much more to accomplish. Have you ever heard of the
collaborations with Villa College in the Maldives, IDM Nations
proverb, “a rolling stone gathers no moss”? If you yearn to prosper,
Campus in Sri Lanka, SIMAD University in Somalia, University
you cannot remain in the same spot. You need to keep moving,
of Science and Technology in Yemen, and Accra Institute of
We are your alma mater,
picking up new ideas, learning new things and discovering new
Technology in Ghana. In addition, there were graduates who You are our alumni,
perspectives.
had studied in OUM without institutional collaborations who You will never cease to matter,
came from India, Myanmar, Singapore and others.
Do enjoy the anecdotes and stories shared in this issue. Let’s all So please never say goodbye!
find inspiration from our newest alumni. Let’s all make the most of
Three Kajang Prison inmates were among the graduates of
the opportunities that life presents us. Let’s all DARE TO DREAM!
the second session. One took the Bachelor of Political Science,
OUMeducation September-October 2018 5
 Prison is Not the End of the Road My Rite of Passage
By Rahmah Daud (rahmah_daud@oum.edu.my) & Tengku Amina Munira (tg_munira@oum.edu.my) On the day of my graduation, a friend asked me: “How do
you feel today?” I told him that I was happy and excited,
Three prison inmates from Sekolah Integriti Kajang received their scrolls at the 22nd Convocation on 22 September. but before I could finish, he added, “No, I mean, how do
The following are their stories: you feel as a prisoner?”

That morning, I almost forgot that I had still woken up

For Louise Keng, life behind bars has taught him a lot. “I was where we sleep and study. I normally do my revisions late at in a 10’ by 10’ cell in Kajang Prison. I even forgot that
In 2011, Adam (not his real name) had his
25 and running my own café. Initially, it was difficult for me night as things are much quieter when everyone is asleep.” although I was graduating, I was also in my sixth year of
whole life ahead of him. He was studying
to accept the reality that I would be spending 15 years in jail imprisonment. Calling myself an OUM learner for the last
for a diploma in quantity surveying at a local
when I should be out there, building and growing my business.” Despite the physical restrictions, Keng is determined to study few years took away the pain that I endure as an inmate.
university. That changed when he committed
for his master’s. Expecting to be released from prison in 2021 That sense of belonging protected me from the isolation
an unthinkable crime at the age of 19 and
For months, he lived in denial but after much soul-searching, for good behaviour, he hopes to complete his master’s degree of life behind bars. It made me forget that I am a convict,
received an 18-year prison sentence. Now 27,
he finally accepted his fate. “Prison life has greatly changed by then. even if just for a little while.
he has been incarcerated for more than seven
years. my perception of things; it has also made me wiser. With
little distraction, it helps me think clearly about what I want in Keng’s parents are his pillars of strength but his gratitude Prison is damaging but being able to study while
life.” goes to a non-governmental organisation which sponsored his incarcerated allowed me to critically reflect on my
“Life in prison is a life without colour.
studies. “I have been guaranteed a job with the NGO after my situation and develop new perspectives. Now, I no longer
Everything is always the same, within the
Studying was the best way for him to engage in meaningful release.” see prison as a bad place. Instead, I see it as a temporary
same four walls,” Adam rues. “I am sorry for
endeavours. “I am thankful to OUM for providing this settlement where I can reconsider the meaning of life.
what I did. I know the life I had before is
opportunity for prison inmates to take up further studies as it He regrets that the public is less accepting of former inmates, By taking up studying, the time that I thought
over so I am trying to make the most of
allows people like me to progress academically just like those who are often side-lined when it comes to jobs. “Those with a was lost was actually not lost entirely. Acquiring
the opportunities I get as an inmate.”
on the outside,” said KLC, who graduated with flying colours. prison record often find it difficult to secure a job after their knowledge empowered me and helped improve my
release. We want to lead normal lives, so please give us a self-esteem. This means a lot to me and will hopefully
Recognising his potential for rehabilitation,
With 12 inmates bunking together in a 200 square feet cell, chance,” he pleaded. prepare me when I am released.
the headmaster of Sekolah Integriti Kajang
encouraged Adam to enrol at OUM in 2013. studying can be quite a challenge. “The cell is our world, it is
Thanks to OUM, I had the opportunity to start my journey
in education. Otherwise, I would never realise how life-
“I decided to take up the Diploma in
changing education can be. Nelson Mandela once said:
Management programme,” he says. “I had to Adam, 27 Louise Keng, 33 “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can
wait a year to register, so I decided to spend Diploma in Management
the time re-sitting my Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia Bachelor of Business use to change the world”. This same weapon changed
Administration mine. My gratitude to OUM, especially the dedicated
examinations. I managed to improve on my
academic and management staff, knows no bounds.
previous results and also prepare myself for
studying at OUM.”
And now, with a scroll in my hands, I’m confident that
I can redeem myself. I will never forget the smiles on
Adam confesses that studying behind bars
my family’s faces and the pride they felt for me. I was
was a challenge: “I didn’t have the same perks
excited to share my joy with my fiancée and loved ones;
as regular learners. Study time and contact
their happiness on that day was the greatest honour for
hours with lecturers were limited. Internet M J Hizwan, 35 a person like me.
access and resources were restricted. I had to Bachelor of
work with what I had.
Political Science So, coming back to the question that I was asked that
morning, this was my final reply: “As a prisoner, today is
“However, I consider myself lucky as my family
not only my day of celebration, but also I feel a rite of
was kind enough to sponsor my studies. This
passage that has taken me from prisoner to learner and
alone is a rare privilege for any prisoner.”
one day, will take me to freedom too. I am coming home.”
It has taken Adam five years to complete his
* Written by the graduate himself, M J Hizwan. He
diploma. Due for release in 2023, he is looking
passed with distinction from the Bachelor of Political
forward to life as a free man.
Science programme.
“I’m enrolling in OUM’s Bachelor of Business
Administration programme next year. In the
meantime, I have enrolled in a wood carving
class,” Adam announces with a smile. “After
I’m released, my family wants me to open a
barbershop, but I don’t think I’m cut out for
that. Maybe I will enrol in a contracting course.
After all, I’ve always wanted a career in real
estate.” It made me forget
that I am a convict,
even if just for a
little while.

6 OUMeducation September-October 2018 OUMeducation September-October 2018 7

 WHAT DID THEY SAY? A Master for
DUKE’s Brother
Two valedictorians addressed the audience at the tail end of the convocation’s first and third sessions. They spoke about their
journey towards graduation, the people who supported them and the hurdles they faced along the way. It is our hope that our
university community and the public at large can learn from what they shared.

First Session
DR ZABEDAH OTHMAN
PHD (BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION)
I started as an accounts executive after obtaining a diploma. I
worked in the financial sector for 10 years. Then, I completed
my degree and secured a better position.
When I was having my fourth child, I had a difficult pregnancy.
I didn’t drive and LRT and e-hailing drivers were non-existent
then, so I resigned and became a full-time housewife.
I didn’t want to remain a full-time housewife till I died so at
the age of 48, I enrolled in the Master of Human Resource
Management (MHRM) programme. Since I don’t drive, I totally
depend on public transport. This is one of the major reasons
why I chose OUM, since it could be easily accessed by KTM
and LRT.
When a course mate decided to enrol in the PhD (Business
Administration) programme, I decided to follow his lead. Now,
after 7.5 years, I have obtained my PhD. In total, I spent 10
years studying at OUM.
I hope my story will inspire other graduates to also continue
studying at this university. OUM’s flexible learning mode,
combined with its physical and online accessibility, make it the
ideal university for working adults.
By Azeezah Jameelah Mohamed Mohideen
(azeezah@oum.edu.my)
Datuk Haji Mohd Najmuddin Elias Al-Hafiz is the
eldest brother of Datuk Mohd Kazim Elias, a popular
independent preacher fondly known as Duke. Currently
managing a religious education centre in Ipoh, Datuk
Najmuddin has obtained a Master of Islamic Studies at
the Convocation.
“For more than 20 years, I have been harbouring a dream
to further my studies. My wife is a university graduate
and all my children are studying at institutions of
higher learning. As the head of the household, I wanted
to prove that I could do it too,” said the father of six
children and grandfather of three grandchildren.
When he was younger, Datuk Najmuddin had
obtained a Diploma Tahfiz Al-Quran (diploma in Quran
memorisation) from Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia
(Malaysian Islamic Development Department).
He worked in the army for 16 years and then served the
Perak state government for 14 years. “I was occupied
with my job as a preacher and my family responsibilities.
The chance to study came only after I became a
pensioner a few years ago,” said Datuk Najmuddin, 54.
Although he only had a diploma, he managed to enter
the master’s programme through accreditation of
prior experiential learning (APEL). He spent two and
a half years polishing his already advanced religious
knowledge.
He was already an independent preacher then so when
he started studying, he continued to work. “Sometimes
I had to go outstation to preach. I would return home
at 2am and be in class at the Ipoh Learning Centre by
8am. My success is proof that anyone can further their
studies.
“It may be difficult but it can still be done.”

My success is
Third Session proof that anyone
SHANMUGAPRIYA SITAMPARAM PILLAI
BACHELOR OF EDUCATION (TESL) WITH can further their
HONOURS studies.
I faced some hurdles in completing
my studies. Due to my tight work
schedule, there were times when I was
left with just a few days to submit my
assignments and could find neither the
time nor the energy to even start them.

Many sleepless nights were inevitable

and I even had to put away my passion
for travelling for fear of missing
deadlines and exams. When I did travel,
a part of my luggage was always filled
with assignment papers or reading
materials. This, I believe many of you
could relate to.

To make things worse, I was stuck in a dilemma whereby I had to spend the limited time I had with my mother who was
diagnosed with cancer. I lost her soon afterwards and was crushed. In those trying times, I was not able to concentrate on my
studies and knowing this, the OUM management was very kind and provided me the time I needed to grieve and recuperate.

Hence, it is apt to say, OUM is an educational institution which respects human emotions, values and prioritises their students’
welfare.

8 OUMeducation September-October 2018 OUMeducation September-October 2018 9

 AGE IS JUST A NUMBER IT’S OUR ABILITIES
By Heikal Abdul Mutadir (heikal@oum.edu.my)
In recognising the spirit of lifelong learning whereby knowledge and learning are gifts that can last a lifetime, we spoke to two
THAT COUNT
graduates in their golden years to learn about their experiences in going back to school.

By Heikal Abdul Mutadir (heikal@oum.edu.my)

I Overcame My Fear While most graduates strode up the stage when their names were called, there were a few who remained seated. It was
the Pro Chancellor, Tan Sri Azman Hashim, who magnanimously came down the steps to present them with their scrolls.
For Zainal Abidin Sulaiman, 64, studying in the
Bachelor of Islamic Studies (Islamic Management)
They were the special graduates, who had struggled far greater than others due to physical disabilities.
programme compelled him to move out of his
comfort zone.

While studying at the Kota Bharu Learning Centre,

he was able to mingle with other learners who
were younger and came from different professional
backgrounds.

As an introvert, he often faced stage fright when

he had to deliver presentations. However, his tutors
and peers gave him the boost he needed to develop
his public speaking skills.

“The experience helped me to overcome my fear,” he

said with a laugh, while noting that the tutors were
highly professional and attentive to senior citizens.

“They showed me how to do my assignments

properly and even held additional classes to help me
in topics which were difficult.”
Zainal with his family outside the convocation hall
Khor Gao Wei, 25 Shaffe bin PC Mohammad Unni, 54
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education Bachelor of Psychology

It Was Very Convenient
“Stepping back into the classroom was an enjoyable
experience for me,” said retiree Abd Aziz Mohamad,
79, after earning his Master of Islamic Studies
degree.
He had previously applied to various universities
but was not successful. He caught an OUM
advertisement in the newspaper in 2014 and with
encouragement from his wife, he contacted the
University to find out more about its programmes.
Thus began his life as a learner at the Seremban
Learning Centre.
“The teaching and learning approach provided me
with many conveniences,” he said, grateful that the
University provides opportunities for senior citizens
like him to study again.
“Most of the tutorials were held during weekends so
I needed to go to class only once or twice a week.”
Abd Aziz with his wife
“We all face all kinds of difficulties in seeking
knowledge,” says Khor.
Although he has a physical condition that makes
it difficult for him to move around without special
assistance, it has not stopped him from learning. “We
just have to try our best to overcome obstacles,” he
says.
Khor, 25, appreciates the support he received
from tutors and other learners. He also credits the
University’s disabled-friendly facilities with making
his learning experience much more comfortable and
convenient.
“myINSPIRE was the tool that benefited me the most.
It allowed me to exchange views on assignments and
past-year exam questions with other learners. This not
only helped me to perform better but also gain more
knowledge related to my courses.”
He feels the teaching methods and learning materials
have taught him skills which he could use in his career.
He adds, “The University not only enabled me to further
my studies but also developed me as a person.”
A serious spinal injury resulting from a workplace
accident had left Shaffe unable to walk. Instead of
giving up on life, he decided to further his studies.
In 2008, he enrolled in the Diploma in Human Resource
Management programme. For his bachelor’s degree
took up psychology as he felt that knowledge in both
areas would help him to better understand and manage
workplace human resource issues effectively.
He has much praise for the University, which he
sees as a great place for the disabled to further their
studies: “The academic staff really took care of me. The
facilities too are great. I could access everything online,
which is really helpful for people like me. The University
clearly considers its learners’ academic, financial and
physical backgrounds and caters to their needs.”
“OUM helped me to believe in myself,” says Shaffe.

10 OUMeducation September-October 2018 OUMeducation September-October 2018 11

 Graduation Advice
from Bill Gates
By Roshan Thiran
In May 1996, I graduated from the University of
Bridgeport and entered employment with General Electric
(GE) in their GE Capital business.
As I look back – although I believe I have had an exciting
and fulfilling career thus far – I know I have made
countless mistakes in many areas. Back then, the Internet
was just in its infancy and there was little advice or
career coaching that happened. I wished I had a few
giants giving me their pearls of wisdom as I started my
career.
The next phase of life
Graduation is a very critical event for many of us.
As we transition from a student to a working professional,
big decisions await us – do we start our own business or
do we work for an organisation? What industry should we
enter? What type of organisation best suits us? What jobs
or roles should I apply for? What if I don’t get a good job?
What is a good job?
And there are so many others. Coupled with numerous
other uncertainties, including the current economic
conditions, they can sometimes create anxiety and stress
for many university graduates.
address, taken from Mic.com. Read on:
“…some things in life are true no matter what career you
choose. I wish I had understood these things better when
I left school. For one thing, intelligence is not quite as
important as I thought it was, and it takes many different
forms.
In the early days of Microsoft, I believed that if you could
write great code, you could also manage people well, run
a marketing team or take on any other task.
I was wrong about that. I had to learn to recognise and
appreciate people’s different talents. The sooner you can
do this, if you don’t already, the richer your life will be.
Another thing I wish I had understood much earlier is
what true inequity looks like. I did not see it up close
until my late 30s, when Melinda and I took our first trip
to Africa. We were shocked by what we saw. When we
came back, we began learning more. It blew our minds
that millions of children there were dying from diseases
that no one in rich countries even worried about. We
thought it was the most unjust thing in the world. We
realised we couldn’t wait to get involved – we had to
start giving back right away.
better, then you want to know what’s working so you
can accelerate the progress and spread it to more
people and places. It doesn’t mean you ignore the
serious problems we face. It just means you believe
they can be solved, and you’re moved to act on that
My wish for each person graduating this year is that
regardless of what career or role or business you choose,
strive to make this world a better place through your
actions, decisions and behaviour. I think if each graduate
has that deep-seated aspiration to make a positive
belief. impact, we will continue to see a better world in the
years to come.
This is the core of my worldview. It sustains me in tough
times and is the reason I still love my philanthropic work Wishing each of you a blessed career ahead! May all of
after more than 17 years. I think it can do the same for your dreams be fulfilled and may you be the light that
you. Good luck to all of you. This is an amazing time to shines in a dark world.
be alive. I hope you make the most of it.”
Concluding Thoughts
As I read Gates’ address, I am reminded of my personal
goal as I graduated – “to make this world a better place.”
Gates reminds us that our worldview is so critical to how
we interact with the world. If we truly believe that our
role is to “accelerate the progress and spread it to more
people and places,” then we can become a catalyst of a
positive change.

An encounter with my first boss
I was lucky to have an extremely tough first boss who
constantly imparted tough advice. He pushed me to take
on a functional role I had no interest in.
He “forced” me to work harder than I thought I could,
making hard work seem easy. He taught me that there is
no “box” or “ceiling” to anything. I will always treasure his
advice and wisdom.
Opening the Gates of Wisdom
One person who never graduated from university, but
whose advice should be treasured, is Bill Gates, the
founder and former CEO of Microsoft. He dropped out of
Harvard University after just two years there.
Although he is not a university graduate, he shared his
thoughts with Harvard’s graduating class of 2017. I have
personally learnt so much from reading his articles and
watching videos of him, so I know that his advice can be
valuable to all would-be graduates.
The following is an excerpt from Gates’ graduation
You know much more than I did when I was your age.
Technology lets you see problems in ways my friends
and I never could, and it empowers you to help in ways
we never could. You can start fighting inequity sooner,
whether it is in your own community or in a country
halfway around the world.
If I could give each of you a graduation present, it would
be a copy of The Better Angels of Our Nature by Steven
Pinker. After several years of studying, you may not
exactly be itching to read a 700-page book. But please “The sooner you
put this one on your reading list to get to someday. It is
the most inspiring book I have ever read. can learn to recognise
Pinker makes a persuasive argument that the world is and appreciate people’s
getting better, that we are living in the most peaceful
time in human history. This can be a hard case to make, different talents, the
especially now. When you tell people the world is
improving, they often look at you like you’re either naive richer your life
or crazy.
will be.”
But it’s true. And once you understand it, you start to
see the world differently. If you think things are getting

12 OUMeducation September-October 2018 OUMeducation September-October 2018 13

 22nd Convocation
Kuala Lumpur
22 & 23 September 2018

14 OUMeducation September-October 2018 OUMeducation September-October 2018 15

14th IPD Awards Ceremony, Kuala Lumpur, 23 September

16 OUMeducation September-October 2018 OUMeducation September-October 2018 17

 Awards for IPD Trio
By Hidayati Kasuma Abdul Hadi (hidayati@oum.edu.my)
Three IPD graduates had the time of their lives on 23 September, when they not only received their scrolls but also awards
in recognition of their stellar performance. One of them also gave the valedictory speech – thank you, Nor Suriati. You did
great!
To Shuh Fen, Sch Ching and Nor Suriati, all of you have done us proud!
“Everyone needs a mentor in life, someone you can look
up to and trust. It has to be someone who can guide you
and correct you if you are wrong. It also helps if he has
humour to brighten your day. I have Eric, my beloved
cousin from my mum’s side of the family. He coached me
throughout my studies and I learnt a lot from him.
There are no shortcuts in life. After completing a diploma
in corporate secretaryship, I enrolled in the Executive
Bachelor in Business Management programme. For almost
two years, we went through gruelling and exhausting
classes every weekend. However, it was worth it.
I hope there will be more interesting programmes in
the future, so that people can have the opportunity to
18 OUMeducation September-October 2018
reinvent, recreate and rediscover their full potential.
A lot of people question if a degree is still relevant today.
The answer is: Yes! It is necessary, unless you are a high-
profile entrepreneur like Mark Zuckerberg or Sir Richard
Branson, who skipped higher education but became
successful anyway.
On average, graduates have better employability and
earning power than non-graduates. Although a degree
does not guarantee career success, it does equip people
with skills necessary for work. I hope one day education in
Malaysia will be so much more flexible and customised to
individual needs. Education should help to bring out our full
potential.”
A lot of people
question whether
a degree is still
relevant today. The
answer is:
Yes!
PRESIDENT’S AWARD
Wong Shuh Fen
Executive Assistant to Managing Director
Puchong, Selangor
Executive Bachelor in Business Management
DIRECTOR’S AWARD
Nor Suriati Md Zain
Human Resource Administrator
Langkawi, Kedah
Executive Diploma in Business Management
“I am currently working at a resort in Langkawi.
I started out in the hospitality industry after
obtaining a certificate in tourism management from a
polytechnic in Johor Bahru. I am currently involved in
staff recruitment and developing and implementing
an effective introductory programme for new staff.
When I started the Executive Diploma in Business
Management programme, I met classmates who
already had different kinds of study skills. Our
motivation sprang from different sources, as did our
attitude towards our studies.
Regardless of where we came from, we needed to
take many things into account in our studies. Success
requires clear objectives, motivation, planning,
discipline, confidence, good study habits and a
positive attitude.
This programme helped me to enhance my quality
of work and improve my basic knowledge in human
resources, business law, economics, accounting,
Regardless of where we came from, we marketing and business management.
needed to take many things into account
in our studies. Finally, I believe teamwork is important. We come
together, stay together and work together to achieve
success.”
With the knowledge I have acquired, I can now lead my principal
and teachers in making early childhood learning that much
better and meaningful.
DIRECTOR’S AWARD
Kam Sch Ching
Kindergarten Director and Consultant
Klang, Selangor
Executive Diploma in Early Childhood Education
“After obtaining a diploma in music, I decided to try operating a kindergarten. Now, I am the director of two kindergartens.
My position requires me to discuss and strategise learning activities for the children. I also have to plan for the future of the
kindergartens.
Through the Executive Diploma in Early Childhood Education programme that I undertook at IPD, I have learnt how to work
as a team with my principal and teachers. I want them to feel happy and that working for me is worth it. I can see the
children benefiting from the happy environment. I really appreciate all that I have learned!
The programme gave me good grounding in the basics of children’s early learning. It helped me to understand my students
better and see how I can structure their lessons to make learning more fun and fruitful.
With the knowledge I have acquired, I can now lead my principal and teachers in making early childhood learning that much
better and meaningful.
The most unforgettable memory for me was when I had the chance to work with my coursemates on different types of
coursework. I enjoyed discussing the coursework and overcoming obstacles together.”
OUMeducation September-October 2018 19

29 AKPK Staff Receive Scrolls
By Azeezah Jameelah Mohamed Mohideen
(azeezah@oum.edu.my)
Agensi Kaunseling Pengurusan Kredit (Credit Counselling and
Debt Management Agency), popularly known as AKPK, had
fully sponsored 29 of its staff to study with IPD.
Of the total, 14 completed the Executive Diploma in Financial
Counselling (EDFC) programme over 18 months, from February
2017 to August 2018. The remaining 15
completed a six-month Career Certificate in
Administration Operations (CCAO).
All 29 received their scrolls from President/
Vice-Chancellor, Prof Dato’ Dr Mansor Fadzil,
at the 14th IPD Awards Ceremony on 23
September.
The EDFC and CCAO classes, which were held
from Fridays to Sundays, involved staff from
AKPK’s head office in Kuala Lumpur and its 11
branches throughout the country.
“We want our staff to study further so that
they can improve the quality of their work.
We want them to do better in counselling our
clients who are usually in some state of financial distress,” says
AKPK Chief Executive Officer, Azaddin Ngah Tasir.
20 OUMeducation September-October 2018
AKPK closely monitors its staff’s credit reports to gauge
whether their financial exposure and commitments are at
a satisfactory level. All its staff are required to submit their
Central Credit Reference Information System (CCRIS) reports
annually and are counselled when necessary to improve their
credit reports and ratings.
This exemplary move is in line with
AKPK’s mission, “Make Prudential Financial
Management a Way of Life” among
Malaysians.
We want our staff AKPK helps individuals and potential
to do better in borrowers improve their financial discipline
via financial education, financial counselling
counselling our and debt management programmes. Since its
clients who are inception in 2006 up to 31 August 2018, a
usually in some total of 806,554 individuals have received
state of financial AKPK’s counselling services. From that
number, as many as 240,100 participants
distress.” have applied to restructure their loans
by enrolling in the debt management
programme.
The agency hopes its staff who have graduated will use the
knowledge they have acquired to improve their productivity.
Great News for
Assistant Medical Officers!
An AMO at Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Dinesh Manimannan,
sees the programme as a great opportunity for people
in his line of work: “Opportunities for further study are
limited for AMOs but we are fortunate as this programme
is specially designed for us. I hope to gain more
knowledge so that I can contribute better at work.”
The programme focuses on surgical and medical care, pre-
hospital emergency care, occupational safety and health,
trauma and emergency care, geriatric rehabilitation and
palliative care.
It emphasises theoretical and practical skills which
are useful not just for assistant medical officers but
also healthcare managers, supervisors, educators and
practitioners.
At present, tutorials for this programme are conducted
at the Petaling Jaya Learning Centre, although there are
plans to offer this programme at other Learning Centres.
“This is a great way for us to improve our To find out more about BMHS, you can visit the Petaling
capabilities as assistant medical officers!” Jaya Learning Centre, call 03-27732121 or write to
- Frederick James enquiries@oum.edu.my.
Petaling Jaya Learning Centre
By Heikal Abdul Mutadir (heikal@oum.edu.my) No 2A, Lot No 31
Jalan 19/1
On 29 September, OUM welcomed the first batch of
46350 Petaling Jaya
learners for our recently introduced Bachelor of Medical
SELANGOR
and Health Sciences (BMHS) programme. You could say
Tel: 03-7954 0546/0634
that we are pioneers, as no other university thus far has
offered this programme via open and distance learning.
The combination of self-study, face-to-face tutorials and
online discussion forums can help busy assistant medical
officers (AMOs) to fit studies into their packed schedules.
On registration day, 68 learners had the opportunity
to meet and listen to two representatives from the
Malaysian Medical Assistant Board (MAB), i.e. Head of
Sector Development, Alias Abu Hassan, and Deputy Chief
Assistant Medical Officer, Joseph Kajangan, who spoke
about their profession in great detail.
BMHS Programme Director, Mispan Mangon, also met the
new learners during the registration process. “We have
received excellent support from the MAB for the offering
of this programme,” he says.
“This is a great way for us to improve our capabilities
as AMOs,” says Frederick James, who is already familiar
with OUM. He had previously completed the Bachelor of
Occupational Safety and Health Management programme
at the Kota Kinabalu Learning Centre.
Currently an AMO at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota
Kinabalu, Frederick had flown to Kuala Lumpur to register “I hope to gain more knowledge so
for the BMHS programme. that I can contribute better at work.”
- Dinesh Manimannan
OUMeducation September-October 2018 21

Special Guest at Seberang Jaya Learning Centre
Permatang Pauh MP, Nurul Izzah Anwar, visited the
Seberang Jaya Learning Centre’s Open Day on 11
August. The activities involved a talk on lifelong
Mystery
learning and the New Malaysia.
Below are highlights from what she said:
“We now face the reality that 50% of existing degrees
will become obsolete in the future. In the light of
this, we need to emphasise on two things – lifelong
learning and interdisciplinary focus.
Lifelong learning needs to consider professional skills
and technical and vocational education and training
(TVET). When a bathroom is in disrepair, the person
who comes to repair it is a plumber, not a PhD holder.
There will always be areas which require skills, not
Shoppers
Strike
degrees.
Half a million youths will be leaving the education
system to enter the working world. We need to
transform them into professional skilled experts, the
way it is being done by countries like Germany, Turkey
Again
and Finland, she said.
Finland has 50% professionals and 50% skilled workers and both categories are highly paid. This is what we must consider for
the education system of the new Malaysia.
Lifelong learning still has some way to go as it has yet to achieve full acceptance. Malaysia has to start giving importance to
lifelong learning for the attainment of professional skills.
I hope OUM will succeed on its own merit and achieve much success in the future.”
Biking for the Country
By Izyan Diyana Merzuki (izyan_diyana@oum.edu.my)
When Malaysia celebrated its 61st Independence Day in August, many people found creative ways to show their deep love for
the country. Having been through a significant period of change this year, our beloved country has definitely come a long way.
METEOR Group staff decided to do their part as well in fostering patriotism and the spirit of togetherness. The staff club
organised a motorcycle ride from the Main Campus to the Tanjung Malim Learning Centre on 4 August.
Riding in convoy, the staff flew the country’s flag, fondly called Jalur Gemilang, and stopped at Tugu Negara (National
Monument) and Sri Rampai Learning Centre along the way. They rode for approximately 175km until they reached the Tanjung
Malim Learning Centre.
22 OUMeducation September-October 2018
By Izyan Diyana Merzuki
(izyan_diyana@oum.edu.my)
In the competitive world of university admissions, first
impressions are crucial. Learners are customers and higher
education institutions must meet their needs and demands as
customer satisfaction is linked to service quality.
The University has turned to the mystery shopper
approach to keep tabs on the quality of customer service,
particularly at Learning Centres. Mystery shopping is a
useful measurement tool to determine learners’ perception
and experience of the OUM brand and assess all aspects of
service performance.
The first phase of the programme took place in November
2017 and the second was recently completed in May this
year.
A significant difference between the first and second phases
of the programme is the type of mystery shoppers involved.
While the shoppers in the first phase comprised 10 existing
learners, the second phase employed the services of 12
prospective learners.
The Director of the Institute of Quality Management,
Assoc Prof Dr Norlia T Goolamally, says: “These 12 mystery
shoppers gave us important feedback from the perspective of
people unfamiliar with OUM.”
The Learning Centres involved are in Alor Setar, Kota Bharu,
Ipoh, Seremban, Melaka and Johor Bahru. Two mystery
shoppers evaluated each Learning Centre on the quality of
services based on telephone etiquette, employee attributes,
building and facilities. They filled in questionnaires based on
a six-point Likert Scale with open-ended comments.
Compared to the first phase in 2017, the findings showed
an increase of mean scores for all four criteria with scores
reaching above five, ranging between 5.39 and 5.81. The
highest mean score was 5.81 for building, while the lowest
was 5.39 for employee attributes.
The mean scores for building and facilities showed a
significant increase of nearly 1.0 from the previous scores.
Dr Norlia says: “We measured cleanliness and tidiness of the
Learning Centres as well as all standard facilities to support
learning. The two presumably are the easiest to maintain,
hence the high score.”
The first phase of the programme had marked telephone
etiquette as one of the areas for improvement. The score
improved from 5.01 to 5.57 in the second phase, which can
be attributed to proactive measures by the Group Human
Resource Management Division. These included training
sessions and circulation of telephone etiquette guidelines to
all Learning Centre staff.
According to Dr Norlia, the programme can be further
improved by including more items pertaining to day-to-day
operations at OUM.
“We would like to understand how staff from one department
communicates with staff from another. We want this
programme to be a holistic tool in evaluating all aspects of
our service delivery,” she concludes.
OUMeducation September-October 2018 23
 Mastering Competencies
By Rupa Sivanoli

In today’s ever-changing workplace, the pace of change is
never going to slow down.
The movie, The Bone Collector, which starred Denzel
Washington and Angelina Jolie, was about a serial killer
whose signature was to leave behind a piece of bone from
his victims as his calling card.
The competency collector is about becoming accomplished
but in a less dramatic way. Competency collecting focuses
more on the types of competencies that new workforce
entrants can accumulate in order to ensure the longevity
of their careers.
Skill + Ability = Competence
A competency is more than just knowledge and skills.
Competencies include abilities and behaviours that are
fundamental to the use of a skill, which will elevate that
particular skill to a higher level.
For example, one skill in an information technology
context is programming. To write a computer programme,
one needs to have the skill to write the programme in a
specific language such as Java, C++ and C#.
However, to effectively write a programme, one needs
great analytical, logical and problem-solving abilities.
Underlying that programming skill is the ability to piece
things together – and that’s competence.
Skill in itself is too narrow an interpretation. Often, it’s
the behavioural elements that truly matter to those who
engage you for your abilities.
Competency types and trends
Which competencies are more critical? Generally, there are
two categories of competencies:
Behavioural (or life) competencies
These are what you rely on to manage your life
and get on well with others, i.e. communication,
teamwork, analytical ability, problem solving, initiative,
influencing, etc.
Functional (or technical) competencies
These relate to functions, processes and roles within
the organisation. They are needed to accomplish a job
or task, such as financial reporting, sales, programming
and database analysis.
Based on a Leaderonomics survey and direct feedback
from the community of employers, behavioural
competencies seem more important. The ones that
matter at entry level are listed below:
• Teamwork – Working well with others and putting
team above self;
• Critical thinking – Formulating views and backing
it up with relevant evidence;
• Communication – Expressing and describing
thoughts effectively;
• Reliability – Committed and persevering to get
things completed; and
• Adaptability – Can adapt to various situations and
types of people.
Once working life commences, join a company
where nobody looks or thinks like you. Pick a good
first boss, i.e. someone who sets you up early
in your working life to be a big fan of getting
feedback. Be open to considering roles that take
you out of your comfort zone.
In Conclusion
While we are busy collecting our competencies,
it’s important to reflect on our progress via
feedback, regularly and deliberately. This is to give
us a realistic picture of where we are in terms of
progress.
At times, we have to go with the flow and take
on tasks that push us out of our norm. Such
experiences can give us the chance to learn and
acquire deeper proficiency in our competencies.
All the best!

Action Plan for Graduates

While still in university, you can take up opportunities

to join co-curricular activities like playing sports and
taking part in experiential learning activities.

You can also consider participating in competitions that

allow you to interact with those outside your normal
circles. Alternatively, gain exposure interning in an
industry that is different from what your seniors did, or
travel and make new friends in different countries.

24 OUMeducation September-October 2018 OUMeducation September-October 2018 25

 BOOK
REVIEW
The Consolations of Philosophy
Author: Alain de Botton
Publisher: Penguin
Format: Paperback, 272 pages
Year Published: 2001
By Tengku Amina Munira (tg_munira@oum.edu.my)
My contemporaries might vaguely recall a brief chapter on
ancient philosophers in our Form Four History textbook,
in which we were taught about the lives and teachings of
Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. However, that’s as far as my
memory serves me; in those days, I did not care for any of
them save how they would influence my exam results.
Many years later, liberated from assessments and armed
with my own curiosity about the subject, I finally realised
that these long-dead philosophers have something to teach
me after all. This mini epiphany was greatly helped by one
Alain de Botton, a Swiss-born philosopher who has spent
decades writing about how philosophy can help regular folk
live meaningful lives.
The Consolations of Philosophy is the London-based
author’s third book. With the help of six philosophers (yes,
Socrates included), de Botton gives advice on how to deal
with six unpleasant life experiences, i.e. unpopularity, not
having enough money, frustration, inadequacy, heartbreak
and difficulties.
These are real-world problems we all face at one point or
another, regardless of who we are, where we come from or
how we earn a living. But no matter how commonplace they
26 OUMeducation September-October 2018
may be, unfortunately there is no such thing as a universal
remedy for any of them.
Take not having enough money as an example. De Botton
draws on the teachings of Epicurus, who argued that
money can’t buy you happiness anyway. According to the
Greek philosopher, friendships, thoughts and freedom do
a much better job of giving us a sense of fulfilment. An
empty wallet is not the end of the world. There is joy to be
found from other sources.
What is wonderful about de Botton’s writing is its
accessibility. You don’t feel intimidated by these bygone
intellectuals. Their ideas might be lofty and from ages ago,
but can apply to anyone from any generation.
And that’s exactly de Botton’s point: philosophy isn’t just
for ancient Greeks and Romans or scholars in tweed jackets
and elbow patches. There is something in it for all of us.
So, give Socrates a chance. His name might conjure images
of marble busts in long-forgotten textbooks, but thanks to
de Botton, the things he said all those centuries ago may
actually be a pleasant surprise.
OUMeducation September-October 2018 27