THE STAR, TUESDAY 31 MAY 2016

special

WORK & STUDY

Creating balance for success

THE STAR, TUESDAY 31 MAY 2016

2 work & study

By RACHEL PUNITHA
THE decision to step into the
workforce from a learning
environment is a natural and easy
one because earning a salary is still
one of the primary goals of most
Malaysians, given the fact that one
income per household in this
economy usually barely allows
people to get by.
Unfortunately, this means a
dearth in sufficiently qualified
workers. According to Human
Resource Development Fund
(HRDF) chief executive Datuk C. M.
Vignaesvaran Jeyandran, only 26%
of the approximately 11 million
people in the Malaysian workforce
are skilled.
According to definitions by the
World Bank, anyone who holds a
diploma and above or anyone who
does supervisory work and above
are considered skilled. These two
categories make up 26% of the 11
million. The remainder 74% are
underqualified, he said at a recent
chief executive officers talk
organised by the Institute of
Marketing Malaysia (IMM).
However, a growing demand for
a more skilled workforce, rising
responsiveness of people towards
the need to be legitimately skilled
and qualified, growth in
educational content and
technology and a significant shift

Pursue knowledge growth

The flexible modes of study offered by higher education institutions make it

possible for working adults to further their studies.

towards online learning have

become the driving forces behind a
great burgeoning culture working
and studying.
The New York Times reported
last year that these mountainous
forces caused Silicon Valley to turn

towards the education industry and

thus saw financing for educational
technology companies soar to
nearly a whopping US$1.87bil
(RM7.64bil) (source: CB Insights, a
venture capital database).
In Malaysia, there has always

been continued government

allocation of a large portion of
the national budget and gross
domestic product into the higher
education system.
Additionally, the Education
Ministry is encouraging higher
learning institutions to increase
innovative and collaborative
executive programmes for
business or community leaders
and increase continuing
professional development
programmes for working adults
and professionals.
In 2011, the Malaysian
Qualifications Agency introduced
the Accreditation of Prior
Experiential Learning (Apel)
system, which enables individuals
who have work experience but
lack formal academic
qualifications, to pursue studies at
higher education institutions.
The system provides an
alternative entry route to formal
programmes of study by giving
credit exemption for relevant and
recognised work experience.
As reported by news portal Free
Malaysia Today, from 2011 to
August last year, 651 candidates

their own lives. Since working

was not an option, going back to
studying gave my body and mind
something to do.

Words from
ce
the workfor
FOR this issue, Work & Study spoke
to a few working adults from
various backgrounds about their
experiences with working and
studying: Adibah Moslim, aged 21,
sales and marketing executive,
currently studying; Samantha
Joseph, aged 29, lifestyle editor,
graduated; Anandkanadasan
Pathmathasan, aged 39,
management trainee, currently
studying; Sharifah Mokhtar, aged
66, retired, currently studying;
Syam Jalil, aged 31, about to start
studying; David Maniam, in his
50s, Sadacharam Subramaniam,
in his 50s, former and latter are
managers at Island Hospital,
Penang, currently studying; and
Tommi Cham, aged 28, business
owner, graduated.

What were the

challenges you faced?
Samantha: Time was
a major struggle for me. When
youre working full time and
studying, you feel like you should
give yourself a break at times, but
you cant afford to. It was difficult
coming up with a subject for my
thesis because I largely felt like I
didnt know enough to be writing
a thesis and didnt have as much
time as I would have liked to work
on it.
Sharifah: Getting back into a
learning environment was my
challenge.

It has been decades since I was

last in a classroom environment.
When I first enrolled, the fear of
having to learn so many new
things on top of the course I was
taking gripped me. I wondered
how I was going to complete my
assignments while keeping up
with new technology.
It was an uphill climb all the
way. Sometimes, I even needed
help navigating a simple function
on a learning app. The fear was
and is still there but I never let it
stop me.

applied for Apel.

Out of this, 360 were given
accreditation to continue their
education in their chosen field.
This includes 211 (32%) who chose
to take up a diploma programme,
181 (28%) who pursued a
bachelors degree and 259 (39%)
who enrolled for a masters
degree. The system also applies
to certification programmes.
The decision to return to
learning after being in a working
environment can be daunting and
there are many aspects to
consider when committing to
working and studying, including
finances, time management,
support from family members
and confidence level.
However, despite these
challenges, many working adults
are now pursuing their studies,
taking various opportunities made
available to them such as classes
held at night or during weekends
and other flexible study options.
Moreover, working adults do
not need to give up their day jobs
to work and study nowadays, thus
allowing them to continue earning
a salary.

Samantha Joseph.

bachelors in human resource

course that I took up was tough
for me. I lacked the ability to
memorise and understanding
concepts was difficult.
Syam: Balancing my work in
the media industry is very
demanding with its long hours
and constant commitment to
clients and their needs.
Therefore, I anticipate that I
will need to balance my work
and study life well by developing
strict schedules to accommodate
both commitments. It is doable
since there are many flexible
options nowadays for
those who want to
work and study.

Anandkanadasan: Severe brain

injury caused a challenge for me.
In 1998, I encountered a nearfatal car accident. I was tossed
around so much during the impact
that I hit my head multiple times,
which caused a hairline crack
on my spine, broke my
collarbone and caused a
concussion. I was semiDavid and Sadacharam:
paralysed and was in a coma
We work long hours at
for two months. The severe
Island Hospital, Penang,
head injury caused me to
and travelling twice
forget everything prior
a month to classes
to the accident,
in Kuala Lumpur
including what I had
is going to be a
studied earlier and
challenge for
my work
us.
experiences.
We are
To say I had to
attempting to
start from scratch
make it a
is a major
weekend
understatement.
Anandkanadasan
getaway, where
Even the entrance
Pathmathasan.
our families can
examination for the

tag along on the trip.

Adibah: Maintaining good
results in my work and study is
going to be a challenge.
As a scholar student, I have to
maintain a CGPA of above 3.7
while working in a corporate
organisation that requires me to
maintain my sales performance.
Time management is essential
but I know what I got myself into
despite being so new to the work
and study culture.
Cham: Juggling roles between
work, family, studies and friends
was a challenge.
All these different situations
require us to play different roles
while carrying different
responsibilities.
Its very tough to juggle all of
them together but Im glad I
managed to find a good balance.

Why did you decide to

further your studies?
Samantha: Im hoping it will
give me major plus points when I
decide to migrate.
Sharifah: I had nothing to
occupy my time with as my
children are married and leading

Anandkanadasan: I did not

want to just waste my time and I
felt left behind watching most of
my friends and family furthering
their studies and achieving
significant things in life.
I enrolled in a masters degree
in management in May 2014. With
much help from various people, I
was able to attain a 4.0 CGPA for
the research I conducted and
managed to complete my masters
degree within 18 months instead
of the expected two years. I am
currently pursuing a PhD in
management.
Syam: I am looking for a career
change in the future as my
passion is to teach. Thus, getting a
masters degree will boost my
resume and enhance my career
opportunities.
David and Sadacharam: We
wanted to pursue knowledge.
Even after being in healthcare for
more than 30 years, we still feel
that knowledge gained is very
valuable.
Adibah: My purpose is to gain
valuable knowledge, do something
with my free time and earn some
money along the way. Thankfully,
I am able to adjust my working
time to follow my class schedules.
Cham: I majored in engineering
but work as a graphic designercum-entrepreneur. I took up an
MBA because I needed to learn the
tricks of the trade while using my
specialties and skills for my
business wisely.

> SEE PAGE 7

THE STAR, TUESDAY 31 MAY 2016

THE STAR, TUESDAY 31 MAY 2016

4 work & study

Study at your own pace

SEGI University and Colleges has
been nurturing bright young
minds of the nation for nearly 40
years. As a result of its legacy, it
now offers one of the widest
ranges of programmes in the
country.
To meet the rising demand for
capable leaders, SEGi offers a
new breakthrough method to
enable adult learners to
further their studies at their
own convenience, anywhere
and anytime.
PACE (Professional and
Continuing Education) is
a consortium
of global

universities that enables students

to learn at their own pace and
complete their studies with the
assurance that they can still attend
to other obligations and have a
fulfilling work-life balance.
Students can select one of the
three modes of study that best suits
them: weekend/evening classes,
supported learning or independent
learning.
With these choices, students
have the opportunity to network
with like-minded coursemates,
meet their lecturers and gain any
additional support they may need
while completing their studies.
There is a wide range of
undergraduate and postgraduate
programmes to pursue from a
variety of universities under PACE.

Australia
PACE, a consortium
of global
universities, gives
mature students
the opportunity to
learn at their own
convenience,
anywhere, anytime.

l University of Southern
Queensland (USQ) This
university is one of Australias
leading providers of education
both on campus and through its
distance education option.
USQ was ranked by
MyUniversity as the top university
in Queensland for graduates in
full-time work in 2013, while The
Good Universities Guide (2015)
awarded USQ the top national

rating of five stars for graduates

getting a full-time job.
Its School of Management and
Enterprise was ranked No.1 for its
Master in Business Administration
(MBA) programmes in Australia by
the BOSS Survey in 2015 by the
Australian Financial Review.

United Kingdom
l University of Greenwich
(UOG) As a proud recipient of
The Queens Anniversary Prize for
Higher and Further Education
2015, the university offers MBAs
with specialisations in banking and
finance, logistic and international
business.
l University of Sunderland
(UOS) UOS is an innovative,
forward-thinking university with
high standards of teaching,
research and support.
According to the Guardian
University Guide 2012 and the
Whatuni Student Choice Awards
2015, UOS is the Best New
University in the North East of
England. It was also shortlisted for
University of the Year in the Times
Higher Education Awards 2012.
l University of St Mark & St
John (Marjon) This university
was set up nearly 175 years ago in
London. The National Student

Survey results awarded the

university 91% for student
satisfaction in 2013. This places
Marjon in the top 10 of higher
education institutions in England.
l York St John University
Located in York, UK, the university
was founded in May 1841. In
addition to its wide range of
undergraduate programmes, it also
offers postgraduate programmes.
l University of London Truly
one of the great universities in
the UK, its reputation for high
academic standards has been built
on the outstanding teaching and
research of its colleges since 1836.
Today, University of London
degrees are accessible to students
all over the world through the
University of London International
Programmes, which is truly
international with more than
50,000 students in more than 190
countries.

n For more information on PACE,

call SEGi University (03-6145 1777
or 1800 887 344), SEGi College
Subang Jaya (03-8600 1888/1800
888 622), SEGi College Kuala
Lumpur (03-2070 2078/1800 888
028), SEGi College Penang (04-263
3888) or SEGi College Sarawak
(1300 887 344), e-mail askme@segi.
edu.my or visit www.segi.edu.my.

Use time
wisely
Limiting your time spent on social media can easily give you the extra hours to accomplish
your study goals.

WHEN compared with undergraduate study,

a postgraduate programme has its superior
points greater choice of subject matter,
fewer classes and more self-directed study,
for example.
However, this also means that time
management is a crucial part of successful
postgraduate study. Furthermore, many
people pursue their postgraduate degrees
while holding down a job, whether full-time
or part-time, making time an even more
precious commodity.
Even if you have created a timetable for
yourself that factors in work, time spent
with family, time to rest and relax, and study
time, sticking to it may be difficult with
procrastination becoming your worst enemy.
So how do you get through your list of
things to do and study goals to accomplish
each week? Here are some tips on how to
manage your time more efficiently.

Turn off your e-mail and

social media
Once you are out of the office, sign out of
your e-mail and do not sign into your social
media accounts. This is not just for your
computer but also your mobile phone, tablet
and any other electronic gadget that is

around you. These are irresistible

distractions that lure you into wasting time;
many people spend hours on social media
without realising it.
Use this time to either study go through
your notes, refine your research, start on
the next chapter of your thesis or spend
quality time with your family.
You can log back into your social media
accounts when you are having some me
time, but be sure not to overdo it.

Minimise meetings
Postgraduate study is a great responsibility
so you will have to make some sacrifices
when it comes to your social life, but this is
not to say that you become a hermit and lock
yourself in your room studying every spare
moment you get.
Rather, budget your time meeting friends
carefully. Random coffee dates or spur-ofthe-moment outings may not be as
important as sticking to your schedule.
Do, however, pencil in time to meet your
close friends once in a while, as relaxing and
socialising are important for de-stressing and
maintaining your overall well-being.

> SEE NEXT PAGE

THE STAR, TUESDAY 31 MAY 2016

STIFF competition at the workplace has

prompted many working adults to pursue
higher education to keep them ahead of the
competition or climb the corporate ladder.
Asia e University (AeU) offers a flexible
learning approach through its open and
distance learning (ODL) mode, which is now
more appealing for working adults who can
still work while pursuing higher education
to achieve their ambitions.
The global market today is rapidly
changing and entrepreneurs and
professionals have different ways of looking
at the world. They constantly seek new
perspectives in complex business scenarios
in an Asian context.
As more organisations extend their reach
and diversify into its rapidly growing market
segments, understanding local ways of doing
business is paramount to organisational
success. Working adults turn to the masters
of business administration (MBA) degree to
enhance their business and industry
knowledge and improve their management
and strategic decision-making skills.
AeUs MBA programme combines the best
of global business training with a unique
focus on Asia.
Students can choose to specialise in
international business, entrepreneurship or
supply chain management.
AeUs MBA offers a distinctive industryfocused curriculum that ensures students
obtain the necessary rigour, business
discipline and innovative thinking that sets
them apart from other MBA graduates.
Students will develop their
communication, leadership, interpersonal
and networking skills through participation
in project paper clinics or business case
seminars.
This unique MBA programme makes it
possible for students to be affiliated with a
global alumni network.
It opens up a world of opportunities for
students who are groomed to identify
chances, seize them and develop lasting
careers that have a global impact.
Students can instantly tap into AeUs
network of more than 7,000 alumni, many of
whom are now holding prominent positions
globally.
In addition, AeU students will also get
mentorship from professionals, insights on
industries and develop friendships with
their peers that extend beyond just business.

work & study 5

Global MBA experience

Managing director of Aung Parami Int Trading Co Ltd Htay Yee Aung (standing) from Myanmar
having a discussion with other MBA coursemates at AeUs main campus.

For this May intake, there will be a special

MBA Entrepreneurship offering of practical
learning experiences dedicated to young
entrepreneurs.
This batch will start their first module that
involves activities to inspire new business
ideas and develop business networks.
Applicants can enrol in the MBA degree
programme full-time, part-time or go fully
online. Classes for full-time and part-time
options are held during weekends or
evenings during weekdays, making it ideal
for working adults.
The AeU MBAs curriculum combines
eastern and western perspectives with a
special focus on Asian business and is highly
relevant to my career. The flexibility I
enjoyed during my study caused minimal
disruption to my family, work commitments
and challenges faced in adjusting my time
and roles as a professional, wife and
mother, says Htay Yee Aung, managing
director of Aung Parami Int Trading Co Ltd,
an AeU MBA student from Myanmar.
Despite the challenges facing the global
economy, Asia is expected to remain resilient

Maximise your hours

> FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
Juggling between responsibilities can be
challenging, but it should not be a problem if
you maximise the time you have at hand.

Take advantage of free time

Use time you would otherwise spend idly
to catch up with your studies. Transit time,
for example, is great for this. Use the forced
isolation of sitting on a bus, train or in an
airplane to figure out stuff in a low-pressure
and distraction-free environment.
If a last-minute cancellation in your
schedule opens up some free time, use it
wisely and productively. If you do use this
time to relax, make sure you replace one of
your scheduled relaxation time slots with
studying.

Set tough but realistic

deadlines
Sometimes, your work will get in the way
of your studies. You cannot always control
the ebb and flow of various projects or the
people around you.
You can, however, gain more control over
yourself and how you work and study. For

both, when you finish one task, move on to

the next. When one work project or research
path hits a roadblock, move on to the next
and come back to it when you are fresh. Try
to wrap up for the day at a point that will be
easy to pick up the next day.

Self-reflect
At the end of each month, take a hard look
at your calendar and reflect on how you
spent your time. Was it efficient? Did you
meet the goals you set for yourself? Did you
get a solid return on what you chose to do
with your time?
Monitor how well you are doing and make
sure that you are actually making progress
with spending your time efficiently. Make
adjustments as necessary. Next month,
compare your progress and adjust again.
Stopping yourself from wasting time is
both easy and difficult, in that it just needs a
change in behaviour and requires a lot of
self-discipline. Taking a moment to analyse
your behaviour and understanding that the
change cannot happen immediately will help
you succeed in your mission to use time
wisely.

and emerge as the region of growth. There

is growing demand in Asia for consumer
goods, multinational companies are
extending their reach here and firms in
this region are seeking new innovations.
With the world looking to Asia for market
growth, this is the ideal region to gain
knowledge on business. The AeU MBA
promises deep insights into the Asian market
while giving you a global perspective, says

Assoc Prof Dr Wan Sabri Wan Hussin, acting

dean of AeUs School of Management.
AeUs e-Learning serves a great number of
students in many geographical locations and
has supported the enrolment of thousands of
students from within and outside the
country.
It successfully connects students to faculty
members, academic facilitators, experts and
administrators via the Internet using a
common platform known as myPLS, the
universitys learning management system,
where various learning resources such as
web-based modules and multimedia
courseware are made available to students,
including access to the library digital
collection.
AeU is a collaborative multinational
university established under the auspices of
the 34 Asia Cooperation Dialogue Countries
(ACD).
All academic programmes are
internationally benchmarked, approved by
the Malaysian Ministry of Education and
accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications
Agency.
AeU offers incentives, loans and EPF
withdrawal assistance. Besides the normal
entry, Accreditation of Prior Experiential
Learning (Apel) is an alternative entry to
those without the prerequisite qualifications.

n For information, call 1300 300 238 or

visit www.aeu.edu.my.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 31 MAY 2016

6 work & study

Exceptional lawyers
LOCATED in the heart of Kuala
Lumpur on Jalan Petaling, Advance
Tertiary College (ATC) has been
producing lawyers for more than
28 years.
ATC offers the ideal educational
chronology for law students. It
hones essential skills with courses
such as A-Levels with the
University of Cambridge, Bachelor
of Laws (LLB) External Programme
with the University of London and
Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP)
with ATC.
ATC provides flexible class timing
when necessary, which may include
extra classes, weekend classes and
evening classes.
For the A-Levels programme with

the University of Cambridge,

prospective students can select
three to four subjects to obtain
this A-Levels qualification. If they
manage to obtain two passes from
their A-Levels examinations, they
can pursue the Bachelor of Laws
(LLB) External Programme with the
University of London at ATC.
With an external programme for
LLB at ATC, anyone can now
complete a world-class UK law
degree within three years locally.
The LLB programme offers
students exposure to a variety of
law fields, including contract law,
family law and European Union
law, depending on students
interests and the level they are in.

Completion of the Bachelor

of Laws (LLB) with the University
of London and obtaining Second
Class and above allow students
to proceed in obtaining their
Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP).
ATC is the one-stop centre for
aspiring young lawyers. Not only
are your academic skills perfected
with the completion of your law
studies, you can also gain actual
legal skills through joining ATCs
Moot Programme.
Aside from learning through
books, you learn the art of
advocacy and strategies in
application of law as well as
experience the potential challenges
that lawyers in the real world have

ATC provides aspiring lawyers with the platform to build connections

with the right people.

to face.
Overall, the ATC Moot
Programme prepares you for
work within the national legal
system.
Through participation in clubs
and societies, students can
venture into the legal system, see
how it works and the people
within it as well as build their
connections at an early stage.
Some may choose to pursue a
different career in law other
than being a lawyer. With an
excellent legal foundation

obtained from a prestigious

college such as ATC, Bachelor of
Laws Degree students can opt to
be a mediator, legal editor,
professor, activist or politician.
ATCs School of Business
Management offers the
Certificate in Business Studies,
Diploma in Marketing or
Management and Bachelor
(Hons) in Business Studies
programmes.

n For more information, visit

www.atc2u.edu.my.

Boost your
career potential

QIUP prides itself on having excellent academicians who can share a

wealth of knowledge.

WORKING professionals and

students planning to pursue a
Master of Business
Administration (MBA), Master of
Science (MSc) or PhD in Science
postgraduate degree can now
enrol at Quest International
University Perak (QIUP) in Ipoh.
These programmes are ideal
for those seeking to boost their
career potential with a
postgraduate qualification.
The MBA programme is by
coursework while the MSc
and PhD programmes are by
research.
The MBA programme offers
flexibility and allows students to
pursue the course/subject at
their own pace.
Besides full-time study, these
programmes are offered on parttime basis with the MSc taking a
minimum of 36 months and PhD
taking a minimum of 48 months
to complete.
These are ideal for graduates
and working professionals
who want to upgrade their
qualifications, knowledge and
employability but are unable to
pursue full-time programmes.
Nicholas Goh, chief operating
officer of QIUP, says, Due to
strenuous lifestyles and
competing priorities, people find
it difficult to upgrade their skills
conveniently and efficiently. Our
programmes equip students
with the required managerial
and technical tools that prepare
them to take up new challenges

and excel at work.

QIUPs lecturers are
passionate, industry-savvy,
highly acclaimed and highly
intelligent.
Prof Dr Abdul Latif Salleh,
acting dean of Faculty of
Business, Management and
Social Sciences (FBMSS), spent 25
years working at the University
of Malaya and, following his
retirement in 2008, went on to
teach at the Prince Sultan
University in Riyadh, Saudi
Arabia, for five years.
Prof Dr Abdul Latif received
his BEc from the University
of Malaya, an MBA from
Sheffield University, UK, and his
MA and PhD from Duke
University, US.
Assoc Prof Dr Vilasini Pillai,
director of Centre for Graduate
Studies and Research and head
of biotechnology, has worked in
the Malaysian Agricultural
Research and Development
Institute (Mardi) in the area of
genetic engineering of crop
plants.
There are many excellent
academicians with good
credentials at QIUP who can
guide students and expose them
to impactful research work.
The May intake is open for
registration.

n For more information, call

1800 88 QIUP (7487) or e-mail
enquiries@qiup.edu.my or
visit www.qiup.edu.my.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 31 MAY 2016

work & study 7

> FROM PAGE 2

Leverage on
work experience
Did you choose your
course based on your
work and do you feel
that it has helped
make you more
disciplined in your
studies?
Sharifah: I do believe my
work experience has influenced
me somewhat as I dont think I
would have made the same
choices now as when I was in
my teenage years.
Syam: Yes, I believe that my
work experience has shaped me
to become more disciplined and
I have become more aware of
my strengths and weaknesses.
My learning choices are based
on my interest and career
advancements as well.
David and Sadacharam: Our
work experience has certainly
played an important role in
making us more disciplined. Too
many people want to just earn a
degree or do their MBA for the
sake of completing it. We are
doing it in pursuit of knowledge.
Adibah: Yes, due to my tight
schedule, I have seen an
improvement in my selfdiscipline, skills and selfdevelopment. This benefits me
in both my studying and
working life. My communication
skills, leadership skills and
organising and managing skills
are much better now. Moreover,
my career path is clearer and it
has helped me make better
choices for my future.
Chan: With my work
experience, I could relate to all
the theories and things I learnt
in simulated real-life situations.
My peers in class were also the
same and this made our
discussions more effective and
useful.

Do you think that

SPM leavers should be
encouraged to gain
experience first
before
furthering
their tertiary
education?
Samantha: I
dont think its
possible in
this economy
to leave
school and
look for work
without a
degree.
I cant
imagine
what work
you would

get that would be relevant to

your school education.
Sharifah: No, they shouldnt
be. Getting back to studying was
very difficult for me but back
then, I didnt have many
opportunities for further study. I
believe SPM leavers should gain
a basic educational foundation
before stepping into the
workforce. Once youre in the
workforce, you tend to get used
to receiving a salary and other
commitments come in, making
it difficult to return to studying.
At least with a diploma, degree
or even a certificate, you can
make better decisions when you
finally step into the workforce.
Of course, those pursuing a
masters degree or PhD should
consider getting some work
experience first.
Anandkanadasan: No, they
should arm themselves with a
degree before going into the
market and then pursue
postgraduate studies using the
experience and knowledge
gained.
Syam: SPM leavers should at
least finish their diploma or
basic tertiary education before
stepping into the working world.
This can give them better
insights into their strengths and
weaknesses, which will enable
them to make better career and
education choices. There are
more options available for
students who have completed
basic tertiary education
compared with SPM leavers.
David and Sadacharam:
SPM leavers should at least do
a foundation such as A-Levels or
even STPM before entering the
workforce. By doing so, they will
mature and are able to choose
their career paths wisely.
Adibah: That is not necessary
as it depends on each individual
if working and studying can
offer something to grow them. If
not, itll be a waste of time as
some are content to continue
working and not place value on
pursuing further education.
Chan: Sometimes, we
require work experience to
understand what we have
learnt at college or university.
Although I do not apply much
from my engineering
degree now, studying
it pushed me to
discover my passion and
become an
entrepreneur. Also,
experience gained from
studying in secondary
school is different
from that of tertiary
education.
Adibah Moslim.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 31 MAY 2016

8 work & study

OUM leading in
lifelong learning
OPEN University Malaysia (OUM) is a
one-stop centre for lifelong learning
that provides access to quality higher
education via the open and distance
learning (ODL) mode, regardless of
students educational, ethnic and socioeconomic background.
Epitomising its motto University for
All OUMs longstanding philosophy is
to democratise education, underlining
the belief that education should be
made available to all, regardless of
time, place and age.
OUM specifically caters to working
adults who juggle many commitments,
including taking care of their families
as well as managing their careers while
pursuing higher education.
OUM now stands tall with a
cumulative number of graduates
exceeding 66,000, covering
programmes from diploma to
postgraduate levels.
The institution broke records when
more than 3,500 learners enrolled inits
January intake this year and learners
are pouring in for the currentMay
intake.
OUM is the first institution to be
given approval by the Higher

Prof Datuk
Dr Mansor Fadzil.

Our sole aim is

to make quality
education truly
flexible by removing
all the barriers.
Education Ministry to implement the
Accreditation of Prior Experiential
Learning (APEL), which allows the
university to admit learners based on
assessment of their prior work or
learning experience.
Through this system, applicants sit
for a test and submit a portfolio to
prove that they have the relevant
knowledge and experience for the
programme they wish to undertake.
There is flexibility in the teaching
and learning process as well because
of OUMs diligent practice of ODL.
It supplies learners with various modes
of learning face-to-face tutorials and
seminars, self-study using online
learning materials such as e-modules,
downloadable study guides, and online

discussion forums accessible through

OUMs innovative learning
management system, myINSPIRE.
President and Vice-Chancellor Prof
Datuk Dr Mansor Fadzil says, Fifteen
years of creating flexible opportunities
for working adults to pursue higher
education is our contribution towards
nation-building. Our sole aim is to
make quality education flexible by
removing all the barriers.
He adds that OUM uses innovative
technology that enables learners to
study anytime, anywhere using mobile
application and to interact with tutors
and coursemates using the newly
redesigned virtual learning system,
myINSPIRE.
Learners can also access e-learning
materials through the system, which
enriches their learning experience.
The May 2016 intake remains open
for registration.

n For more information,

visit www.oum.edu.my or
e-mail enquiries@oum.edu.my
or call 03-2773 2121 or
WhatsApp 012 303 9934/35.

Learners speak
Lisa Khor Poh Ling, aged 44,
kindergarten operator/principal,
Master in Early Childhood
Education.
The flexibility of learning at
OUM makes studying possible for
me while actively running my
kindergarten.
Even though class attendance is
not compulsory, I enjoy all the
seminars and look forward to
every one because at OUM, we

have the best subject matter

experts to lead and guide us.
The great thing about the
flexibility is that even though Im a
registered student at the Kuala
Lumpur Learning Centre, I can
always opt to do my examinations
in Penang, where I live.

Bushro Ahmad, aged 45,

government officer, Master in
Management.
I use OUMs virtual learning
system, myINSPIRE, very diligently.
I make sure I am on it every single
day.
The system has been proven
effective and user-friendly. Every
question that I have posed into the
system has been answered and in a
timely manner as well.
In terms of flexibility, I feel
working adults appreciate that
class attendance is optional.
By not placing pressure on us, it
actually makes us attend classes
even more. For these and other
reasons, I think OUM is the best
choice for me.

Lisa Khor
Poh Ling.

Father and daughter, Prof

Emeritus Datuk Dr Abdul Murad
Ahmad, aged 61, Master in Islamic
Studies, and Nur Diyanah Datuk
Abdul Murad, aged 27, Master
in Counselling.
Dr Abdul Murad: The
myINSPIRE allows me to access it

Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Abdul Murad

Ahmad (left) and Nur Diyanah.

David Maniam and

Sadacharam Subramaniam.

at my point of need and allocated

time of study. This flexibility
greatly relieves working learners.
For instance, when I am tired,
I can choose not to study. And
when I am motivated to study
more, I can go to the next lesson
without having to wait for others.
Nur Diyanah: The continual
access of the myINSPIRE allows
me to regularly brush up on
things Ive learnt at any given
time and place.
Just as my father has said, the
pressure we dont get from the
flexibility of learning at OUM
while juggling work truly helps.

Facility Management.

David Maniam and Sadacharam

Subramaniam, both in their
50s, managers, Master of

When we initially decided to

pursue our studies, we could have
done it at any other institution in
Penang, where we live. But we
wanted one that is recognised and
OUM is reputed for its commitment
to lifelong learning.
We could have done the course
entirely online but, as the course is
only available in the KL branch, we
are taking the trouble to travel
down twice a month for classes
because it is the actual learning
experience we seek.
At our age and with more than
30 years in the industry, were
hoping that this pursuit of
knowledge might lead us
somewhere.

Dr Anayasmin Azmi.

Dr Anayasmin Azmi, aged 33,

medical officer, Master in Early
Childhood Education.
I keep a very tight schedule, and
on top of that I regularly
accompany my spouse overseas
for work.
OUM has a perfect virtual
learning system, myINSPIRE,
which can be accessed anywhere
and is closely monitored by
lecturers.
This is like a dream come true
for those who have a very busy
schedule but wish to further their
studies.
Having close relationships with
the educators and colleagues
despite location differences
helps a lot.