Latest news with #OpenUniversityMalaysia
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Fauziah Nawi graduates from Aswara at 72
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Fauziah Nawi, 72, received the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) majoring in Theatre Arts under the Lifelong Learning Programme (PSH) from the National Arts, Culture and Heritage Academy (Aswara), last week. Fauziah is grateful that her commitment to pursuing knowledge in her field of interest has enhanced her academic qualifications, which are acknowledged as important benchmarks in the industry. "For me, pursuing knowledge is very important, as nowadays, more certificates and academic qualifications are needed compared to decades of experience," she said in a statement. "Apart from that, I want to be a source of inspiration for my grandchildren who are still studying. I don't think it's necessary to continue studying, but this is to show that it's not too late to continue studying, no matter what age. "I lost a lot of time in the past, my late father told me to study, but I didn't want to, only now have I realised it." Apart from holding a Master's Degree in Performing Arts (Acting) from Open University Malaysia (OUM) in 2018, Fauziah also holds a diploma in Film Direction from Meatech Creative Academy in 2020. Fauziah is also grateful that she has never faced chronic diseases. "I do not eat carelessly and practice a healthy lifestyle. In addition, I always exercise, fast, and follow the doctor's advice to lose weight to facilitate movement. "From my weight exceeding 90 kilogrammes after a few years, it has now reached 58kg. I am truly grateful for the blessings that God has given me," she said.
The Star
12-08-2025
- General
- The Star
OUM CELEBRATES 25 YEARS WITH GLOBAL THOUGHT LEADERS
(Clockwise from left) Prof Emeritus Paul Prinsloo, Prof Olaf Zawacki-Richter, Prof Emeritus Junhong Xiao, Prof Insung Jung and Prof Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria were part of OUM's public lecture series on Aug 6. EDUCATION is being reshaped by artificial intelligence in ways that do not always affirm the human at the heart of teaching and learning. In response, Open University Malaysia (OUM) offered a timely intervention through a public lecture series titled 'Visionary Leadership: Charting the Futures of Digital Education'. The event, held on Aug 6 at the Seri Pacific Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, was officiated by Higher Education Minister Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, bringing together five OUM Global Fellows to reimagine digital education as a technology-mediated practice. Prof Emeritus Paul Prinsloo opened with '(Re)discovering the Human in Algorithmic-Informed Open, Distance, and Digital Learning', urging educators to examine algorithmic threats to care and connection while reclaiming open education's core values of access and inclusion. Prof Emeritus Junhong Xiao followed with 'Humanising Digital Education or Digitalising Human Education: That is the Question', cautioning against overvaluing automation over relational and instructional core. In 'Rethinking Institutional Leadership Through the Lens of the University of the Future', Prof Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria reflected on how universities can remain adaptive and inclusive while grounded in their traditional roles, emphasising leadership capable of navigating volatility and disruption. Prof Olaf Zawacki-Richter's lecture, 'What Can Open, Distance, and Digital Education (ODDE) Contribute to a Sustainable Future?' highlighted ODDE's potential to support environmental, social and financial sustainability while cautioning that unchecked technological growth threatens equity and the planet. He called for the use of sustainable technology and 'digital sufficiency' to keep the human element at the centre of education. The public lecture series concluded with Prof Insung Jung's 'Education for All or for the Few? The Promise and Perils of Going Digital', which addressed how unequal access and design bias can entrench disparities, calling for strategies to ensure that technology broadens opportunity rather than narrows it. The closing roundtable affirmed that the future of digital education depends on leadership that is both institutional and radically distributed. This requires university leaders, educators, academics, learners and communities to actively co-shape education, rather than wait for solutions to be handed down. Such leadership must ensure that digital education remains anchored in its human core amid competing futures. OUM president and vice-chancellor Prof Ahmad Izanee Awang described the public lecture series as a milestone, reinforcing OUM's leadership in open, distance and digital education. He highlighted that the Centre for Digital Education Futures (CENDEF), OUM's newly established think tank, plays a key role in guiding the university into the future of digital education. Since 2000, OUM has enrolled over 250,000 learners and produced more than 100,000 alumni. Its innovations, including the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning, demonstrate its commitment to inclusion, flexibility and lifelong learning. OUM's 25th anniversary event further affirms that digital education, when critically guided, can remain expansive, ethical and deeply human. For more information, visit or e-mail enquiries@
The Star
22-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Star
Collection of 1,000 batik shirts a way of preserving heritage in style
Wan Zakaria says anyone can wear batik, as long as it is styled well. IN HIS effort to preserve cultural heritage through fashion, Wan Zakaria Wan Abu Bakar now owns nearly 1,000 batik shirts as a symbol of identity and appreciation of the unique and intricate beauty of the traditional garment. He believes that batik is not just clothing. He said it was a symbol of culture and identity that must be preserved, so much so that he felt completely at ease wearing it for both leisure activities and formal events. 'I believe fashion can serve as a medium for cultural education. I feel very comfortable wearing batik at events and during daily activities. 'I don't wait for official events or fashion shows to wear batik. To me, every day is an opportunity to highlight the uniqueness of this heritage,' the 43-year-old told Bernama when met in Kampung Panji, Kelantan. He said every piece of batik in his collection carried a distinctive design that merged traditional patterns with modern aesthetics for versatility. 'I also pay attention to fabric quality and the use of authentic dyeing techniques when selecting batik fabric to maintain its exclusive value. 'Many people assume that batik is only for certain groups or formal events, and I want to change that perception. 'Batik can be worn by anyone, as long as it is styled well,' said Wan Zakaria, whose collection includes floral and abstract motifs. Wan Zakaria, who holds a Masters Degree in Education from Open University Malaysia said, about 80% of his batik shirts were made in Malaysia, while the rest were from Indonesia and Vietnam. 'Some of the batik fabrics I purchased cost up to RM1,200 for four metres. 'I'm particularly fond of Malaysian batik, with its detailed and delicate craftsmanship. 'I hope more young people will take an interest in batik and wear it beyond formal events. 'The artistry is truly beautiful. If not us, then who else will uphold this art?' he said.
Sinar Daily
28-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Sinar Daily
Wan Zakaria's 1,000 batik shirts an art of preserving heritage in style
For him, batik is not just clothing, it is a symbol of culture and identity that must be preserved. 08 Jun 2025 05:01pm Wan Zakaria Wan Abu Bakar, 43, the founder of Bizara Educare Centre and a passionate batik enthusiast, showcased his personal collection of batik shirts during an interview with reporters at Kampung Panji recently. Photo by Bernama IN his effort to preserve cultural heritage through fashion, Wan Zakaria Wan Abu Bakar, 43, now owns nearly 1,000 batik shirts as a symbol of identity and appreciation of the uniqueness and intricate beauty of this traditional art. Wan Zakaria said that batik is not just clothing, it is a symbol of culture and identity that must be preserved, so much so that he feels completely at ease wearing it for both leisure activities and formal events. "I feel very comfortable wearing batik at various events and during daily activities because I believe fashion can serve as a medium for cultural education. "I don't wait for official events or fashion shows to wear batik. To me, every day is an opportunity to highlight the uniqueness of this heritage,' he said when met by reporters in Kampung Panji, recently. Wan Zakaria Wan Abu Bakar, 43, the founder of Bizara Educare Centre and a passionate batik enthusiast, showcased his personal collection of batik shirts during an interview with reporters at Kampung Panji recently. Photo by Bernama Wan Zakaria, who is also the founder of Bizara Educare Centre said every piece of batik in his collection carries a distinctive design, merging traditional patterns with modern aesthetics for versatility across all occasions. "I also pay attention to fabric quality and the use of authentic dyeing techniques when selecting batik cloth to maintain its exclusive value. "Many people assume that batik is only for certain groups or formal events. I want to change that perception. Batik can be worn by anyone, as long as it's styled wisely,' said Wan Zakaria, whose collection includes floral and abstract motifs. Wan Zakaria, who is a Master's graduate in Education from Open University Malaysia (OUM) said, about 80 per cent of his batik shirts are made in Malaysia, while the rest come from Indonesia and Vietnam. "Some of the batik fabrics I purchased cost up to RM1,200 for four meters. I'm particularly fond of Malaysian batik for its detailed and delicate craftsmanship. "I hope more young people will take an interest in batik and wear it beyond formal events. The artistry is truly beautiful. If not us, then who else will uphold this art?' he said. - BERNAMA
The Star
08-06-2025
- 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
