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The Star
3 days ago
- The Star
From jail to a PhD
History was made at the Open University Malaysia (OUM) 29th Convocation when a former inmate received his doctorate from the varsity's pro chancellor Tan Sri Azman Hashim. The first graduate to complete his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) studies behind bars, his journey was nothing short of remarkable. Detained at Kajang Prison in 2001 when he was just 14, M.Y.* walked proudly across the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur stage to receive his hard-earned PhD in Business Administration scroll on May 3. The 38-year-old, who was held under Tahanan Limpah Sultan, was illiterate when he first arrived in prison. Undeterred, he taught himself the basics, sat for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) exams, and began his higher education with OUM in 2009. Over 16 years, he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration, followed by a Masters in Business Administration (MBA), and eventually completed his PhD – all while behind bars. He was granted a royal pardon by the Sultan of Selangor last December. During the convocation, two senior learners were honoured with the Lifelong Learning Award. Yusof Haron, 73, from Perak, earned a Master of Islamic Studies, while Tang Tung Khing, 79, from Sibu, completed a Bachelor of Communication with honours – proving that the pursuit of knowledge knows no age limit. Another standout graduate, Gomathy Sankaran – a Science teacher at SJK(T) Kangkar Pulai in Johor Baru – received her Doctor of Education. With 87 inventions to her name, including herbal hair oil, soap, serum, candles, coffee, as well as organic fertiliser and pesticides, she has won over 220 local and international awards from countries like Canada, Iran, India, South Korea, Sri Lanka and Hong Kong. Held from May 3 to 7, the 29th Convocation of OUM – a university known for its online programmes tailored for working adults – saw a total of 7,915 graduates receive their scrolls across 10 sessions. Among them were three Kajang Prison inmates, who earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) and Diplomas in Management – a powerful reminder of education's reach beyond bars. *Note: Pseudonym used to protect the privacy of the graduate
Free Malaysia Today
03-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
PhD for man who spent 23 years in prison
Graduates of Open University Malaysia at the convocation ceremony in Kuala Lumpur today. (Bernama TV pic) PETALING JAYA : A 38-year-old man who spent 23 years behind bars has received a PhD in business administration from the Open University Malaysia, marking a triumphant end of an educational journey. Murad (not his real name) has been in Kajang prison since 2001, where he was sent at the age of 14 to serve at the pleasure of the sultan of Selangor. He was granted a royal pardon by Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah last December in conjunction with the sultan's birthday. While in prison, he began his educational journey in 2006 by studying for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia certificate, followed by the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia a year later. After completing his STPM, he applied to OUM despite facing scepticism and discouragement from those around him. He obtained a bachelor's degree in business administration with honours, and went on to doctoral studies, receiving his PhD from OUM pro-chancellor Azman Hashim. 'I would like to express my gratitude to OUM for believing in me and supporting my pursuit of higher education, which has led to the completion of my PhD. I am also deeply thankful to the sultan of Selangor for granting me a royal pardon,' he told reporters at the convocation, held at the World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur. He said he was motivated to pursue higher education by the encouragement and support of the community. 'I'm trying to prove to society and fellow inmates that I, too, am capable of change and success,' he said. Murad, a Muslim convert, was originally from Kota Marudu, Sabah. He moved to Peninsular Malaysia at an early age. He said he is passionate about promoting entrepreneurship among former inmates. His next goal is to establish a small business that will provide them with opportunities for a better future. At the convocation today, two men in their seventies were honoured with the Lifelong Learning Award, in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements. Yusuf Haron, 73, from Perak, who earned a master's degree in Islamic studies, expressed his gratitude to OUM for the award. Tang Tung Khing, 79, who graduated with an honour's degree in communication, said he was inspired by the academic achievements of his three children. 'I believe that senior citizens today must equip themselves with sufficient knowledge to improve their lives,' said Tang, a former press secretary and retired civil servant.
