Chancellor
YABhg Tun Jeanne Abdullah
Pro Chancellor
YBhg Tan Sri Dato' Azman Hashim
Group Management Committee YBhg Prof Tan Sri Anuwar Ali President/Vice-Chancellor YBhg Prof Dr Mansor Fadzil Senior Vice President YBhg Prof Ir Dr Rosli Hamir Vice President (Learner Management & Campus Development) Repin Ibrahim Vice President (Business Development & Human Resource Management) Kamariah Mohd Noor General Manager/Registrar Che Omar Ahmat @ Ahmad Financial Controller/Bursar Prof Ramli Bahroom General Manager (Corporate Planning) Prof Dr Ahmad Hashem General Manager (Technology)
Editorial Team
Advisor YBhg Prof Tan Sri Anuwar Ali President/Vice-Chancellor Chief Editor Kamariah Mohd Noor General Manager/Registrar Editor YBhg Datin Teh Raqamah Abdullah Director, Corporate Relations Unit Associate Editors Assoc Prof Hazidi Abdul Hamid Faculty of Education & Languages Siti Farina Sheikh Mohamed Faculty of Education & Languages Norfardilawati Musa Faculty of Applied Social Sciences Rahmah Daud Manager, Corporate Relations Unit Azeezah Jameelah Mohd Mohideen Senior Executive, Editorial Unit Fatimah Ibrahim Senior Executive (Quality Assurance) Writer Gowri Venkatesan Senior Executive, Corporate Relations Unit Photographer Azizan Jamaludin Corporate Relations Unit
Contact Us: OPEN UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA Jalan Tun Ismail, 50480 Kuala Lumpur Tel: 603.2773.2045 Fax: 603.2697.8825 E-mail: pro@oum.edu.my
President’s Quill Eight Years Old and Growing Stronger by the Day eight holds a special meaning for the Chinese. It is equated T hewithnumber wealth, prosperity and fortune. The most recent Olympic Games
began on August 8 last year – 08/08/08. Locally, a popular fast-food chain has used this number to its advantage by pricing a burger it offers during the Chinese New Year festive period at RM8.88. Some people use the number eight in their addresses as well as phone and car licence plate numbers with the hope that fortune would smile on them. It was also eight years ago that we first set our foundation. We started small but with a definite plan in mind – to bring higher education to those who thought they had no more opportunity of acquiring it. As with any worthwhile endeavour, we faced scores of challenges and constraints in our journey. Open and distance learning was a relatively new venture in the field of education and for some, it still seems to be so. But gradually, we have been planting the seeds of possibility in people’s minds and it seems to be working. More and more Malaysians are registering to take up diploma and degree programmes with OUM. Our enrolment figures are very encouraging, to say the least. It has been a thrilling eight years for us. Our programmes, tutors and students have greatly increased in number. We have achieved milestones not only on home turf but abroad as well. None of these could have become a reality without the cooperation, collaboration and teamwork of a wide range of people – OUM management, academic staff, non-academic staff, tutors, facilitators, subject matter experts and students. So, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all in our OUM family for the great work that has been accomplished these past eight years. But we must not let our past successes lull us into a slumber. Instead, we must continue to persist and strive to make our vision an even greater reality than it already is at the moment. Now that we have a solid base, we need to put our strengths into institution building. This should be our next goalpost and hopefully, with everyone working hand in hand, we can build a great institution that stands tall for many years to come.
OUM Today is published by Open University Malaysia, a member of METEOR Group of Companies. The electronic version is accessible at www.oum.edu.my
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Professor Tan Sri Anuwar Ali 02
OUM Today Issue 59 • May 2009
The Penang Learning Centre
News from Penang Learning Centre Penang Learning Centre began operations at Kolej Disted-Stamford, T hePenang, with its first batch of learners numbering only 54 in August
2001. With increasing enrolment and the need to provide better services to students from the mainland, the Learning Centre was relocated to Taman Pauh Jaya in Seberang Perai in 2003. However, tutorials were still conducted at the School of Mathematics and Computer Science, Minden, Universiti Sains Malaysia on the island. The current Learning Centre was established when OUM purchased two 3-storey shop units in Pusat Bandar Seberang Jaya in 2003. The Centre has 10 tutorial rooms, 2 computer laboratories, a library, a meeting room and an administrative office. While continuing to conduct tutorials for IT-related programmes at Minden, the new Centre in Seberang Jaya became fully functional beginning from the January 2004 semester. Besides Minden at USM, the other local learning centres in the state of Penang include Politeknik Seberang Perai in Permatang Pauh, Institut Perguruan Tuanku Bainun and Institut Perguruan Persekutuan Pulau Pinang. However, according to Dr Tan Toh Wah, Director of the Penang Learning Centre, challenges do arise when scheduling classes for 2,180 students during tutorial weekends. The Centre is manned by a team of nine full-time staff comprising a Director, two Executives, five Assistant Executives and a Security Officer. Working as a team, the staff aim to provide enhanced quality services to its customers. Dr Tan said multi-tasking was the norm in the administrative office of the Centre. Although each staff was assigned specific duties, they have to handle a whole range of duties especially during tutorial days when other colleagues are away at the other four local Learning Centres. Currently, the Centre offers all the undergraduate programmes and the MBA programme. The courses are taught by more than 250 part-time tutors, many of whom have been with the university since the Penang Learning Centre was established. Being the first OUM-owned Regional Learning Centre, the Centre in Seberang Jaya is a bit “dated” and limited in space and facilities when compared to the other more recent purpose-built Learning Centres. The
University plans to upgrade the facilities in the two computer laboratories and library and renovate its current premises. The proposed renovation will include a makeover of its reception area and administrative office so that they are more friendly and corporate looking. This provide for two additional tutorial rooms and a computer laboratory. One of the major challenges the Centre is facing is the reluctance of potential students – especially postgraduate students – from the island to travel to the mainland for their tutorials. This is understandable as the uncertainty due to traffic jams on the Penang Bridge is a major concern of many.
Dr Tan Ton Wah (seated second from left) is flanked by the Learning Centre's staff
The current economic slump is not a reason for the University to limit its plan for better learning among learners and potential students. “Usually, economic crisis is the time of opportunity for many, especially those directly affected by retrenchment, VSS etc to re-evaluate and re-chart their life careers. This is the time for them to look at the possibility of re-training or taking up a new course or upgrading their qualifications to prepare themselves for better opportunities when the economy recovers,” he added.
OUM Today Issue 59 • May 2009
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Prof Tan Sri Anuwar Ali takes over the helm as the President/Vice-Chancellor (2004)
Award (2006)
Centre Launch (2007)
h Sciences Launch (2009)
Proclamation of First Chancellor, the late YABhg Datin Paduka Seri Endon Mahmood (2004)
21st Annual Conference of the Asian Association of Open Universities (2007)
Melaka Learning Centre Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony (2008)
Special Convocation in Japan (2009)
First Convocation (2004)
iRadio Launch (2007)
E-Content and Alumni Portal Launch (2008)
First Convocation in Yemen (2009)
To Be A Better Teacher
A the world to care for the sick and suffering. In the course of her duty, s a nurse, Bernardita Desiderio McGregor travelled to different parts of
she was exposed to different environments, ethnicities and cultures. However, when it came to patients she found that they were all the same across the globe – vulnerable and surviving on hope. At 47, Bernardita had a career switch but surprisingly she could not distance herself from nursing despite the change. Now, she is at the other side of the fence as a lecturer teaching nursing students at a prominent health sciences college in Malaysia. In a bid to enhance her capacity as an educator, Bernardita set foot in OUM to pursue the Master of Education programme last year. Now, the mother of three young children is enjoying the best of both worlds as a teacher and learner with much enthusiasm. Born and bred in the Philippines, Bernardita came to Malaysia with her family in 2005. When she followed her husband, who took up a job at a well-known oil and gas company here, little did she know that she would venture into teaching. As she was so used to rolling up her sleeves and being on her toes, sitting idle was a daunting task for her. When she expressed her desire to join the workforce, it did not take long for this seasoned nurse to land a job.
Bernardita Desiderio McGregor
A stickler for perfection, Bernardita feels that whatever we choose to do in life, we must do it right. “Teaching is not something to be taken lightly. Good teachers put their heart and soul into what they do. I feel that as teachers, we should walk the talk by continuing to learn. By doing this, we will set a good example for our students and at the same time keep abreast of current issues. I embarked on OUM’s postgraduate degree to improve my teaching skills and learn some tricks of the trade,” said Bernardita, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Ateneo University in the Philippines. Though Bernardita is turning to books after quite some time, she is slipping into her role like a hand in glove. “I love to learn new things and share my knowledge with others. I am glad that I am in the right profession as it gives me ample scope to transfer my knowledge to others. For check and balance, my other role as a learner allows me to acquire more knowledge. I will recommend lifelong learning to everyone as it keeps our brain occupied and stimulated,” said Bernardita, who derives her inspiration from women who respect and take pride in themselves.
“Teaching is not something to be taken lightly. Good teachers put their heart and soul into what they do. I feel that as teachers, we should walk the talk by continuing to learn. By doing this, we will set a good example for our students and at the same time keep abreast of current issues"
On why she chose OUM over other learning institutions, pat came the reply that it was due to the flexible learning option. “Learning becomes bearable and fun with open and distance learning (ODL). It sort of gives me more breathing space which I am sure that conventional learning can’t. The best thing about this arrangement is that I can learn outside the class and outside Malaysia as well. My husband and I are globe-trotters as our work takes us to different places. I have worked in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, Australia and now in Malaysia. We do not know where we will head next. My studies at OUM will not be disrupted even if I no longer stay here,” she opined. At times, Bernardita does feel overwhelmed by her active lifestyle but she is far from bowing down to pressure. “I am responsible for whatever I choose to do in life. Life can be stressful and quite demanding at times, however it is up to us how we handle such situations and manage ourselves with the time we have on hand. When we are passionate about what we do, somehow we will automatically develop the willpower to succeed. I believe that I am destined to take up more challenging tasks ahead. For that, I have to fully equip myself with all the knowledge and skills necessary so that I can take on the challenges confidently,” she concluded.
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OUM Today Issue 59 • May 2009
Prof Tan Sri Anuwar Ali’s speech was followed by a talk on “Achieving Quality Management and Unleashing Ideas for Innovation.” The invited speaker was none other than Dato’ Ghazi Sheikh Ramli, the Founder/President of the Malaysian Association of Creativity and Innovation (MACRI). Dato’ Ghazi approached three major misconceptions or misunderstanding about creativity and innovation: Creativity is the private domain of musicians, song writers, composers, artists; ii. Innovation is the exclusive territory of researchers, scientists, designers, inventors; and iii. Innovation is all about making new and better products. i.
According to him, the truth is creativity and innovation is meant for everybody; young and old, kids and adults, students and teachers, male and female. In fact, creativity and innovation can be applied in many areas such as products, processes, services, models and methods. Prof Tan Sri Anuwar Ali (left) presenting a memento to Dato' Ghazi Sheikh Ramli
Innovation for Quality
By Norziati Mansor / norziati@oum.edu.my he second METEOR Group Staff Assembly for 2009 was held on 16 April. In his T opening speech, METEOR Group Chief Officer & OUM President/Vice Chancellor,
Prof Tan Sri Anuwar Ali emphasised on the importance of providing quality service to our students. In many ways, total quality management culture is very crucial and requires discipline at all levels. He foresees many challenges ahead and hopes everyone will remain strong and have the ability to be creative and innovative in facing and overcoming the challenges.
Dato’ Ghazi further explained that there are three key components of innovation: creative thinking, strategic thinking and transformational thinking. As for the types of innovation, there are two, namely, incremental (sustaining innovation) and radical (disruptive innovation). He stressed that it was very important to be open for innovation to occur. Innovation could be done collaboratively on a large scale with outsiders such as university researchers, suppliers, customers and even competitors to get new products or services to the market. Dato’ Ghazi clarified that to be an innovative leader we must have a vision for change, break the rules and welcome failure.
Another Award for OUM added another feather in its cap when it was acknowledged as one of the practitioners O inUMAsia to have made significant contributions to human capital development. The University was one of the award recipients under the category Contribution to the Organisation presented at the Asia HRD Congress 2009 Awards ceremony held recently. The award is in recognition of OUM’s contributions in making higher learning accessible, affordable and for instilling the spirit of lifelong learning among Malaysians. Other recipients in the same category included human resource development professionals and practitioners from United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Brunei and India. Senior Vice-President Prof Dr Mansor Fadzil, who received the award from Human Resources Minister YB Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam, said the recognition reflects the commitment of the University in developing the country’s human capital through the provision of quality education. Flexibility and affordability are features that attract learners to OUM. The University now has a cumulative learner intake of over 81,000 enrolled in 70 programmes at diploma, bachelor and postgraduate levels. The University also places great emphasis on staff development. It has established a stringent recruitment policy to attract competent staff and has allocated 8% or RM1.2 million of the annual total staff emoluments for employee learning and development. It is currently developing a series of professional development programmes aimed at linking competency with performance and compensation. Apart from salary revisions, the University has introduced other monetary benefits for staff to meet the rising cost of living.
Asia HRD Congress 2009 Award
“These initiatives are meant to retain and attract the best talents besides positioning the University as an employer of choice among potential jobseekers,” Prof Dr Mansor added.
OUM Today Issue 59 • May 2009
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Events: March, April and May 2009
16-18 March 2009 -The First International Conference on E-Learning & Distance Learning, Riyadh
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18 April 2009 -Appreciation Hi-Tea for Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
21 April 2009 -Malaysian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Associate Professor Syed Omar Syed Mohammad Al-Saggaff visited the National Centre for E-Learning & Distance Learning, Riyadh
30 April 2009 -Visit by delegates from MSIR University of Science & Technology and University Malaysia Pahang
8 May 2009 -Deputy Minister of Higher Education, YBhg Dato' Saifuddin Abdullah visited Pahang Learning Centre
11 May 2009 -Administrative Performance Workshop for Directors, TVTC
14 May 2009 -Visit by delegate from Vietnam National University
OUM Today Issue 59 • May 2009