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An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest

- Benjamin Franklin

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ChancellorYABhg Tun Jeanne Abdullah Pro ChancellorYBhg Tan Sri Azman Hashim Editorial TeamAdvisorYBhg Prof Dato’ Dr Mansor FadzilPresident/Vice-Chancellor

Chief EditorKamariah Mohd NoorVice President (Operations and Learner Experience) EditorsRahmah DaudSenior Manager, Centre for Corporate Communication

Azeezah Jameelah Mohamed MohideenAssistant Manager, Centre for Corporate Communication Tengku Amina Munira Tengku Mohd Azzman ShariffadeenAssistant Manager, Centre for Corporate Communication

Layout ArtistSharifah Zaharah Syed HusseinGraphic Designer, Centre for Corporate Communication

Contact us at:OPEN UNIVERSITY MALAYSIAJalan Tun Ismail50480 Kuala LumpurT: +603-2773 2045F: +603-2697 8825E: [email protected]

OUM Education is a magazine published everytwo months by the METEOR Group of Companies.The electronic version is available atwww.oum.edu.my

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Content Partner

04FIRST WORDS

05OUR GRADUATES, OUR GLORY!

06PRISON IS NOT THE END OF THE ROAD

08WHAT DID THEY SAY?

09A MASTER FOR DUKE’S BROTHER

10AGE IS JUST A NUMBER

12GRADUATION ADVICE FROM BILL GATES

1422ND CONVOCATION

18AWARDS FOR IPD TRIO

2029 AKPK STAFF RECEIVE SCROLLS

21GREAT NEWS FOR ASSISTANT MEDICAL OFFICERS!

22SPECIAL GUEST AT SEBERANG JAYA LEARNING

CENTRE

23MYSTERY SHOPPERS STRIKE AGAIN

24MASTERING COMPETENCIES

26BOOK REVIEW

1614TH IPD AWARDS CEREMONY

32 OUMeducation September-October 2018OUMeducation September-October 2018

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.

There is one clear lesson in all of their stories: no matter who you are, nothing is impossible if you try hard enough. For all our graduates, there is one simple yet essential question you need to answer: What’s next?

A graduation ceremony should not spell the journey’s end as there is still so much more to accomplish. Have you ever heard of the proverb, “a rolling stone gathers no moss”? If you yearn to prosper, you cannot remain in the same spot. You need to keep moving, picking up new ideas, learning new things and discovering new perspectives.

Do enjoy the anecdotes and stories shared in this issue. Let’s all find inspiration from our newest alumni. Let’s all make the most of the opportunities that life presents us. Let’s all DARE TO DREAM!

Our Graduates, Our Glory!

What a graduation it was!

We had four sessions, three for OUM’s 22nd Convocation and one for the 14th IPD Awards Ceremony. While the OUM graduates received their scrolls from the University’s Pro Chancellor, Tan Sri Azman Hashim, the IPD graduates received theirs from OUM President/Vice-Chancellor, Prof Dato’ Dr Mansor Fadzil.

Education Minister, Dr Maszlee Malik, attended the first OUM session, where his wife, Dr Hamidah Mat, received her Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching. One of our academics, she is also the Programme Director for the Master of Islamic Studies programme. We were greatly honoured to have the Minister join the main procession and sit on stage with our management and academics.

During the same session, prolific filmmaker, Datuk Yusof Haslam was conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Arts (Films). He delivered a witty yet heart-warming acceptance speech which touched on the need for even celebrities to acquire credible paper qualifications.

A total of 93 nurses from Sri Lanka, who took up OUM’s master’s and bachelor’s degrees in nursing, also received their scrolls in the first session. The programmes were made available to them through a collaboration with the International Institute of Health Sciences in Colombo.

The University also had international graduates through collaborations with Villa College in the Maldives, IDM Nations Campus in Sri Lanka, SIMAD University in Somalia, University of Science and Technology in Yemen, and Accra Institute of Technology in Ghana. In addition, there were graduates who had studied in OUM without institutional collaborations who came from India, Myanmar, Singapore and others.

Three Kajang Prison inmates were among the graduates of the second session. One took the Bachelor of Political Science,

another pursued Bachelor of Business Administration and the third inmate obtained a Diploma in Management.

The University had begun taking in learners from the prison school, Sekolah Integriti Kajang, since 2009. We have academics who go to prison, not to serve a sentence, but to teach those struggling behind bars. Besides Kajang Prison, we also have learners in two other prisons, in Pahang and Sabah. In total, we have a cumulative intake of 68 learners and thus far, 12 of them have graduated.

In IPD’s sole session on Sunday afternoon, veteran actor, Dato’ Ahmad Tamimi Siregar Kamaruddin was conferred the Meritorious Award. In his acceptance speech, he shared how entertainment industry veterans such as him had a lot of expertise and experience to impart to younger entrants into the industry but couldn’t and didn’t receive due recognition and reward because of academic inadequacy. It was heartening to see him, Datuk Yusuf and 18 other entertainment industry veterans receive a Certified Professional Master in Creative Industry at this session. Among others, they specialised in film production, directing, acting, cinematography, digital animation, photography, screenwriting, make up and production management.

These graduates weren’t the only ones who lighted up our faces and hearts with their happiness on their big day. There were many others who turned up with their loved ones to claim their glory and allowed us to share a moment that is both meaningful and memorable.

We are your alma mater,You are our alumni,

You will never cease to matter,So please never say goodbye!

By Azeezah Jameelah Mohamed Mohideen ([email protected])

Dr Maszlee Malik making this family’s day.


Prison is Not the End of the RoadThree prison inmates from Sekolah Integriti Kajang received their scrolls at the 22nd Convocation on 22 September. The following are their stories:

By Rahmah Daud ([email protected]) & Tengku Amina Munira ([email protected]) On the day of my graduation, a friend asked me: “How do you feel today?” I told him that I was happy and excited, but before I could finish, he added, “No, I mean, how do you feel as a prisoner?”

That morning, I almost forgot that I had still woken up in a 10’ by 10’ cell in Kajang Prison. I even forgot that although I was graduating, I was also in my sixth year of imprisonment. Calling myself an OUM learner for the last few years took away the pain that I endure as an inmate. That sense of belonging protected me from the isolation of life behind bars. It made me forget that I am a convict, even if just for a little while.

Prison is damaging but being able to study while incarcerated allowed me to critically reflect on my situation and develop new perspectives. Now, I no longer see prison as a bad place. Instead, I see it as a temporary settlement where I can reconsider the meaning of life. By taking up studying, the time that I thought was lost was actually not lost entirely. Acquiring knowledge empowered me and helped improve my self-esteem. This means a lot to me and will hopefully prepare me when I am released.

Thanks to OUM, I had the opportunity to start my journey in education. Otherwise, I would never realise how life-changing education can be. Nelson Mandela once said: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”. This same weapon changed mine. My gratitude to OUM, especially the dedicated academic and management staff, knows no bounds.

And now, with a scroll in my hands, I’m confident that I can redeem myself. I will never forget the smiles on my family’s faces and the pride they felt for me. I was excited to share my joy with my fiancée and loved ones; their happiness on that day was the greatest honour for a person like me.

So, coming back to the question that I was asked that morning, this was my final reply: “As a prisoner, today is not only my day of celebration, but also I feel a rite of passage that has taken me from prisoner to learner and one day, will take me to freedom too. I am coming home.”

* Written by the graduate himself, M J Hizwan. He passed with distinction from the Bachelor of Political Science programme.

M J Hizwan, 35Bachelor of Political Science

Adam, 27Diploma in Management

Louise Keng, 33Bachelor of Business Administration

For Louise Keng, life behind bars has taught him a lot. “I was 25 and running my own café. Initially, it was difficult for me to accept the reality that I would be spending 15 years in jail when I should be out there, building and growing my business.”

For months, he lived in denial but after much soul-searching, he finally accepted his fate. “Prison life has greatly changed my perception of things; it has also made me wiser. With little distraction, it helps me think clearly about what I want in life.”

Studying was the best way for him to engage in meaningful endeavours. “I am thankful to OUM for providing this opportunity for prison inmates to take up further studies as it allows people like me to progress academically just like those on the outside,” said KLC, who graduated with flying colours.

With 12 inmates bunking together in a 200 square feet cell, studying can be quite a challenge. “The cell is our world, it is

where we sleep and study. I normally do my revisions late at night as things are much quieter when everyone is asleep.”

Despite the physical restrictions, Keng is determined to study for his master’s. Expecting to be released from prison in 2021 for good behaviour, he hopes to complete his master’s degree by then.

Keng’s parents are his pillars of strength but his gratitude goes to a non-governmental organisation which sponsored his studies. “I have been guaranteed a job with the NGO after my release.”

He regrets that the public is less accepting of former inmates, who are often side-lined when it comes to jobs. “Those with a prison record often find it difficult to secure a job after their release. We want to lead normal lives, so please give us a chance,” he pleaded.

In 2011, Adam (not his real name) had his whole life ahead of him. He was studying for a diploma in quantity surveying at a local university. That changed when he committed an unthinkable crime at the age of 19 and received an 18-year prison sentence. Now 27, he has been incarcerated for more than seven years.

“Life in prison is a life without colour. Everything is always the same, within the same four walls,” Adam rues. “I am sorry for what I did. I know the life I had before is over so I am trying to make the most of the opportunities I get as an inmate.”

Recognising his potential for rehabilitation, the headmaster of Sekolah Integriti Kajang encouraged Adam to enrol at OUM in 2013.

“I decided to take up the Diploma in Management programme,” he says. “I had to wait a year to register, so I decided to spend the time re-sitting my Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examinations. I managed to improve on my previous results and also prepare myself for studying at OUM.”

Adam confesses that studying behind bars was a challenge: “I didn’t have the same perks as regular learners. Study time and contact hours with lecturers were limited. Internet access and resources were restricted. I had to work with what I had.

“However, I consider myself lucky as my family was kind enough to sponsor my studies. This alone is a rare privilege for any prisoner.”

It has taken Adam five years to complete his diploma. Due for release in 2023, he is looking forward to life as a free man.

“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.

My Rite of Passage


A Master for DUKE’s Brother

WHAT DID THEY SAY?

First SessionDR ZABEDAH OTHMANPHD (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.

Third SessionSHANMUGAPRIYA SITAMPARAM PILLAI BACHELOR OF EDUCATION (TESL) WITH HONOURS

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.

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.

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 proof that anyone can further their

studies.


AGE IS JUST A NUMBER IT’S OUR ABILITIES THAT COUNT

I Overcame My Fear

For Zainal Abidin Sulaiman, 64, studying in the Bachelor of Islamic Studies (Islamic Management) 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.”

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.”

In recognising the spirit of lifelong learning whereby knowledge and learning are gifts that can last a lifetime, we spoke to two graduates in their golden years to learn about their experiences in going back to school.

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.

They were the special graduates, who had struggled far greater than others due to physical disabilities.

Shaffe bin PC Mohammad Unni, 54Bachelor of Psychology

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.

Khor Gao Wei, 25Bachelor of Early Childhood Education

“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.”

By Heikal Abdul Mutadir ([email protected])


Zainal with his family outside the convocation hall

Abd Aziz with his wife


Graduation Advice from Bill Gates

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 lifeGraduation 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.

An encounter with my first bossI 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 WisdomOne 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

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.

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 put this one on your reading list to get to someday. It is the most inspiring book I have ever read.

Pinker makes a persuasive argument that the world is getting better, that we are living in the most peaceful time in human history. This can be a hard case to make, especially now. When you tell people the world is improving, they often look at you like you’re either naive or crazy.

But it’s true. And once you understand it, you start to see the world differently. If you think things are getting

By Roshan Thiran

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 belief.

This is the core of my worldview. It sustains me in tough times and is the reason I still love my philanthropic work after more than 17 years. I think it can do the same for you. Good luck to all of you. This is an amazing time to be alive. I hope you make the most of it.” Concluding ThoughtsAs 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.

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 impact, we will continue to see a better world in the years to come.

Wishing each of you a blessed career ahead! May all of your dreams be fulfilled and may you be the light that shines in a dark world.

“The sooner youcan learn to recognise

and appreciate people’s different talents, the

richer your lifewill be.”


22nd ConvocationKuala Lumpur

22 & 23 September 2018


14th IPD Awards Ceremony, Kuala Lumpur, 23 September


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

“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, marketing and business management. Finally, I believe teamwork is important. We come together, stay together and work together to achieve success.”

By Hidayati Kasuma Abdul Hadi ([email protected])

PRESIDENT’S AWARDWong Shuh Fen Executive Assistant to Managing Director Puchong, Selangor Executive Bachelor in Business Management

DIRECTOR’S AWARDNor Suriati Md Zain Human Resource AdministratorLangkawi, KedahExecutive Diploma in Business Management

Awards for IPD Trio

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.”

“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.”

DIRECTOR’S AWARDKam Sch Ching Kindergarten Director and ConsultantKlang, SelangorExecutive Diploma in Early Childhood Education

A lot of people question whether

a degree is still relevant today. The

answer is:Yes!

With the knowledge I have acquired, I can now lead my principal and teachers in making early childhood learning that muchbetter and meaningful.

Regardless of where we came from, we needed to take many things into account in our studies.


Great News for Assistant Medical Officers!

On 29 September, OUM welcomed the first batch of learners for our recently introduced Bachelor of Medical and Health Sciences (BMHS) programme. You could say 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 for the BMHS programme.



29 AKPK Staff Receive Scrolls

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.

To find out more about BMHS, you can visit the Petaling Jaya Learning Centre, call 03-27732121 or write to [email protected].

Petaling Jaya Learning CentreNo 2A, Lot No 31Jalan 19/146350 Petaling JayaSELANGORTel: 03-7954 0546/0634

We want our staff to do better in counselling our clients who are usually in some state of financial

distress.”

“This is a great way for us to improve our capabilities as assistant medical officers!” - Frederick James

“I hope to gain more knowledge so that I can contribute better at work.” - Dinesh Manimannan

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.

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.

AKPK helps individuals and potential borrowers improve their financial discipline via financial education, financial counselling and debt management programmes. Since its inception in 2006 up to 31 August 2018, a total of 806,554 individuals have received AKPK’s counselling services. From that number, as many as 240,100 participants 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.


Mystery ShoppersStrike Again

Special Guest at Seberang Jaya Learning Centre

Biking for the Country

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 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 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 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.”

By Izyan Diyana Merzuki ([email protected])

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.

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.

By Izyan Diyana Merzuki ([email protected])


Mastering Competencies

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:

By Rupa Sivanoli

Behavioural (or life) competenciesThese 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) competenciesThese 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.

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.

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!


The Consolations of PhilosophyAuthor: Alain de BottonPublisher: PenguinFormat: Paperback, 272 pagesYear Published: 2001

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

By Tengku Amina Munira ([email protected])

BOOK REVIEW

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.


an investment in knowledge always pays the best interest...

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