Inspiring GreaterLifelong Success Learning through

Biennial Report 2016-2017 CONTENTS

2 Board of Governors Chairman’s Message 21 Management Board

Heads of Regional Centres/ 4 Vice Chancellor’s Message 23 Regional Support Centres

6 Vision, Mission & Values 24 Academic Profile

7 Governance 43 Academic Support

8 Chancellor 49 Operational Support

9 Pro-Chancellor 57 Strategic Partnerships

10 Management Structure 58 Significant Events

11 Governance Structure 63 Workshops/Talks

12 Wawasan Education Foundation (WEF) 67 Towards a Quality Environment

14 Wawasan Open University Sdn Bhd 68 Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives

16 The Board of Governors 69 Student Enrolment & Graduation

18 Organisational Structure 70 Study Grants & Scholarships

19 The Senate 72 Financial Summary WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017 BOARD OF GOVERNORS CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

It was Raj’s international reputation as a renowned expert in ODL (Open Distance Learning) and his ability to bring many excellent educators to WOU which enabled the institution to be awarded university status even before it opened its doors to the first batch of students in 2007. He guided and propelled WOU’s rise to prominence, not only in Malaysia, but also internationally, before he was succeeded by Emeritus Prof Dato’ Dr Wong Tat Meng. Under Raj’s leadership, WOU has garnered several international and national awards and recognition. Once again, our highest salutation and heartfelt appreciation to Raj! I was honoured and humbled to be appointed by the Wawasan Open University Sdn Bhd (WOUSB) Board of Directors (BOD) as the BoG Chairman to succeed Raj in March 2017. I chaired the BoG meeting for the first time on 31 May 2017. Since then, I came to realise how challenging it was to fill the big shoes left by Raj. Fortunately, I have the full support and cooperation of other BoG members and WOU’s senior management, for which I am most grateful. Meanwhile, in anticipation of the retirement of the third Vice Chancellor, Prof Dato’ Dr Ho Sinn Chye in December 2017, the BoG appointed a Search Committee headed by the BoG Staff Committee Chairman, Dato’ Dr Freezailah Che Yom, to search for a suitable candidate for the Vice Chancellor. The search process started in August 2016. In July 2017, the then Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof Madhulika Kaushik, returned to India. Hence, in August 2017, at the recommendation of the Search Committee, the BoG decided Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon to appoint two new Deputy Vice Chancellors, Prof Zoraini Chairman, Board of Governors, Wati Abas (Academic and Educational Technology) and Prof Wawasan Open University David Ngo Chek Ling (Research and Outreach). The newly appointed Deputy Vice Chancellors reported for duty on 1 2016 and 2017 were two special years for Wawasan Open November 2017. A farewell and appreciation dinner was held University (WOU). 2016 marked the 10th anniversary of WOU for Prof Ho on 6 December 2017. being granted university status and officially registered, while th Since 2007, WOU has been making steady progress in 2017 commemorated the 10 anniversary of our first intake terms of academic programmes offered and the number of of 721 students. ODL students enrolled. We began enrolling OCL students in 2013. New ODL student enrolment exceeded 2,000 in 2011 2017 was also a year of transition and the beginning of and reached a record high of 2,397 in 2015. Re-enrolment transformation for WOU. Transition came in the form of recorded a high of 7,936 in 2016. With the resultant increase major changes in WOU’s senior management. February in overall revenue, coupled with efficient management and 2017 saw the retirement of Tan Sri Emeritus Prof Dr Gajaraj control of expenditure, WOU steadily moved towards and Dhanarajan, fondly known as Raj, after 15 years of illustrious finally managed to achieve break even in 2017. Since 2016, service at WOU. we have also discontinued requests for annual grants from the Federal Government. Briefly, a historical flashback on Raj. After having accepted However, new enrolment and re-enrolment started to decline the invitation of the Wawasan Education Foundation (WEF) after 2015 and 2016 respectively. The effort to sustain re- to set up an online higher education institution for the enrolment and retention also proved increasingly challenging. working people of Malaysia, Raj first led, in 2002, an eminent This was partly due to the larger trend of declining tertiary international panel to formulate the proposal for submission education enrolment at the national and international levels to the Ministry of Education. In 2005, he was officially as a result of the changing socio-economic ecosystem, appointed as the Founding Vice Chancellor and CEO of changing skill requirement and acquisition in the advent WOU, and thereafter as the first Chairman of the University’s of Industry 4.0, as well as keen competition from the Board of Governors (BoG), which was officially established continual rise in the number of tertiary institutions and other in 2011. training centres in Malaysia, including those offering online programmes. There were also internal shortcomings specific to WOU. PAGE 2 WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017

BOARD OF GOVERNORS CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

Keenly aware of the need to review and plan ahead to meet In January 2017, a two-day roundtable on Emerging the various challenges, in early 2016, the top management Trends of Technologies in Supply Chain Management was of WOU started the process of formulating the WOU Five- organised by the School of Business and Administration Year Base Strategic Plan (BSP) 2018-2022, led by the Chief (SBA) and involved participants from the industry and Operating Officer, Mr Yeong Sik Kheong. Several sessions academe. A publication on the roundtable will soon be of discussions involving BOD, BoG and top management released. In September 2017, as part of WOU’s Academia- members were held. After further fine-tuning in early 2017, Industry Dialogue (AID), the School of Science and the five-year plan was adopted by the BoG in May 2017. Technology (SST) organised a public seminar on Managing As part of the BSP, the WOU Client Service Charter was Technology and Reinventing Education. In the run-up to the launched in a town hall session where all staff were present AID, Tan Sri Andrew Sheng gave an in-house talk on Industry in mid-June 2017. 4.0 to key SST and SBA members and senior staff from DISTED College in August 2017. Meanwhile, in November 2016, the WOUSB BOD engaged the part-time service of a management consultant, Mr Wong Another notable initiative in year 2017 was the decision by Hun Heng, formerly in the top management of Johnson & the WEF to apply to Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation Johnson, to look objectively and critically at various aspects (MDEC) for MSC Cybercentre status for the Albukhary of WOU and its programmes from a business, financial and Building in WOU’s Main Campus. This move was made in administrative perspective. Amongst other duties, Mr Wong order to attract MSC-status firms and related activities to was also tasked by the BOD, in March 2017, to work closely further enhance WOU’s research and learning capacity in with the top management to draft a long-term growth plan. IT and software applications. After WOU’s compliance with requirements, including the installation of an additional On 25 August 2017, an in-house seminar on The Future of gen-set, State 1 approval was granted in mid-December. Learning: Learning from Others was held. The Registrar, Pending subsequent Stage 2 approval, WOU’s Albukhary Dr Andy Liew Teik Kooi, gave a presentation on Making Building would soon become the first MSC-status building Education More Open and Innovative, and Mr Wong Hun in George Town by early 2018. Heng presented a paper on the Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), one of the fastest growing and most 2017 was indeed a challenging and eventful year for WOU. successful online universities in USA. On 16 November Not only did we kickstart transformational changes, we also 2017, the BOD endorsed the ten-year Upside Growth Plan began laying the ground work for WOU to further strengthen 2018-2028 drafted by Mr Wong and his team. its capabilities in providing quality higher education for working professionals as well as learners of all ages both This led to a decision by the BoG, at its meeting on 22 within and beyond Malaysia. We anticipate the next few November 2017, to drive the multi-faceted transformation years to be filled with even more challenges and exciting of WOU. Its objective is to enable the University to rise to developments. I would like to thank and congratulate the various challenges posed by Industry 4.0 and Education 4.0, Board members as well as the academic and administrative and to spur WOU's next phase of growth beyond Malaysia staff for the good work achieved so far, and appeal to all to to South-East Asia. The BoG also decided to set up a maximise creative performance and teamwork, and redouble special Transformation Taskforce (subsequently renamed our efforts in the years ahead. the Transformation Steering Committee or TSC). Chaired personally by the BoG Chairman, the TSC was initiated to drive, monitor and steer the University’s transformation and its various workstreams via frequent meetings. The TSC held its first meeting on 14 December 2017. Throughout 2016 and 2017, WOU further stepped up efforts to engage the industry and the community in Penang. A series of workshops and public lectures by eminent scholars was held on diverse topics of interests in subject matters such as education, the economy, heritage, governance, etc. Three lectures under the Chancellor’s Lecture Series were held, namely TPPA: Future or Fraud by Dr Jomo Kwame Sundaram in May 2016, The Constitution At A Crossroad by Emeritus Prof Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi in September 2016, and Why East and West Will Meet in George Town by Tan Sri Andrew Sheng in December 2016.

PAGE 3 WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017 VICE CHANCELLOR’S MESSAGE

We also bade goodbye to Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof Madhulika Kaushik, who returned to India in July 2017. The University subsequently appointed Prof Zoraini Wati Abas as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Educational Technology) and Prof David Ngo Chek Ling as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Outreach). The year 2016 also had Chief Administrative Officer, Mr Yeong Sik Kheong, re-designated as Chief Operating Officer, and Dr Andy Liew taking on the function of Registrar from the former. As many are aware, WOU expanded its nationwide delivery of part-time programmes through open distance learning (ODL) to include the offering of full-time on-campus learning (OCL) undergraduate degree programmes in Penang only in September 2013. There are presently six full-time degree programmes available for STPM school leavers and diploma holders to pursue at WOU’s main campus in Penang. As at the end of 2017, WOU had about 250 full-time students currently enrolled in the six programmes while 85 full-time graduates had already emerged from WOU. WOU also increased its cache of ODL programmes from 49 at the end of 2015 to 50 by end 2017. Along with the six OCL programmes, WOU offers a total of 56 academic programmes, out of which 44 programmes are already fully accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). PROF DATO’ DR HO SINN CHYE For the January 2017 ODL intake, the University had launched Vice Chancellor & Chief Executive Officer, the Diploma in Early Childhood Education (DECE) to offer Wawasan Open University professional upgrading opportunities for existing and would- be teachers working in childcare and preschools centres who The period of January 2016 to December 2017 had been do not as yet possess diploma qualifications. challenging indeed for the Wawasan Open University WOU has plans to roll out two new study programmes next community. Nonetheless the University managed to year. They are the Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Counselling and consolidate its operations and programmes to reach a wider the Master of Arts in Psychology programmes. cross-section of society, while at the same time exercising a “green” mindset and numerous prudent measures. The total number of active ODL students who had registered for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies in the The University is therefore progressing steadily, attaining January and July semesters in 2016 was 5,038 and 4,824 significant academic milestones as well as meeting the respectively, and these slightly decreased to 5,013 and 4,786 financial targets as spelt out in the 10-year Master Plan. for the corresponding semesters in 2017. To date more than 20,000 students have experienced the ODL opportunities I wish at the outset to thank the Wawasan Education provided by WOU. Foundation (WEF) for the continuous financial support extended to the University. My thanks also go to the The University held its Seventh Convocation ceremony from custodians and top management of the University, i.e. the 24-26 November 2016 at its main campus in Penang. We Chairmen and members of the Board of Directors of WOU witnessed the conferment of the Honorary Doctor of Letters Sdn Bhd (WOUSB) and Board of Governors of WOU for their degree on two outstanding women leaders. Prominent staunch support and guidance in shaping the University humanitarian Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood, the founder of to what it is today – a trusted provider of quality tertiary MERCY Malaysia, was recognised for her outstanding efforts education. and sustained advocacy for volunteerism in medical rescue work to help those in need and affected by crises, irrespective I wish to note that we experienced a few changes in of ethnicity and across borders. Internationally-known leadership in 2017, which saw us bidding farewell in the educationist Prof Asha Kanwar, the President and Chief first quarter of that year to Tan Sri Emeritus Prof Gajaraj Executive Officer of the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Dhanarajan as Chairman of the Board of Governors, while PAGE welcoming our Pro-Chancellor and Wawasan Education headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, was honoured for her Foundation Chairman, Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, to fill that contributions in the field of education in general and in open 4 role. and distance learning in the international arena. WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017

VICE CHANCELLOR’S MESSAGE

A total 622 graduates received their scrolls in 2016. This At the Conference on ‘Redesigning Assessment for Holistic included the inaugural batch of 45 full-time graduates Learning’ organised by Universiti Malaya and the Ministry from two Bachelor’s of Business degree programmes in of Higher Education (MOHE) in November 2017, two Management and Accounting. The remaining 577 graduates presentations from WOU in the form of a poster and a voster were from the part-time ODL programmes, out of which 423 (a video poster) won two silver medals. were from the undergraduate programmes and 154 from the postgraduate programmes. The University also produced Since 2012, WOU has been a leading advocate of the use the pioneer batch of 7 ODL graduates from the Bachelor’s of open educational resources (OERs) in Southeast Asia. As degree programmes in English Studies (5), Multimedia part of the overall plan to reduce costs in course content Design (1), and Networks & Data Communication (1). development and revision, WOU has been incorporating more OER materials in our courses, guided by the University’s Meanwhile in 2017, a record 688 students graduated OER policy. during the Eighth Convocation ceremony held from 23-25 November that year. They included the 40 graduates from In further enhancing our international standing, WOU now the full-time Bachelor’s of Business degree programmes has business arrangements with universities overseas to offer in Management, Accounting, and Banking & Finance. The its accredited programmes and well developed ODL courses full-time Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Banking & Finance to students of these foreign universities. The University of programme produced its first batch of 4 graduates. Mauritius and Botswana University of Distance and Open Learning are already using the course materials produced The remaining 648 graduates were from the part-time ODL by WOU for selected disciplines in their universities. These programmes, comprising 446 at the undergraduate and 202 universities had approached WOU for assistance in the first at the postgraduate level. For the first time, 5 ODL students place. This development bodes well for us as it reflects the graduated from the Bachelor of Technology (Hons) in confidence and trust these foreign institutions have in WOU. Information Systems (BTIS) programme. WOU, like other ODL institutions in the country, is The total number of WOU graduates up until 2017 stands implementing the MOHE’s Accreditation of Prior Experiential at 3,097, comprising 863 postgraduates and 2,234 Learning (APEL-[A]) admission protocol for part-time study, undergraduates. since January 2016, and APEL-[C] for credit transfer from January 2017. WOU has been appointed as one of two The Honorary Degree recipient in 2017 was the leading main National APEL Assessment Centres in the country, and prominent economist, Dr Jomo Kwame Sundaram. to process and evaluate applications of Malaysian citizens He received his Honorary Doctor of Letters degree for his seeking admissions into higher education institutions in outstanding leadership and contributions to the field of Malaysia. economics and to social development. He holds the Tun Hussein Onn Chair in International Studies at the Institute Moving forward, WOU will continue to develop academic of Strategic and International Studies, Malaysia, and is programmes that are industry-relevant and meet market a Visiting Senior Fellow at Khazanah Research Institute, demand. There will be intensified efforts to increase student Visiting Fellow at the Initiative for Policy Dialogue, Columbia recruitment and retention. New applications of information University, and Adjunct Professor at the International Islamic technology for teaching and learning will be explored to University in Malaysia. enhance the learning experience of students. The University’s academics have been rather active in The University is presently on track, resolutely advancing honing their research and presentation skills through several while keeping an eye on its finances, ever mindful of the research projects funded by WOU’s Institute for Research constant need to achieve the goals and financial targets set and Innovation (IRI) and external sources, and presenting for each year. them at local and international conferences. I wish to highlight the accolades received by the University at the 2016 and 2017 Annual Conferences of the Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU). WOU won silver for both the Best Paper Award and the Best Practice Award in 2016 and also two silver medals for the Best Paper category in 2017.

PAGE 5 WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017

VISION, MISSION & VALUES

Vision

To be a vibrant learning community that inspires learning, supports innovation and nurtures all-round personal growth.

Mission

We commit ourselves to the expansion of opportunities in higher education and excellence in teaching so as to increase the level of knowledge and scholarship among all Malaysians.

Values

We believe that you have the potential to develop to the fullest, in line with the cherished noble values that we all share. We believe in:

• Upholding high institutional standards; • Celebrating the diversity of our students; • Recognising our employees; • Valuing citizens and the community; and • Academic freedom and fairness.

PAGE 6 WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017

GOVERNANCE

Wawasan Open University Sdn Bhd (WOUSB) is • Transparency - full records of all University a private, not-for-profit university, established in Authority meetings are archived and available for accordance with the Private Higher Educational inspection; Institutions Act 1996 (Act 555), and wholly owned by the Wawasan Education Foundation (WEF), a tax- • A clearly defined system of checks‘ and balances’ exempt entity. where each operational body reports to a higher authority all the way to the governing Board of In line with the principles of good and transparent Governors. governance, the functions, structure, leadership, membership and reporting protocols of the major In accordance with the new WOU Constitution that permanent decision-making bodies are clearly defined in was revised to comply with a Ministry of Higher the Wawasan Open University Constitution, developed Education (MOHE) directive, the Board of Governors in accordance with the Private Higher Educational was formed in November 2011. Institutions Act 1996 (Act 555). The Chancellor is the Head of the University and shall WOU has in place a governance structure that reflects preside at the Convocation ceremony. The current international good practice and one that is underpinned Chancellor, Tun Mohamed Dzaiddin Abdullah, was by a culture of openness, transparency, accountability installed on 7 December 2013. Meanwhile Tan Sri Dr and academic excellence. Koh Tsu Koon was proclaimed as Pro-Chancellor on 24 November 2012. The key features of WOU’s governance structure are:

• Accountability - the University’s academic and operational bodies are ultimately accountable to the Board of Governors;

PAGE 7 WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017

Tun Mohamed Dzaiddin Abdullah Chancellor of Wawasan Open University

PAGE 8 WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017

Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon Pro-Chancellor of Wawasan Open University

PAGE 9 WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017 MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

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Wawasan Education Foundation (WEF)

WEF Board of Directors

100% Equity

Wawasan Chancellor & Open University Pro-Chancellor Sdn Bhd (WOUSB)

WOU Board of Governors

Management Senate Vice Chancellor Board

Academics and Other Staff

PAGE 10 WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017 GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE

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Wawasan Education Chancellor Foundation (Board of Directors)

Pro-Chancellor

Board of Governors

Working Committees of BoG Vice • Staffing Committee Chancellor • Finance Committee

Management Senate Board

Schools and Centres

Standing/ Standing/ Ad-hoc Ad-hoc Committees Committees PAGE 11 WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017 WAWASAN EDUCATION FOUNDATION (WEF)

DIRECTORS

Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon Dato’ Seri Stephen Tan Sri Emeritus Prof Gajaraj (Chairman) Yeap Leong Huat Dhanarajan Pro-Chancellor, Wawasan Open University (Deputy Chairman) Former Chairman, Board of Governors, Chairman, Heng Lee Group of Companies Wawasan Open University

Mr Loo Choo Teng Dato’ Seri Chet Singh Mr Yeap Leong Soon Chief Executive Officer, Karam Singh Director, Heng Lee Group of Companies Heng Lee Group of Companies Director, Penang Institute

Mr Chen Yow Seong Datuk Lim Si Pin (since 13 October 2016) Chief Executive Officer/Director, Cempaka Sdn Bhd PAGE 12 WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017

WAWASAN EDUCATION FOUNDATION (WEF)

MEMBERS

Datuk Seri Chia Kwang Chye Dato’ Dr Sharom Bin Ahmat Former Vice President, Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia Member, Board of Directors, St Nicholas Home for the Blind

Dato’ Seri Kerk Choo Teng Dato’ Lim Kheng Guan Former Deputy President, Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia Executive Director, Malaysian Management Consultants Sdn Bhd Dato’ Dr Teng Hock Nan Former Vice President, Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia Dato’ Seri Goh Eng Toon Chairman, Salcon Berhad Senator Datuk Ng Chiang Chin @ Ng Wang Chairman, Kelantan State Liaison Committee, Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia

PAGE 13 WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017 WAWASAN OPEN UNIVERSITY SDN BHD

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dato’ Seri Stephen Tan Sri Emeritus Prof Gajaraj Dato’ Seri Chet Singh Yeap Leong Huat Dhanarajan Karam Singh (Chairman) Former Chairman, Director, Chairman, Heng Lee Group of Companies Board of Governors, Wawasan Open University Penang Institute

Dato’ Dr R Thillainathan Mr Loo Choo Teng Mr Ooi Teng Chew (until 8 August 2017) Chief Executive Officer, Independent Non-Executive Director, Independent Non-Executive Director, Heng Lee Group of Companies Johan Holdings Bhd Genting Berhad

Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Chin Fook Weng Mr Chia Loong Thye Datuk Lim Si Pin Director, Director, (since 24 October 2017) Disted Pulau Pinang Sdn Bhd Disted Pulau Pinang Sdn Bhd Chief Executive Officer/Director, PAGE Cempaka Sdn Bhd 14 WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017

WAWASAN OPEN UNIVERSITY SDN BHD

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ms Annie Khor Seow Keow Ms Janice Yeap Liew Kee (since 24 October 2017) (since 24 October 2017) Chief Information Officer, Schenker Logistics (M) Chief Operating Officer, Heng Lee Group of Sdn Bhd Companies

PAGE 15 WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017 THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon Tan Sri Emeritus Prof Gajaraj Dato’ Seri Stephen (Chairman) Dhanarajan Yeap Leong Huat (since 1 March 2017) (Chairman) Chairman, Pro-Chancellor, Wawasan Open University (until 28 Feb 2017) Heng Lee Group of Companies Former Vice Chancellor/Chief Executive Officer, Wawasan Open University

Dato’ Seri Chet Singh Mr Loo Choo Teng Dato’ Dr Freezailah Che Yeom Karam Singh Chief Executive Officer, Chairman, Heng Lee Group of Companies Malaysian Timber Certification Council Director, Penang Institute

Mr Ooi Teng Chew Tan Sri Dr Michael Tan Sri Dr Chin Fook Weng Independent Non-Executive Director, Yeoh Oon Kheng Director, Johan Holdings Bhd Disted Pulau Pinang Sdn Bhd Chief Executive Officer, PAGE Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute (ASLI) 16 WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017

THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Prof Emeritus Dato' Dr Wong Datuk Lim Si Pin Mr Chia Loong Thye Tat Meng Chief Executive Officer/ Director, Director, Cempaka Sdn Bhd Disted Pulau Pinang Sdn Bhd Former Vice Chancellor, Wawasan Open University

Ms Annie Khor Seow Keow Ms Janice Yeap Liew Kee Prof Dato’ Dr Ho Sinn Chye Chief Information Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Vice Chancellor /Chief Executive Officer, Schenker Logistics (M) Sdn Bhd Heng Lee Group of Companies Wawasan Open University

Prof Madhulika Kaushik Prof Santhiram Raman Dr Andy Liew Teik Kooi (until July 2017) Dean, School of Education, Languages & Registrar and Director, Former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Communications, QA & External Relations, Wawasan Open University Wawasan Open University Wawasan Open University PAGE 17 WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017 ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

®

Board of Governors

Senate Vice Management Chancellor Board

Deputy Vice Chancellor Deputy Vice Chancellor Registrar Chief Operating Officer (Academic & Educational (Research & Outreach) Technology)

Registrar and Dean of School Institute for Director of Quality Director of Corporate of Science & Research & Finance Outreach Assurance & Technology Innovation External Relations

Director Dean of School Community Centre for of Human of Humanities & Outreach Dialogue Resources Social Sciences

Director of Dean of School Marketing/ Centre for Regional Centre Corporate of Education, Centre for Graduate Directors Communications Languages & the Arts & Regional Communications Studies Operations

Centre for Director of Acting Dean Professional Information of School of Development Technology Business & & Continuing Services Administration Education

Director of General Services & Administration

Director of Acting Head of Educational Learning & Library PAGE Technology & Services 18 Publishing WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017 THE SENATE

Prof Dato’ Dr Ho Sinn Chye Prof Madhulika Kaushik Prof Zoraini Wati Abas (Chairman) Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) Deputy Vice Chancellor Vice Chancellor (until 31 July 2017) (Academic & Educational Technology) (since 1 November 2017)

Prof David Ngo Chek Ling Mr Yeong Sik Kheong Dr Andy Liew Teik Kooi Deputy Vice Chancellor Chief Operating Officer (Secretary) (Research & Outreach) Registrar and Director of QA & (since 1 November 2017) External Relations

Prof Santhiram Raman Assoc Prof Dr Wendy Assoc Prof Dr S Nagarajan Dean, Bong Chin Wei Dean, School of Education, Languages & School of Humanities & Social Sciences Dean, Communicationis School of Science & Technology PAGE 19 WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017

THE SENATE

Mr Prakash V Arumugam Prof Phalachandra Bhandigadi Assoc Prof Dr Balakrishnan Acting Dean, Professor, Muniapan School of Business & Administration School of Education, Languages & Associate Professor, Communications School of Business & Administration

Assoc Prof Dr Goh Lay Huah Assoc Prof Dr Intan Osman Assoc Prof Dr Lee Chee Leong Associate Professor, Associate Professor, Associate Professor, School of Education, Languages & School of Business & Administration School of Science & Technology Communications

Assoc Prof Dr Ramesh Ms Chua Saw Nee Ms Chew Bee Leng Chander Sharma Director, Finance Acting Head, Learning & Library Services Educational Technology & Publishing Unit PAGE 20 WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017 MANAGEMENT BOARD

Prof Dato’ Dr Ho Sinn Chye Prof Madhulika Kaushik Prof Zoraini Wati Abas (Chairman) Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) Deputy Vice Chancellor Vice Chancellor (until July 2017) (Academic & Educational Technology) (since 1 November 2017)

Prof David Ngo Chek Ling Mr Yeong Sik Kheong Dr Andy Liew Teik Kooi Deputy Vice Chancellor Chief Operating Officer Registrar and Director of QA & (Research & Outreach) External Relations (since 1 November 2017)

Prof Santhiram Raman Assoc Prof Dr Wendy Assoc Prof Dr S Nagarajan Dean, Bong Chin Wei Dean, School of Education, Languages & School of Humanities & Social Sciences Dean, Communicationis School of Science & Technology PAGE 21 WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017

MANAGEMENT BOARD

Mr Prakash V Arumugam Ms Grace Lau Pee Hoay Mr Chong Kong Hoong Acting Dean, Director, Director, School of Business & Administration Educational Technology & Publishing Marketing & Corporate Communications and Regional Operations

Mr Andrew Joseph Ms Chua Saw Nee Mr Tan Pooi See Director, Director, Finance Director, General Services & Administration Information Technology Services

Pn Surrayya Shuib Ms Chew Bee Leng Director, Acting Head, Human Resources Learning & Library Services PAGE 22 WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017 HEADS OF REGIONAL CENTRES/REGIONAL SUPPORT CENTRES

Ms Ching Huey Ling Dr Ng Peng Long Mr Jimmy Chai Director, Ipoh Regional Centre Director, Johor Bahru Regional Centre Director, Kuching Regional Centre

Mr Teh Kim Kow Ms Roshini Jesselyn Ramesh Mr Ryan Yong Seat Pao Director, Penang Regional Centre Chandru Head, Bandar Utama Regional Support Centre Acting Head, Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre

Dr Mazlan Zainal Head, Klang Regional Support Centre

PAGE 23 WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017 ACADEMIC PROFILE

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND ADMINISTRATION

Overview • Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Logistics and Supply Chain Management The School of Business and Administration (SBA) is headed by • Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Management the Acting Dean, Mr Prakash V Arumugam, with 15 academic • Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Sales and Marketing staff in the School. SBA is guided by the following aims: The School received MQA and MOHE approvals for two new • To develop and disseminate business and management programmes, which were launched during the January 2016 knowledge to fulfil the needs of the business community semester: and public service sector; • Master of Philosophy in Social Sciences • Doctor of Philosophy in Social Sciences • To equip learners with necessary skills for excelling in the competitive global business environment and business- government relationships; • To produce excellent research outcomes for the advancement of the business community and government in Malaysia; • To maintain the highest standards of academic quality in all its pursuits. SBA currently offers the following undergraduate programmes including nine Bachelor of Business (Hons) programmes, one Bachelor of Management (Hons) programme, six graduate diplomas and two graduate certificates: • Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Accounting • Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Banking and Finance • Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Business Information Systems • Bachelor of Business (Hons) (Corporate Administration) Highlights • Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management The School produced 386 graduates at the Seventh • Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Human Resource Convocation in 2016 and another 423 students received their Management degrees at the Eighth Convocation in 2017. • Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Logistics and Supply Chain Management The breakdown of graduates for both convocations, included: • Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Management • 146 Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Management • Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Sales and Marketing • 161 Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Accounting • Bachelor of Management (Hons) with Psychology • 47 Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Banking and Finance • 45 Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Logistics and Supply • Graduate Diploma in Banking and Finance Chain Management • Graduate Diploma in Business Accounting • 36 Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Sales and Marketing • Graduate Diploma in Corporate Administration • 9 Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Business Information • Graduate Diploma in Sales and Marketing Systems • Graduate Diploma in Sales and Services Management • 10 Bachelor of Business (Hons) (Corporate Administration) • Graduate Diploma in Supply Chain Management • 5 Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management • Graduate Certificate in Business Management • 16 Bachelor of Management (Hons) with Psychology • Graduate Certificate in Logistics Management • 8 Graduate Diploma in Supply Chain Management • 8 Graduate Diploma in Sales and Marketing Postgraduate programmes include: • 2 Graduate Diploma in Corporate Administration • Commonwealth Executive Master of Business • 8 Graduate Diploma in Business Accounting Administration (CeMBA) • 5 Graduate Diploma in Sales and Services Management • 6 Graduate Certificate in Business Management Five On-Campus Learning (OCL) full-time Bachelor of Business • 204 Commonwealth Executive Master of Business (Hons) programmes are also available at the University’s main Administration (CeMBA) PAGE campus in Penang: • 8 Commonwealth Executive Master of Public Administration • Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Accounting (CeMPA) 24 • Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Banking and Finance WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017

ACADEMIC PROFILE

The MQA full accreditation visit was successfully conducted Aspirations for the following OCL full-time programme, and the first batch of graduates were presented with their degrees at the Eighth SBA will continue to strengthen its position as a leading provider Convocation held in 2017: of quality and affordable OCL full-time programmes in business • Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Banking and Finance and administration within the nation, with a special focus on northern Malaysia. Following an on-campus visit by the authorities of CPA Australia on 21 October 2015, the Bachelor of Business The School will work towards recognition and exemptions from (Hons) in Accounting (BBAC) OCL full-time programme was professional bodies such as the International Entrepreneurship granted accreditation and the Bachelor of Business (Hons) Association (IEA), Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Accounting (BBAC) ODL programme was granted re- (CILT, UK) and Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM, UK). To accreditation. Both full-time accounting programmes have align its curriculum with market-driven business requirements, been accredited by The Institute of Chartered Accountants in it also hopes to form stronger partnerships with industry England and Wales (ICAEW), while the ODL courses are also representatives to better design and deliver its short-term and accredited by Association of Chartered Certified Accountants degree programmes. (ACCA) and Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA). In addition, all Accounting programmes are recognised by the Malaysian Financial Planning Council (MFPC). RESEARCH & PUBLICATIONS Graduates of Bachelor in Business (Hons) are granted exemption CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS from Paper 1.0 to Paper 11.0 and Paper 13.0 (Modules A to E – except Paper 12.0) of the Malaysian Association of Company 1. Arumugam, P.V. (2017). “Distributed leadership in a Secretaries (MACS) Professional Examination, though WOU’s distributed learning environment”. 31st Annual Conference BBCA graduates would still be required to take Paper 12.0 of Asian Association of Open Universities, 27 – 29 October in Module E and Module F – Paper 14.0 to Paper 16.0. This 2017, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. exemption is valid for five years and will apply to graduates of this programme between the period of 1 January 2015 to 31 2. Arumugam, P.V. (2017). “Instructional Design and Course December 2019. Delivery in an Online Setting: Issues and Challenges”. 31st Annual Conference of Asian Association of Open To encourage continuous research efforts, SBA has begun Universities, 27–29 October 2017, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. to offer a PhD/MPhil in Social Sciences since January 2016 semester. Eight faculty members hold a PhD/DBA and three 3. Norizan Baba Rahim, Intan Osman & Arumugam P.V. staff members are also pursuing their doctoral studies. (2017). “Work-Life Balance and Individual Well-Being: The Moderating Effect of Organisational Climate”. International SBA’s faculty encourages staff to publish research articles Conference on Human Capital and Knowledge Management and keep abreast of developments by attending academic (ICHCKM 2017), 10 October 2017, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. conferences. In the years 2016 and 2017, the School has a total of five journal publications, four book chapters and twelve 4. Arumugam, P.V. (2017). “Reaching the Unreached through book reviews to its credit. It also participated in twelve national Online Delivery: Issues and Challenges”. International and international conference proceedings. Two SBA academic Conference on Open and Innovative Education, 12 – 14 staff presented papers at the 30th Annual Conference of the July 2017, Hong Kong. Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU) organised by The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) from 5. Norizan Baba Rahim, Intan Osman & Arumugam P. V. 26–29 October 2016; and another presentation by staff took (2017). “Do Supervisor and Family Support Moderate the place at the 31st Annual Conference of AAOU organised by Relationship Between Work-Life Balance and Individual Universitas Terbuka (UT), Indonesia from 27–29 October 2017. Well-Being: Evidence from Open Distance Learning (ODL) University?” SIBR Conference on Interdisciplinary Business & Economics Research, 6 – 7 July 2017, 2017, Osaka, Japan. 6. Arumugam, P.V. (2016). “Open Educational Resources and Cost Savings Efforts: Lessons from WOU”. The International Journal on Open and Distance e-Learning, Vol. 2(2), December 2016, pp 49-60. 7. Arumugam, P.V. (2016). “OER and Cost Savings: Lessons from WOU”. 30th Annual Conference of Asian Association of Open Universities, 26 – 29 October 2016, Manila, Philippines.

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8. Loo Saw Khuan & Ellisha Nasruddin (2016). “Barriers to 13. “The Influence of Informal Governance Institutions on the Purchasing Social Responsibility in Northern Malaysia: Relationship between Diversification and Firm Value: The A Focus on Labour and Health & Safety”, 2nd UUM Malaysian Evidence”. Conference Proceedings The 11th International Qualitative Research Conference (QRC) 2016, Asian Academy of Management International Conference Penang. 2015 (AAMC 2015), 2 - 4 October 2015, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia. 9. Alexandra S. Kang & Wong Wai Peng (2017). “Predictors of drivers’ intention and behavioural readiness to use public 14. “A Comparative Study of Assessment Techniques Used in bus transport.” Proceedings of the 12th Asian Academy Malaysian Open Distance Learning Institution As Compared Management International Conference, Malaysia. to an International Professional Body”. Conference Proceedings 29th Annual Conference of Asian Association 10. “Commuters' Readiness to Use Public Bus Transport in of Open Universities, 30 November – 2 December 2015, George Town Centre”. Conference proceedings 4th Asian Open University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Management Research and Case Conference (AMRC) 2015 on ‘Management Issues in Emerging Markets for 15. “The Evolution of Distance Learning and its Contribution Sustainable Business’, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, to the Accounting Profession in Malaysia: A Historical Malaysia, January 10-12, 2015. Perspective”. Conference Proceedings International Conference on Accounting Studies (ICAS) 2015, 17-20 11. “Teaching accounting in the distance learning mode and August 2015, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia. on-campus mode: A comparative study at Wawasan Open University”. Conference Proceedings 28th Annual 16. “Investigation into What the Malaysian Public Wants from Conference of Asian Association of Open Universities Environment Protection Tax Laws in Malaysia”. Conference 28–31 October 2014, The Open University of Hong Kong , Proceedings International Conference on Accounting Hong Kong SAR, China pp536-544. Studies (ICAS) 2015, 17-20 August 2015, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia. 12. “Promoting Entrepreneurship Education through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) in Malaysia: A Case Study 17. “Purchasing Social Responsibility Activities in Malaysia: of Wawasan Open University (WOU) students at Penang Labour and Health & Safety”. Conference Proceedings 6th Regional Centre (PGRC)”. Conference Proceedings International Conference on Operations and Supply Chain 29th Annual Conference of Asian Association of Open Management (OSCM), 10-12 December, 2014, Institut Universities, 30 November – 2 December 2015, Open Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), Surabaya, Indonesia, University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. page 116.

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18. Speaker on “Valmiki Ramayana and its Relevance for 5. “The Bhagavad-Gita and Business Ethics: a Leadership Transformational Leadership” at International Ramayana Perspective”, pages 232-253 (Chapter 18) in Dasho Conference, ‘Heal the World Through Ramayana’ at Karma Ura and Patricia Ordonez de Pablos (ed.), Asian Ramayana Centre, Union Park Mauritius, 21-24 August Business and Management Practices: Trends and Global 2015. Considerations. IGI Global, Pennsylvania, USA 19. “Moodle Quizzes in the Learning Environment”. Conference 6. “Trends in Indian Food & Grocery Retail Sector”, pages 65- Proceedings 28th Annual Conference of Asian Association 78 in Shanti R., Ahmed M.R., Guruswamy S., & Murari P of Open Universities 28–31 October 2014, The Open (ed) Retailing - Trends in the New Millennium, Chennai: MJP University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, China. pp 240- Publishers. 249. 20. “Motivation, Learning Strategies and Distance Learners”. Conference Proceedings 29th Annual Conference of Asian Association of Open Universities, 30 November – 2 December 2015, Open University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 21. “Stressors, Coping Strategies and Use of Social Support: A Comparison of Male and Female Undergraduate Open Distance Learning Students at the WOU Penang Learning Centre”. 29th Asian Association of Open Universities Annual Conference, 30 November-2 December, Kuala Lumpur. 22. “Seventy years of workforce transformation in defining generations: Applying generational theory applications in Malaysia”. Conference proceedings of The 5th International Conference on Business and Economic Research 2014, Kuching Sarawak, Malaysia, March 24 – 25, 2014.

BOOK CHAPTERS 1. Loo Choo Hong contributor for Arens, Elder and Beasley, “Auditing and Assurance Services: An Integrated Approach”, 15th Edition 2014, Global Edition, Pearson JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS Education, London, UK. 1. “Purchasing Social Responsibility Activities in Malaysia: 2. “Corporate Social Responsibility Communication from A focus in Labour, Health, and Safety”, Operations and the Vedantic, Dharmic and Karmic Perspectives”, pages Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 8(3), 337-354 in Ralph Tench, William Sun, Brian Jones pp.154-161. (ed.) Communicating Corporate Social Responsibility: Perspectives and Practice (Critical Studies on Corporate 2. “Kautilyan Aphorism in Management”, Malaysian Indian Responsibility, Governance and Sustainability, Volume 6), Business, MIB E-Magazine, December 2014. pp 40-43. Emerald Group Publishing, London. 3. “Effective Tutoring: Learner’s Perception and Institutional 3. “The Roots of Indian Corporate Social Responsibility Responsibility”, Pakistan Journal of Distance and Online (CSR) Practice from a Vedantic Perspective” pages 19-34 Learning, Vol 1 (1), December 2015, pp. 11-24. in KCP Low, SO Idowu and SL Ang (ed), Corporate Social Responsibility in Asia, Springer International Publishing, 4. “Segmenting Consumers in Food & Grocery Retail”, Switzerland. Indian Journal of Marketing (Forthcoming – accepted for publication). 4. “Labour Relations and International Business: The Doctrine of Constructive Dismissal and Labour Relations in 5. “Demographic Transformation in Defining Malaysian Malaysia”, pages 291-315 in Liam Leonard , Maria Alejandra Generations: The Seekers (Pencari), The Builders (Pembina), Gonzalez-Perez (ed.), Beyond the UN Global Compact: The Developers (Pemaju), and Generation Z (Generasi Z)”. Institutions and Regulations (Advances in Sustainability International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Environmental Justice, Volume 17,), Emerald Group and Social Sciences, Published on Vol.4, No. 4, April 2014 Publishing. issue. Pg 383 – 403.

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ADVISORY PEER GROUP Prof Dr Koh Hian Chye Professor (UniSIM College), School of Business, SIM University, Singapore

Prof Dr Noh Hayati Ahmad Professor, Banking and Risk Management, College of Business, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Sintok, Kedah

Dr Veerinderjeet Singh Managing Director, Taxand Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Kuala Lumpur; Council Member of Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA), Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA) and Malaysian Institute of Taxation (MIT)

Mr Suresh Chandra HR Director, Intel Malaysia, Penang

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SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Overview Engineering (Hons) and Bachelor of Information Systems (Hons). In 2017, the School reduced credit requirements for Student enrolments at the School of Science and Technology two of its MBA programmes, MBA-MPM and MBA-CM, from (SST) stood at 1,216 as of July 2017. Headed by the Dean 47 credit hours to 41 credit hours. This move allows a shorter Associate Professor Dr Wendy Bong Chin Wei, the School endeavour for students, who can now fulfil the course boasts 14 full-time academic staff with specialisations requirements and earn a part-time degree within 2 years. in various engineering and technology disciplines such as electronics, computing and information technology, construction management, manufacturing and mathematics. The faculty includes two Associate Professors, five PhD holders and six other staff who are currently pursuing their PhD, as well as an administrative support staff who provides further support to staff and students.

Currently, the School offers four postgraduate degrees, nine Bachelor of Technology degrees with Honours and two Graduate Diplomas as follows:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Computing and Technology (Research Mode) • Master of Philosophy in Computing and Technology (Research Mode) • Master of Business Administration in Construction Management • Master of Business Administration in Manufacturing and Highlights Production Management • As of December 2017, all computing programmes in SST • Bachelor of Information Systems (Hons) have obtained full accreditation from MQA and MOHE. • Bachelor of Information Technology (Hons) in Multimedia Development • Effective second semester 2017, degree plans of two • Bachelor of Information Technology (Hons) in Networking Master’s programmes - MBA in Manufacturing and • Bachelor of Software Engineering (Hons) Production Management and MBA in Construction • Bachelor of Technology (Hons) in Computer Systems Management – now require a reduced 41-credit hours. and Networks (for both part-time and full-time studies) • Bachelor of Technology (Hons) in Construction Management International Linkage and Global Outreach • Bachelor of Technology (Hons) in Electronics • Bachelor of Technology (Hons) in Mechatronics Selected course materials have been franchised to • Bachelor of Technology (Hons) in Telecommunications Botswana College of Distance and Open Learning, with the latter’s purchase of 23 courses under the Bachelor of • Graduate Diploma in Electronics Technology (Hons) in Information Systems and 7 courses • Graduate Diploma in Telecommunications under the MBA in Construction Management.

Actively involved in the accreditation process of its computing On another positive note, the School is finalising collaboration degrees, the School has obtained full accreditation for six plans with Kiron Open Higher Education to bring WOU of its undergraduate degrees within the last two years. programmes to refugees in Southeast Asia. WOU shall All computing degrees are recognised by the Malaysian authorise a learning agreement with Kiron to facilitate credit Qualifications Agency (MQA) and the Ministry of Higher transfer of courses undertaken by refugee students under Education (MOHE). These degrees have been endorsed by the Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), to its Bachelor the Programme Standard of MQA. Some courses have also of Technology (Hons) in Computer Systems and Networks been renamed to better reflect their contents and learning programme. outcomes, such as the Bachelor of Information Technology (Hons) in Multimedia Development, Bachelor of Information PAGE Technology (Hons) in Networking, Bachelor of Software 29 WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017

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WOU is also close to inking an MoU with the Lubeck Additionally, School members also remained actively University of Applied Sciences and University of South involved in various training sessions and seminars related to Africa. This MoU will permit joint collaboration between Industry 4.0 throughout the year. the three parties in the development of an international programme for academic development as well as the supervision of postgraduate studies. RESEARCH & PUBLICATIONS

CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS

1. Chandarasageran Natarajan (2017). “Network Memory: Two Decades of Research Trend Evolution and Development” (Best Paper), 1st Australia and New Zealand Conference on Advanced Research (ANZCAR 2017) Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

2. Chandarasageran Natarajan, Nanthini Muniapan (2016). “Scalable Network Memory System Virtualisation Framework Using P2P RDMA Protocol”, PROCSIT 2016, Progress in Computer Sciences and Information Technology International Conference proceedings, Langkawi Island, Kedah, Malaysia (Also Published in Advanced Science Letters).

3. Choo-Jun Tan, Chin-Wei Bong, Ting-Yee Lim, and Teik- Kooi Liew (2016). “Soft Computing Model in Educational Engagement with Industry and Community Data Mining: A Distance Learning Experience” (Best Practise Award silver medal), 30­th Annual Conference of SST was the key organiser of an Academia-Industry Dialogue Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU), Manila, (AID) on Managing Technology and Reinventing Education, Philippines. held on 14 September 2017. A total of 22 industrial representatives including directors, vice presidents, COOs 4. Chin-Wei Bong, C. C. Liew, H. Y. Lam (2016). “Delineation and CEOs of invited companies participated in this event Of Ground Glass Opacity Nodules In CT Images alongside professors and heads of department from public (POSTER)”, 24th Annual Meeting of Asian Society for and private universities. Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery (ASCVTS 2016) in conjunction with 9th AATS/ASCVTS Postgraduate Course Three influential industry players took turns to present keynote as well as 4th Asian Single Port VATS Symposium, Taipei, speeches on the day: Taiwan.

• Dato’ Yoon Chon Leong, Advisor and Founder of Penang 5. Yik Lai Kuan, Toh Pek Lan, Lee Chee Leong (2016). Science Café (PSC), presented Creation of a Better Market: “Enhancement of second harmonic generation in Aligning Education Industry to Meet Future Demands nonlinear photonic crystals with two defective layers”, • Dr Mazlan Abbas, co-founder and CEO of Favoriot, IEEE 6th International Conference on Photonics (ICP), nominated among the 50 Most Impactful Smart Cities Kuching, Sarawak. Leaders by World CSR Congress 2017 and ranked among the Top 10 in IoT Top 100 Influencers by Postscapes 2017, delivered a talk titled Generation-IoT: The Key to Business JOURNAL AND BOOK CHAPTER PUBLICATIONS Survival in 21st Century • Dr Yeong Che Fai, a Senior Lecturer cum Entrepreneur 1. Chee-Leong Lee, S.Y. Chee, M.K. Lee (2017). “Alteration at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), presented An of the refractive index of polyacrylate and poly(styrene- Academician’s Journey to Entrepreneurship – Building co-acrylate) films via molecular structure modification”. Research into a Commercial Venture Polym. Bull., 74, 857. (Impact Factor: 1.4)

Prior to this event, Tan Sri Andrew Sheng (Distinguished 2. Choo-Jun Tan, Ting-Yee Lim, Chin-Wei Bong, & Kooi-Teik Fellow of Asia Global Institute, The University of Hong Kong) Liew (2017). “A multi-objective evolutionary algorithm- also shared timely and relevant insights with the School based soft computing model for educational data mining: and DISTED College on the theme of Industry 4.0, on 11 A distance learning experience”. Asian Association of PAGE September 2017. Open Universities Journal, Vol. 12. Pages 106-123. 30 WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017

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3. Chee-Leong Lee, Wee-Sheng Goh, Swee-Yong Chee, 8. Farhad Pourpanah, Choo-Jun Tan, Chee Peng Lim, Lai-Kuan Yik (2017). “Enhancement of light harvesting Junita Mohamad-Saleh (2017). “A Q-learning-based efficiency of silicon solar cell utilising arrays of poly(methyl multi-agent system for data classification”.Applied Soft methacrylate-co-acrylic acid) nano-spheres and nano- Computing 52, 519-531. Elsevier. (Impact Factor: 3.541) spheres with embedded silver nano-particles”. Phot. Nano.Fund. Appl., 23, 36. (Impact Factor: 1.7) 9. Siew Chin Neoh, Choo Jun Tan, Manjeevan Seera, Chu Kiong Loo (2016). “Web-Based Career Path 4. Choo-Jun Tan, Siew Chin Neoh, Chee Peng Lim, Model for Human Resource Management”. Journal Samer Hanoun, Wai Peng Wong, Chu Kong Loo, Li of Telecommunication, Electronic and Computer Zhang, Saeid Nahavandi (2017). “Application of an Engineering (JTEC) Vol. 8, Iss. 12. Pages 23 – 26. evolutionary algorithm-based ensemble model to job- (SCOPUS indexed) shop scheduling”. Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing, Pages 1-12. Springer. (Impact Factor: 3.35) 10. WC Ng, SY Teh, HC Low, Ping-Chow Teoh (2017). “The integration of FMEA with other problem solving 5. Chin-Wei Bong, C. C. Liew, H. Y. Lam (2016). “Ground tools: A review of enhancement opportunities”. Journal Glass Opacity Nodules Detection and Segmentation of Physics: Conference Series, Vol. 890 Iss.1 Pages using Snake Model”. Bio-Inspired Computation and 012139, IOP Publishing. Applications in Image Processing (Chapter 5). Pages 87-104, Elsevier. 11. Jit-Ping Siew, Heng-Chin Low, Ping-Chow Teoh (2016). “An interactive mobile learning application using 6. Ting-Yee Lim, Mohammed Azmi Al-Betar, Ahamad machine learning framework in a flexible manufacturing Tajudin Khader (2016). “Taming the 0/1 knapsack environment”. International Journal of Mobile Learning problem with monogamous pairs genetic Algorithm”. and Organisation, Vol. 10 Iss. 1-2, Pages 1-24. Expert System with Application Vol. 54, Pages 241-250. Inderscience Publishers (IEL) (Impact Factor: 3.928)

7. S.Y. Chee, M. K. Lee, Chee-Leong Lee (2016). “Thermal Properties of Poly (Methyl Methacrylate-co-Butyl Acrylate-co-Acrylic Acid) Modified with Dinyl Benzene and Vinyltrimethoxy Silane”. J. Macromol. Sci., Part A., 53:2, 82. (Impact Factor: 0.8)

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ADVISORY PEER GROUP

Dato’ Wong Siew Hai Governor, American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce; Chairman, Malaysian-American Electronics Industry (MAEI); Formerly Vice President, Technology & Manufacturing Group, and General Manager, Assembly & Test Manufacturing, Intel Malaysia

En Muhamed Ali Hajah Mydin Chief Executive Officer, Penang Skills Development Centre; Former Managing Director, Mutiara Smart Computing Sdn Bhd

Dr Khong Yoon Leong Chief Executive Officer, TechDome, Penang; Former Vice Chancellor, KDU University College; Director, Global Manufacturing Engineering, First Solar

Dr Mazlan Abbas Chief Executive Officer, REDTone IOT, Selangor; Adjunct Professor, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia; Former Senior Director, Wireless Communications Cluster, MIMOS Berhad

Dato’ Ir Goh Chye Koon Non-Executive Director, Sunway Construction Berhad; Former Director, IJM Corporation Bhd; Former Chairman, Working Group for Construction Projects; Member, Construction Industry Master Plan Committee, Construction Industry Development Board, Malaysia (CIDB)

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SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, LANGUAGES AND COMMUNICATIONS

Through upholding the quality of its programmes, SELC aims to become a leading institution in the field of education, languages and communications both within Malaysia and globally.

RESEARCH & PUBLICATIONS CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS 1. Tan Saw Fen & Lim, C. S. (2017). “Enhancing teachers’ reflection through lesson study: Is it feasible?” Paper presented at the 41st Annual Meeting of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education (PME 41): Mathematics Education Research – Learning, Instruction, Outcomes & Nexus, 17-22 July 2017, Singapore. 2. Tan Saw Fen & Lim, C. S. (2016). “The content of teachers’ reflection in lesson study: A case study.” Paper Overview presented at the 3rd International Conference on Teacher Learning and Development (ICTLD), SEAMEO RECSAM, The School of Education, Languages and Communications Penang, Malaysia. (SELC) was established to support the University in enriching knowledge and scholarship in education, languages and 3. Phalachandra B, Mohan Menon, Jasmine Emmanuel communications. It seeks to achieve this through developing and Ch’ng Lay Kee (2016). “Effectiveness of a capacity and delivering programmes targeted towards the award of building intervention for OER search and integration for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. course materials development”. Paper presented in the PCF8 Conference, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Professor Santhiram Raman is the current Dean leading the School, which boasts a staff strength of seven academics 4. Mohan Menon and Phalachandra B (2016). “A study on and an administrative executive. the adoption and integration of OER materials in course development”. Paper presented in the PCF8 Conference, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Programmes The following programmes are offered by SELC: JOURNALS i) Diploma in Early Childhood Education (DECE); 1. C. T. Ong (2017). “Representation of culture, gender and ii) Bachelor of Education (Hons) in Primary Education identity: An analysis of Stella Kon’s Emily of Emerald (BEPE); Hil”l, International Journal of Languages, Literature and iii) Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in English Studies (BAES); Linguistics, 3(3), 143-148. iv) Post-Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE); and v) Master of Education 2. Ooi, L. H., Arathai, D. E., Vighnarajah, S., Goh, L. H. & Ong, C.T. (2016). “Qualitative findings on the dynamics The Master of Education (TESL) was offered from July 2012 of online facilitation in distance education”, International to an initial intake of eight students. It has since grown to Journal of Online Pedagogy and Course Design, 6(4), a current intake of 60 students. The Master of Education 1-18. (Educational Management) was launched in July 2014. Two other specialisations, E-Learning and Education for 3. Albury, N. J., & Ooi, L. H. (2017). “The widening gap Sustainable Development, are being developed and will be between Malaysia’s international tourism brand and launched in 2018 and 2019 respectively. domestic multicultural policy”, Journal of Policy Research in Tourism, Leisure and Events, 9(3), 318-330. The Diploma in Early Childhood Education was launched in DOI: 10.1080/19407963.2017.1344245. January 2017 with an initial intake of 158 students. 4. Fong, S. F., & Por, F. P. (2016). “Effects of a Pronunciation Learning Management System among Students of The School, in collaboration with the Centre for Graduate PAGE Studies (CGS), has been offering a PhD programme by Different Language Anxiety Levels”. Jurnal Kinabalu, research since January 2013. 22/2016. 33 WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017

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BOOK 5. R. Santhiram, Goh Lay Huah & Phalachandra B.(2017). “Investigating the effectiveness of the Tablet in enhancing 1. Phalachandra B and Ishan Abeyawardena (2016). Open Distance Learning”. Asia Pacific Handbook of “Open Educational Resources in the Commonwealth”, Contemporary Research, Vol 1. Asia Pacific Institute of Commonwealth of Learning, Canada. Advanced Research. NSW. Australia .

CHAPTERS IN BOOKS RESEARCH PROJECTS 1. R. Santhiram & Tan Yao Sua (2017). “Race-based Policies GRANTS and Practices in Malaysia’s Education System” in Moses Samuel, Meng Yew Tee & Lorraine Pe Symaco (Eds.). 1. Phalachandra B., Ooi Li Hsien, et.al. WOU Innovative Education in Malaysia: Developments and Challenges, Research Initiative Grant (IRI Grant) 2017, “A Study Springer, Singapore. of factors that are hindering the students’ success in ODL programmes of WOU and designing strategies to 2. R. Santhiram & Tan Yao Sua (2017). “Political enhance students’ successes rate”. RM30000, January Accommodation and Education for Ethnic Minorities: 2017 – February 2018. Co-recipient. Lessons from Malaysia” in Ryszard Kucha & Henryk Cudak (eds.) Educationalists versus Politicians – Who 2. Suma P., Ooi Li Hsien & Ng Khar Thoe, SEAMEO QITEP should integrate Europe for Wellbeing of all Inhabitants. in Language Research Grants (SEAQIL REGRANTS) Clarkson University & Spoleczna Academia Nuak. Lodz, 2016, “Exploring Language Trainees’ Literacy Beliefs Poland. and Perceptions Using a Values Based Approach in Online Teaching and Learning”, USD$2400, May 2016 - 3. R. Santhiram & Tan Yao Sua (2017). “Education of ethnic December 2016. Co-recipient. minorities: Contesting issues in a multiethnic society”, in Suseela Malakolunthu & Nagappan C. Rengasamy (eds.) 3. Fong, S. F., & Por, F. P., 2016-2017. “A Comparative Policy Discourses in Malaysian Education: A nation in the Study on Academic Stress between Adolescents in making. Routledge Critical Studies in Asian Education. International Schools and National Schools”. UK. 4. Fong, S. F., & Por, F. P., 2017-2018. “The Effects of an 4. Tan Yao Sua & R. Santhiram (2017). “Globalisation, Internet-Linked Reading Intervention on Students’ Education Language Policy & Nation-Building in Metacognitive Reading Skills”. Malaysia”, in Lee Hock Guan (ed.) Education and Globalisation in South East Asia: Issues and Challenges. ISEAS Publishing. Singapore.

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ADVISORY PEER GROUP

Emeritus Prof Dato’ Dr Ibrahim Bajunid Deputy President, INTI University College (INTI-UC) Laureate International Universities

Prof Dr Molly N N Lee Former Coordinator, Asia-Pacific Programme of Education Innovation for Development (APEID), Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau for Education, UNESCO Bangkok

Dr Hj Mohd Johan Zakaria Director, Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organisation Regional Centre for Education in Science & Mathematics, SEAMEO RECSAM, Penang

Assoc Prof Dr Mariani Mohd Nor Dean, Faculty of Education, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur

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SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

Overview SHSS also offers the mandatory University and Mata Pelajaran Umum (MPU) courses for all undergraduates. To In view of lifelong learning and to provide students with a well- enhance learners’ readiness for tertiary studies, the School rounded, balanced education that develops their potential to conducts a Headstart programme before they are due to the fullest, the School of Humanities and Social Sciences embark on their respective degree programmes. (SHSS) is offering degree programmes in the humanities. These include the Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Liberal Studies, Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Psychology, as well as the Doctor Other Career Development Programmes and Master of Philosophy in Arts and Humanities. Led by Associate Professor Dr S Nagarajan, the School boasts nine To prepare students adequately for full-time employment full-time faculty members. upon graduation, SHSS offers the soft skills development programme “Professional Competencies for the Workplace”, as well as short courses in communication and English language proficiency, besides public seminars.

Developments In The Near Future Having obtained formal approval from the authorities to launch 2 new degree programmes, namely the Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Counselling and the Master of Arts in Psychology, preparation is now under way for the launch in September 2018. We are pending MQA approval to introduce the Bachelor of Communication (Hons). Other lifelong learning programmes, including courses of varying lengths as well as degree programmes, are currently in the works. The objective of these courses is to expand students’ knowledge and life skills while enhancing their workplace proficiency.

RESEARCH & PUBLICATIONS CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS Programmes 1. Emmanuel, J.S., Chng, L.K, (2016). “Facilitation across The BA (Hons) in Liberal Studies broadens students’ cultures in a blended learning environment: a preliminary perspectives by allowing them to explore a range of courses study of cultural and linguistic competency”, 9th Malaysia across various disciplines in Humanities and Social Sciences; International Conference on Languages, Literatures and it also includes a cluster of business courses from School of Cultures, Languages, Literatures and Cultures: Engaging Business and Administration (SBA). Threads and Trends,16th-18th August, Penang.

st Besides basic major/general education courses in liberal 2. Emmanuel, J.S. (2017). “21 Century educators and studies, learners are required to take courses from at least their characteristics”, International English Language any two clusters. The multi-disciplinary course structure Teaching Conference,19-21 April, Penang. aims to nurture students’ critical and analytical thinking and deepen their awareness of societal issues beyond basic 3. Emmanuel, J.S., Ch’ng, L.K, & Loh W.H, M. (2017). academic knowledge. Other learning outcomes include “Holistic Assessment – an idea from the WOU fostering effective communication skills and the ability to experience”, Redesigning Assessment for Holistic anticipate and solve wide-ranging problems. Learning Conference, 20-21 November, Petaling Jaya. 4. Nagarajan, S., Ooi, C.Y., & Pramela, K. (2016). “Improving The BA (Hons) in Psychology programme aims to equip the Efficiency and Quality of Feedback for Tutor-marked working professionals across various industries with diverse Assignments”, 26–29 October, 30­th Annual Conference skill sets to help them succeed in the demanding global of Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU), environment. Upon completion of this programme, students Manila, Philippines. can pursue a Master’s or Doctorate’s degree in various psychology branches and other related specialisations 5. Ooi, C.Y., Nagarajan, S. & Cheah, S.L. (2016). “Assessing PAGE according to their personal and professional interests. the co-curricular course experience of distance learners: A Wawasan Open University Model”, 26–29 October, 36 30th AAOU Conference, Manila, Philippines. WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017

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AWARDS ADVISORY PEER GROUP 1. Emmanuel, J.S., Ch’ng, L.K, & Loh, W.H, M.(2017). Prof Emeritus Dato’ Dr Abdul Halim Othman “Holistic Assessment – an idea from the WOU Fellow, Counselling and Psychology Services, Counselling experience”,Redesigning Assessment for Holistic Centre, Kolej Universiti Insaniah, Alor Setar Learning Conference, 20-21 November, Petaling Jaya. Dato’ Dr Abd Halim Mohd Hussin Silver medal for Poster Competition Director, Psychology Division, Public Service Department Silver medal for Voster (video-poster competition) (JPA), Putrajaya

Prof Dato’ Anwar Fazal Director, Right Livelihood College, Centre for Policy Research & International Studies (CenPRIS), Universiti Sains Malaysia

Prof Dato’ Dr Ghulam-Sarwar Yousof Adjunct Professor, Cultural Centre, Universiti Malaya

Dr Tan Liok Ee President, BOLD Association for Children with Special Needs, Penang

Dr Mustafa Kamal Anuar Fellow and Head of Nusantara Studies, Penang Institute

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CENTRE FOR GRADUATE STUDIES

Established in May 2007, the Centre for Graduate Studies A leader in open education, WOU is also the only Malaysian (CGS) provides academic and administrative support for institution of higher learning to offer the CeMBA programme. postgraduate studies in WOU. It serves as a coordinating Through active collaboration with the Commonwealth body for all postgraduate programmes and activities and of Learning (COL), Vancouver, Canada, the University maintains close contact with the University’s four Schools. has revised and updated specific course contents in the programme, for use by all countries in the consortium. Currently, CGS manages the following postgraduate programmes, with academic support from these Schools: Since 2010, a total of 820 postgraduate students have successfully completed their studies at the University, • Doctor of Philosophy in Arts and Humanities including 116 in 2015, 155 in 2016, and 202 in 2017. CGS • Doctor of Philosophy in Social Sciences will continue to partner with the University’s Schools to • Master of Philosophy in Arts and Humanities deliver market-focused postgraduate programmes. Through • Master of Philosophy in Social Sciences close collaboration with other institutions, professional • Commonwealth Executive Master of Business bodies as well as stakeholders in the private sector, WOU Administration (CeMBA) hopes to contribute new knowledge through research and • Master of Business Administration in Construction thus empower the nation’s workforce for the better. Management (MBA-CM) • Master of Business Administration in Manufacturing and Production Management (MBA-MPM) • Master of Education • Post-Graduate Diploma in Education

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INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

The eighth meeting of the University Council held on 25 Members of the IRI Board of Management (2016-2017) August 2007 approved the recommendations of the Senate to establish the Institute for Research and Innovation (IRI). In Tan Sri Emeritus Prof Gajaraj Dhanarajan approving this recommendation, the Council (now referred to Honorary Director, IRI (Chairman) – Year 2016 as the Board of Governors) also noted that the new Institute would be an integral part of the University and pursue Prof Dato’ Dr Ho Sinn Chye specific areas of research. Vice Chancellor, WOU - Acting Director, IRI (Chairman) – Year 2017 It was stipulated that (i) the Institute would be managed by a Board of Management; and (ii) the Director would serve Prof Madhulika Kaushik (until July 2017) as chairperson and be directly accountable to the Vice Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), WOU Chancellor. The specific role of the Board of Management would be to: Prof Santhiram R Raman Dean, School of Education, Languages and Communications, WOU 1. Develop suitable research policies for the Institute. 2. Approve and support research agenda and projects. Assoc Prof Dr Wendy Bong Chin Wei 3. Approve the admission of research students. Dean, School of Science and Technology, WOU

The IRI Board of Management was formally established Dr Andy Liew Teik Kooi in August 2010. It comprises both internal and external Registrar and Director, Quality Assurance and External stakeholders with expertise in research and related industries. Relations, WOU (Secretary to IRI)

The inaugural meeting of the IRI Board of Management was Dato’ Dr R Ratnalingam held in April 2011. Former Honorary Consul for Norway and Sweden at Penang (w.e.f. year 2017)

Dato’ Wong Siew Hai Chairman, Malaysian-American Electronics Industry

Prof Dato’ Dr Ahmad Shukri Mustapha Kamal Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic & International Affairs), USM; Professor, School of Physics, USM (w.e.f. April 2017)

Datin Dr Kam Suan Pheng Former Senior Research Scientist, The World Fish Centre (w.e.f. year 2017)

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Terms of reference 5. To provide direction and advice on the allocation of The overall terms of reference for the IRI Board are as research funds and other related resources. follows:- 6. To assist University submissions for seeking of external 1. To develop and review the University’s policies pertaining funding in accordance with the priorities identified. to research and development, especially in technology- assisted and mediated teaching; to identify and 7. To determine and develop suitable channels for patent research outcomes of commercial value, where disseminating research-related information to University applicable. staff and the wider community. 2. To facilitate applications for research funding from faculty 8. To consider and recommend submission of payment- staff. related applications for conferences, meetings or other outreach events. 3. To develop and maintain infrastructure conducive to seeding new projects and developing a culture of 9. To encourage projects that will enhance scholarship research. amongst academic staff, and organise seminars, workshops and forums to nurture professional networks. 4. To lay out the Univerisity’s research priorities and divert staff attention to areas of high potential for further 10. To co-opt members as per existing guidelines and development. establish other sub-committees where necessary.

Status of IRI Research Grants Approved

To date, a total of twenty four (24) projects have been approved under the IRI research grants. This amounted to a total of RM638,489. The details of the projects are as follows:

Year Project Titles Amount (RM) 1. A Study on the Determinants of Learning Management System (LMS) Use amongst Students in 26,930 Open Distance Learning Institutions: The Case of Wawasan Open University 2. Transformation by Applying Innovative and Sustainable Mobile Learning in Manufacturing Process 30,000 2011 and Machine Maintenance 3. Supra-YHz Superconducting Mixers for the ALMA Telescope 30,000 4. Virtual Computing Lab (VCL) Conceptualisation and Implementation to Promote Resource 30,000 Sharing and Green Computing in Open Distance Learning (ODL) Environment Total research grants approved in year 2011 RM116,930 5. Applying Social Constructionist Theory of Learning to Improve Student Learning Experience: An 2012 12,000 Elgg Experimental Study Total research grants approved in year 2012 RM12,000 6. Broadening Access to Open Educational Resources through Effective Searching of Materials 25,000 7. Setting up a WOU Institutional Repository using WEKO, an Open Source Software developed by 50,000 the Japanese National Institute of Informatics (NII) 2013 8. A Study on Cost-effectiveness and Feasibility of using Tablets for Student Learning in Wawasan 39,900 Open University 9. Characterising Key Features of Student Isolation in Distance Education 20,400 Total research grants approved in year 2013 RM135,300 10. Mobile-learning in ODL Environment 29,234 11. Investigating the Online Forum Moderation Techniques and Feedback Types for Tutor Marked 2014 29,300 Assignments 12. Designing and Developing a Question Bank: A Pilot 15,000 Total research grants approved in year 2014 RM73,534 PAGE 40 WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017

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Year Project Titles Amount (RM) 13. Information seeking behaviour of Wawasan Open University ODL students to support learning 15,500 and research activities 2015 14. A Soft Computing Modelling for Clustering 30,000 15. Emerging Trends in Higher Education Pedagogy 20,250 Total research grants approved in year 2015 RM65,750 16. Enhancement Of Optical Efficiency Of The Photovoltaic Cell Utilising Self-Assembled Nano- Or 30,000.00 Micro-Spheres 17. A Study Of Educational Data Mining 25,000.00 18. Trends In The Governance Of Asian Open Universities: A Study Of Both Public And Privately 25,000.00 Sponsored Open Universities In Asia 2016 19. A Study of Factors that are Hindering the Students’ Success in ODL programmes of WOU and 30,000.00 Designing Strategies to Enhance Students’ Successes Rate 20. Scale Development and Validation of Online Learners’ Psychological Capital 30,000.00 21. Stakeholder’s Expectation on Employee Well-Being: A Case Study of Open Distance Learning 30,000.00 (ODL) University 22. Roundtable on Emerging Trends of Technologies in Supply Chain Management 20,000.00 Total research grants approved in year 2016 RM190,000 23. Discourse Analysis of Student-led Online Seminars in Online and Blended Classrooms 14,975.00 24. Robotic Hand Control Using Sensing Technology 30,000.00 2017 25. Service Quality as Antecedent of Student Engagement: Towards Understanding Student Attribute 16,044.00 Outcomes Total research grants approved in year 2017 RM61,019 GRAND TOTAL RM654,533

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CENTRE FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND CONTINUING EDUCATION

The Centre for Professional Development and Continuing Designed in collaboration with both internal stakeholders Education (PACE) serves as a bridge between the University and external professional bodies, PACE’s programmes are and the community. Extending the learning resources of specially customised to meet the evolving requirements of Wawasan Open University beyond its distance-learning today’s fast-paced business landscape. By combining a environment, it delivers quality short courses and training broad range of topics with a collaborative approach, students programmes to meet the needs of the public and private gain critical insights and mental agility needed to navigate the sectors. professional workplace. In 2017, some 13 training sessions were conducted for academic and operational employees to help upgrade their skill sets, including a short training course on Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) for participants from AIMST University.

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REGISTRY

The Registry is responsible for a host of student functions from admissions and convocation to scholarship administration, examinations and maintenance of student records. In day- to-day work, it liaises closely with the Regional Centres to support student and tutor-related operations. It has a total of 17 staff and is led by Dr Andy Liew Teik Kooi.

Advanced Standing The recognition of prior learning (RPL) through the award of advanced standing as well as credit transfer has been widely adopted by many Commonwealth countries. The practice helps reduce the duplication of study, saving time and expenses for WOU students. The Advanced Standing Office of the Registry has successfully facilitated a total of 4,070 cases of advanced standing/credit transfers involving 295 external institutions at the diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The Advanced Standing Office also manages the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning for Credits Award or APEL(C). APEL(C) recognises the individual’s informal Tutor Management and non-formal learning, which often takes place beyond the formal classroom setting specific to a course, within the In line with its mission to become the ‘people’s university’, programme of study. WOU has enjoyed increased participation from esteemed academics and professionals throughout Malaysia, following the expansion of its premises. Admissions and Enrolments Since its inception, a total of 1,770 academics and The University had an inaugural intake of 721 Open Distance professionals have served as tutors at WOU. From 2010 Learning (ODL) students in January 2007. This number has till now, approximately 650 tutors and project supervisors since risen steadily. have been appointed each semester to provide tutorial learning support services to students. Over 300 tutors have As of the July 2017 semester census date, a total of 20,914 rendered their services to the University for a period of 4 to ODL students have experienced open distance learning at 12 semesters since January 2007. WOU. The University offers a total of 50 programmes which comprise eleven (11) postgraduate degree programmes, twenty-seven (27) undergraduate degree programmes, Scholarships and Grants nine (9) graduate diploma programmes, two (2) graduate certificate programmes and one (1) diploma programme. Out From 2016 to 2017, a total of 2,530 study grants were of these, 44 have been fully accredited by MQA. In addition, awarded to new students pursuing their studies at WOU. there are a number of new programmes that are currently The grants were meant to encourage students to enrol in awaiting approval from MOHE and MQA. WOU’s courses by easing their financial burden as much as possible. The University currently offers six undergraduate programmes for the On-Campus full-time students and a Continuing students at WOU who face financial difficulties total of 383 students have experienced on-campus learning were also awarded scholarships in the form of tuition fees at the University’s main campus in Penang. waivers if they have demonstrated a level of academic excellence. Between 2016 and 2017, a total of 99 students were awarded the Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship.

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LEARNING AND LIBRARY SERVICES

The Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Library is dedicated to meeting the changing needs of users and transforming for the better. Recent statistics show an increase in the number of visitors, circulation of library materials and inter-library loan usage. While the existing integrated library system (ILS) manages only a portion of the library’s materials, a new generation of library service platforms has been created to manage digital/ electronic information resources, in addition to print media.

Enhancing Support for Student Learning In response to patronage numbers, concerns about the use of library facilities, resource usage and service efficiency, the Library increased the quantity of open access desktop computers at the main campus branch from 20 to 26 units in 2017, with plans for further increase in the future. Resources, facilities and the range of information services are key aspects that are primed for improvement. Additionally, the main campus library in Penang and four other libraries at WOU regional centres in Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Johor Bahru, and Kuching are also set for upgrade.

In July 2016, the subscribed EBSCO Discovery Service Collections Strength (EDS) search engine widget, which allows students to locate desired library resources, was integrated with the • Printed and Digital Resources Learning Management System (Moodle). The new e-learning platform will serve as a learning space, helping to increase Responding to the growing need for relevant resources in the Library’s visibility and strengthen its role in the University. print and digital format, the Library added to the printed It will also enable a more productive and wider scope of materials collection and increasing reference books information retrieval through library resources and services, in the subject areas of Education, Computer Science, thus strengthening collaboration with other stakeholders Psychology and Social Sciences. A new e-database, of the University. The change led to an increased usage of EBSCO ebooks Academic with Business Collection, was library resources; 544 inter-library loan requests of materials added to the library collection in year 2016 to replace Ebrary were received, reaching a larger audience of remote library database, while maintaining existing core databases such users. Furthermore, a significant uptake in many services as Books24x7, EBSCO Journals (Business and Computer was observed in monthly usage statistics over this period, & Applied Science), JSTOR (Art and Sciences), as well as published on the University staff portal. To facilitate the as ProQuest Dissertations and Theses (Humanities and transition, reference librarians provided information literacy Social Sciences). 26 new e-books were also purchased instruction sessions and webinars on the use of library and added to the electronic collection, increasing resources to students, tutors, part-time lecturers and new collection strength to 748. Through sharing library services academic staff. with DISTED College, more materials are made available to users. This is on top of donated books from individuals To expand the breadth of knowledge available to users, the (311 till date), which undergo evaluation and processing Library Subject Guides collection, a resource available on before reaching users. the library website, has been expanded to 22. The enhanced collection encompasses topics such as Human Rights, • Open Educational Resources (OER) Repositories Islamic Banking, Business Law and Philosophy. The two OER repositories that house research, The Library continues to play an active role in upholding teaching and learning materials have been growing academic integrity and high ethical standards in research steadily. The institutional repository, WOU OER writing. The web-based plagiarism tool, Turnitin, is being used Repository, currently holds 417 records, while the for the sixth consecutive year to manage submission and OER@AsiaHub repository currently holds 23,336 tracking of students’ assignment papers. The practice helps records. Set up as a federated repository for Asia create an honourable culture and instil academic honesty network community, it aims to promote awareness, among students, tutors and staff alike. creation, reuse and sharing of OER among educators in the local and regional institutions, especially those without a repository system. Linked to another PAGE two functioning networks’ repositories, the Open University of Japan and Universiti Putra Malaysia, 44 its rich archives consist of postgraduates’ project WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017

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reports, thesis and conference papers in English, Community Collaboration and Engagement Malay and Japanese languages. As observed from the OER repositories usage reporting tool, the In April 2016, Think City Sdn Bhd, Penang, initiated the repository’s contents have been accessed, viewed Penangpedia digitisation initiative project, a planned and downloaded globally from the likes of countries partnership with the University to set up a centre for digital including Denmark, France, Germany, India, Mexico, archives to preserve Penang’s knowledge legacies and Russian Federation, Romania, UK, Venezuela and make them freely available on the Internet. However, due US. This shows WOU taking the lead in encouraging to material copyright issues with external stakeholders, the and increasing the visibility of the OER movement collaboration did not materialise. Nevertheless, the Library globally. In 2016, Library staff also took part in training remains open to other similar digitisation collaborations in activities for external institutions such as Universiti the future. Sains Islam Malaysia and Asia e-University to further the repository’s development. Award and Publications In compliance with the asset policy of the University, the Library has completed its sixth annual stock- In an accolade worthy of mention, the Library clinched taking programme for the Main Campus library in a silver medal award in the Best Practice category at the Penang and the Regional Centre libraries at Kuala 30th Annual Conference of the Asian Association of Open Lumpur, Ipoh, Johor Bahru, and Kuching. Universities (26-28 October 2016, Manila, Philippines) for the following research paper presented: • Chew Bee Leng, Marnisya Abdul Rahim and Vighnarajah (2016). “Integration of EBSCO Discovery Service widget into the learning spaces of LMS: A case study of Wawasan Open University”.

RESEARCH & PUBLICATIONS JOURNALS 1. Chew Bee Leng, Marnisya Abdul Rahim and Vighnarajah (2017). “Integration of EBSCO Discovery Service widget into the learning spaces of LMS: A case study of Wawasan Open University.” Asian Association of Open Universities Journal, 12(2): 137-153. 2. Vighnarajah, Farzanah Ali Hassan, Norhasni Abdul Aziz and Ooi Siew Lee (2016). “Profiling information seeking- behaviour of distance learning students in Wawasan Overhaul of the Library Website Open University.” Asian Association of Open Universities Journal, 11(2): 122-135. The Library website was revamped to include an improved content structure featuring clearer navigation and new 3. Chew Bee Leng, Kamsiah Mohd Ali and Ch’ng Eng Hoo sections. These include new book highlights, trial databases, (2016). “Open access repositories on open educational interactive video tutorials from publishers on the use of resources: Feasibility of adopting the Japanese model databases, new external membership, poll and online user for academic libraries.” Asian Association of Open feedback forms to solicit responses on the use of digital Universities Journal, 11(1): 35-49. databases and WOU publications. To date, over 31,000 page views in analytics have been recorded. It will continue to be updated to create a better user experience. Existing sections of the website are updated periodically with materials such as past year WOU examination papers databank, electronic theses and dissertations (ETD), news clippings, image databank, Repository@WOU and OER online resources (externally published OERs identified for staff use). On the international front, the Library’s service of providing online access to two academic OER resources was recognised in the 26 Breakthrough Innovations at the World’s Open Universities report (dated September 2017, published by PAGE Contact North Contact Nord, Canada) under the “Innovations in Learning Support Services” category. 45 WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017

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EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY AND PUBLISHING UNIT

The Educational Technology and Publishing Unit (ETPU) WOU Press (WOUP) oversees the publishing and instructional design of course materials for students. The Unit is led by Grace Lau and Established in 2016 under WOU’s Institute for Research staffed by 14 members. and Innovation (IRI), WOU Press furthers the University’s objective of excellence in research and knowledge In 2016 and 2017, ETPU embarked on a series of new advancement by publishing scholarly and academic works. projects with the following aims: These works are published by ETPU under the WOU Press, and are meant primarily for members of the public who are • Facilitate publication of academic and scholarly works interested in concentrated research fields. WOUP has two under the University’s publishing arm WOU Press current e-publications to its name: Vignettes of Selected (WOUP). Asian Experience and Emerging Trends in Higher Education Pedagogy. • Coordinate CeMBA Online programme on Open Learning platform. CeMBA Online • Enhance online course materials with illustrated cover page and 3D icons to improve students’ receptiveness. WOU launched the CeMBA online programme in January Install additional plug-ins on WawasanLearn to create 2017 using the Open Learning platform. These courses were interactive learning objects. coordinated by ETPU staff and delivered online to WOU students via the Open Learning platform. ETPU has since published 7 courses under the CeMBA Online programme. New and Revised Course Materials

ETPU published a total of 24 new undergraduate courses Training and 4 postgraduate courses in 2014 and 2015 respectively. In addition, ETPU also made revisions to 47 courses (36 A key tenet of the blended learning pedagogy is to combine undergraduate and 11 postgraduate courses) from the face-to-face and e-learning for students. In tune with this, Schools. Some of the revised courses have included the use ETPU shall activate a WawasanLearn upgrade in the following of Open Educational Resources (OER) materials. semester to empower online learning modules. It has since conducted a series of training sessions in video production for Course Coordinators and tutors, including a hands-on H5P interactive content training held in September 2017. The new H5P plug-ins will enable Course Coordinators to create more engaging interactive learning content for students in WawasanLearn, in line with plans to improve teaching and learning support as well as strengthen student engagement in upcoming semesters.

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DIRECTORATE OF QUALITY ASSURANCE AND EXTERNAL RELATIONS

Committed to providing a rich academic learning experience - To serve as secretariat to the Senate Committee on Quality for students, WOU strives to maintain high quality academic Assurance, Teaching and Learning and oversee all QA standards benchmarked against international best matters relating to the overall academic, administrative practices. The Directorate of Quality Assurance and External and operational activities of the University. Relations (DQAER) has clearly defined its vision and mission statements as follows: Quality Assurance Vision Quality assurance at WOU is a shared responsibility executed in a centralised and decentralised manner. The We aspire to inculcate and sustain a culture of excellence in Vice Chancellor and senior management play a major role academic standards and quality of teaching, learning and in driving the University’s quality assurance system, while research. all members of the University community are expected to recognise and promulgate best quality practices. Mission Even though procedures and systems can be introduced, To establish a quality assurance framework; coordinate, the active involvement of all relevant stakeholders in the monitor and conduct procedural and operational reviews in University is strongly required to upkeep quality assurance. line with the University’s defined QA objectives. To meet evolving standards, the Department shall focus on improving the status quo rather than censuring areas of DQAER reports directly to the Vice Chancellor and works weakness. A system of internal and external peer scrutiny is closely with various Schools and Departments to promote employed. a quality culture within the WOU community. Its core responsibilities are to coordinate and oversee implementation Internally, quality assurance is implemented through: of QA policies across the University, monitor compliance and recommend continuous improvement measures. • School Board • Management Board DQAER’s duties encompass the following areas: • Quality Assurance, Teaching and Learning Committee • Senate - To direct, coordinate and manage QA functions of both • Board of Governors the open distance learning and on-campus learning delivery provisions of the University; - To be the University’s focal point in managing all external relations, especially with government bodies; and to be a leading training facility on QA;

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External peer review is implemented through the following While academic benchmarks are important, the University measures: comprehends that quality assurance cannot be limited to merely that. In view of this and to achieve DQAER’s vision, • External Advisory Peer Groups (APG) for each academic Quality Assurance Policies in key areas covering both School reviews and advises on the curriculum especially academic and operational aspects have been developed in the development of new programmes and courses. and carried out to reflect international good practices. These policies focus on the following major areas: • An External Course Assessor (ECA) system ensures that each course (developed by a team of specialists that • Programme planning and development includes instructional designers/technologists, academic • Course design, development and production content experts and language editors) is peer assessed • Course delivery during its development by an experienced external • Examination and assessment subject expert with respect to relevance, appropriateness, • Tutor assessment depth and treatment to ensure that it meets acceptable • Staff development standards used by reputable universities. • Programme accreditation • Research, development and community service • An External Examiner (EE) and External Programme Assessor (EPA) system ensures adherence with local and The DQAER maintains a regularly updated Policy Register internationally accepted benchmarks. which is easily accessible in electronic format through the staff portal. This ensures all existing University-wide policies • Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) programme are transparently recorded and centrally monitored. The accreditation and periodic external institutional reviews Learning and Library Services Unit also carries out its role to assess the entire organisation for relevance and as Records and Document Repository of the University efficiency of its quality assurance systems and processes. by being the main custodian of all master copies of the University’s policies and procedures.

PAGE 48 WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017 OPERATIONAL SUPPORT

MARKETING AND CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS With a staff strength of 9 members, the Marketing and • Inaugural public lecture on 14 May 2016 titled TPPA: Corporate Communications (Marcom) Department is led Future or Fraud by Dr Jomo Kwame Sundaram, a leading by Director Chong Kong Hoong. The Department boasts economist/development expert, in conjunction with the six Marketing employees and three from Corporate launch of the Chancellor’s Lecture Series. Communications. • Public lecture on The Constitution at a Crossroad as part of the Chancellor’s Lecture Series held at the main campus on 10 September 2016. The keynote speaker was Emeritus Prof Datuk Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi, Senior Professor of Law and Legal Advisor, Universiti Teknologi MARA. • Public lecture on Why East and West Will Meet in George Town by Tan Sri Andrew Sheng, Chief Advisor to the China Banking Regulatory Commission, held at the main campus on 3 December 2016. The speaker shared insights and explored what constitutes the optimum mindset in creating a brighter future for both individuals and communities. • Free public talks on various topics at the main campus, such as Malware-proof Computing and Secure Data Communication by Prof Wolfgang A Halang, Chair of Computer Engineering, Fern Universitat, Germany; Saying Goodbye to Stress and Chronic Pain by US- trained clinical psychologist, Associate Prof Dr Gabriel Tan; and Agile Leadership by Jonathan Yap, Executive Director, Group Internal Audit, DBS Bank, Singapore. CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS • The signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Tan Chong Group (TCG) to strengthen The objective of the team is to present WOU as a vibrant the development of human resources and to improve learning community to the public via different media employee retention in all the subsidiary companies of channels. Core messages will highlight the University’s TCG. The signing ceremony was held at the main campus innovative approach; its ethos of inspiring lifelong values on 4 May 2017. as well as one that is socially responsible and committed to students. • Milestone celebration of the University’s 10th anniversary cum Appreciation Dinner on 6 December 2017 attended The Department liaises with academic and administrative by some 150 staff and guests. Thirty-two staff were staff at the headquarters, Regional Centres and Regional honoured for their long and dedicated service, with 14 Support Centres to develop effective communication being recognised for 10 years’ service and 18 being messaging and marketing strategies. This coordinated lauded for 5 years’ service. effort serves to ensure that the University’s capabilities and strengths are well-exhibited to the right audience, so as to meet pre-defined targets. Corporate Social Responsibility Managing the University’s corporate social responsibility Educational Events that Inspire the Public (CSR) initiatives is another key task of Corporate Communications. The Department partners with various For the period 2016-2017, the Department successfully charities and NGOs to organise charitable events as well organised, co-hosted and/or supported over 70 events in as provides venue and monetary sponsorship. In 2016 and WOU, including: 2017, the Department provided financial and moral support to the National Cancer Society of Malaysia, which assists • Launch of the Chancellor’s Lecture Series at the main cancer victims and survivors. campus by WOU Chancellor, Tun Mohamed Dzaiddin Abdullah, on 14 May 2016. This series is organised by the Centre for Dialogue (C4D), which comes under the umbrella of WOU’s Institute for Research and Innovation (IRI), and is fully supported by the Wawasan Education PAGE Foundation (WEF). 49 WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017

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Providing a Succinct Corporate Voice Through the Customer Service Unit (CSU), the team also aims to provide prompt and helpful responses to prospective Corporate Communications handles all media relations for and existing students who get in touch with WOU via the toll- the University, including its corporate website, staff portal free Careline, online chat system, e-mail and various social and 12-page quarterly newsletter (WawasanLink) as well as media platforms. In addition to this, CSU is also responsible official social media channels (Twitter and YouTube). for reporting enrolment statistics and conducting relevant market research to generate insights for WOU. As part of WOU’s Green Living Campaign, the Department has initiated various campus-wide exercises to reduce its Marketing also plays an active role in education fairs, career carbon footprint through e-WawasanLink, WOU e-News and fairs, roadshows and other related exhibitions. WOU e-Card. Corporate Marketing Updates MARKETING The establishment of the Valued Partnership Programme by Marketing plays an integral role in the development and the University in 2012 has garnered collaboration with more execution of marketing plans for WOU. From creating brand than 200 companies, including partner financial institutions awareness to executing promotions, it works tirelessly such as Maybank, Public Bank and CIMB Bank, as well towards boosting student enrolment. Through studying the as multinational corporations like Intel, Dell and Agilent. behavioural trends of WOU’s target market, it generates The success of this partnership is reflected in WOU’s creative solutions and applies specialised marketing student enrolment numbers, which currently includes 1,240 concepts, principles and tactics that resonate with prospects employees from the various MNCs and SMEs which have on all mediums and platforms. Its end goal is to deliver partnered with WOU. effective marketing programmes that will enhance WOU’s reputation and growth. Employees from the partnership companies who enrolled at WOU enjoyed a tuition fee rebate of RM1,000 as long as they have signed up for a minimum of 2 courses. A total of 420 new students benefited from this fee rebate during the years 2016 and 2017.

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FINANCE

The Group Financial Services Centre (GFSC) is a key pillar Its other duties include the following: of the University. It provides support through effective guardianship and management of financial resources 1) Ensure good corporate governance and effective belonging to the University and its Group of Companies. handling of risk/controls. 2) Drive value creation and continuous progress of the The Centre was formed in September 2016 via the integration University. of WOU’s and DISTED College’s Finance Departments. Led 3) Create high-calibre insight and analysis for enterprise by Chua Saw Nee and a team of 18 staff, the GFSC provides reporting. a broad spectrum of services to WOU, DISTED and their 4) Maximise the functional efficiency of resources and respective subsidiary companies. These include financial ensure overall sustainability. accounting, procurement and payment processing, accounts 5) Ameliorate performance management. receivables, payment collections, treasury, budgeting and 6) Strengthen business-related aspects of University monitoring functions. The Centre is also responsible for management. formulating and standardising the Group’s business policies and practices, regulating internal controls and ensuring the latter’s full compliance with financial and tax regulations.

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GENERAL SERVICES AND ADMINISTRATION

The Department is led by Andrew Joseph and a dedicated team of technical and administrative staff.

Project management, property and estate management

The Department primarily ensures that all facilities are well optimised to meet the University’s needs. It also liaises with external parties where feasible to generate additional revenue sources for the University. Another indispensable role is the planning of various infrastructure facilities to cater for the expansion of the current campus to accommodate growing needs. Some plans in the pipeline include the acquisition of new space as well as space reorganisation, which is expected to take place among operational departments.

The Department has also implemented various innovative and “out-of-box” methodologies to resolve building maintenance issues, applying in-house resource deployment and competitive outsourcing. These measures keep operating costs low despite the ageing and increasing wear and tear conditions of the institution’s buildings and facilities.

The General Services and Administration (GSA) Department Policies and Resource Administration is the key subdivision which manages all the University’s assets and buildings. Entrusted to look after its infrastructural facilities and tasked to handle project and estate management In keeping with the strategies and objectives of the University, as well as administration and services, the GSA drafts and the Department has put in place various policies, systems implements various Policies, Procedures and Systems which and procedures to meet current and future operating needs. govern the management and operations at both the Main These arrangements are periodically reviewed to cater to the Campus and all Regional and Support Centres, to ensure University’s evolving needs and to leverage recent trends efficient and effective utilisation of resources. It plays a key and practices in management. role in helping the University create a safe, conducive and comfortable work and study environment, in line with its “Green Living” philosophy Health, Safety and Environment Initiatives

The most notable initiative in 2017 was the decision by the To create a safe, healthy and conducive environment at Wawasan Education Foundation (WEF) in May to submit an the University, the team has worked tirelessly to execute application for MSC (Multimedia Super Corridor) Malaysia numerous initiatives under the “Green Living @ WOU” Cybercentre status for the Albukhary Building in WOU's thematic campaign. These practical measures include main campus. This came about as a result of discussions cultivating a ‘smoke-free’ environment, recycling waste and with Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) senior reducing energy usage, promoting an awareness of good officers after the opening ceremony of MSC-status world- health and hygiene habits among all stakeholders as well as renowned automotive software developer Luxoft's office on environmental conservation efforts. the 12th floor of the Albukhary Building in February 2017. The aim was to attract more MSC-status firms and activities to WOU to further enhance WOU's research and learning capacity in high-end IT and software applications. University and Public Events Since a key component of the MSC requirements is to To date, the Department has managed many local and ensure uninterrupted power supply, WEF and WOU Sdn Bhd international events successfully owing to the competency decided to commit to the installation of an additional 750 of its staff who continuously uphold quality services that kVA gen-set which was completed in November 2017. After meet the expectations of internal and external stakeholders. an on-site audit, MDEC granted Stage 1 approval for the To the satisfaction of the event organisers, the Department Albukhary Building in mid-December. Pending subsequent promptly ensures the conduciveness and cleanliness of the PAGE Stage 2 approval, WOU's Albukhary Building would be the University environment besides providing sophisticated first MSC-status building in George Town by early 2018. and up-to-date audio-visual systems, in addition to other 52 required facilities. WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017

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HUMAN RESOURCES

The Human Resources department oversees and manages Introduction of Monthly Sports and Recreational Activities the recruitment of high-calibre employees for the formation of a qualified academic team to fulfil governmental guidelines. The Department also initiated the in-house Monthly Sports Currently, the team provides support for over 200 full-time & Recreation Activities in 2017 to promote a healthier and staff and 1,000 part-time academic staff nationwide. more active lifestyle among staff. Apart from recruitment duties, it also plays a key role in talent Fun fitness activities such as Zumba, Tabata, kayak and performance management as well as reward schemes competition, Piloxing, Heritage Trail Hunt and mini Spartan that recognise the achievements of staff. Additionally, the Race were held to encourage participation; these activities team implements policies and activities that encourage further improved staff engagement and teamwork. academic staff development, such as staff educational assistance programmes. By facilitating staff participation in regional and international conferences, seminars, engagement in research or consultancy projects and part- time teaching duties, it helps optimise staff potential to the fullest. Another scope of the department is in organising the annual service awards ceremony which celebrates the service milestones of dedicated staff. In the year 2016, 31 staff received 5-year service awards and 13 received 10-year service awards, whereas in 2017, 14 and 18 staff were recognised for 10 years’ service and 5 years’ service respectively. Major initiatives undertaken by the Department in 2017 include:

Launch of Client Service Charter for WOU Staff The Human Resource Department was tasked to head the launch of the Client Service Charter at WOU as part of ongoing efforts to tackle declining student recruitment and retention numbers. This is imperative to the upholding of service excellence, a key cornerstone that enables quality OUTCOME BASED EDUCATION (OBE) TRAINING BY MQA learning in the University. TRAINING CENTRE The project was launched in June 2017 with a town hall While OBE trainings have been conducted in-house at session where top management representatives shared the WOU previously, a different approach was taken for one main objectives and principles of the WOU Client Service of the modules in 2017, with an MQA Training Centre Charter with staff. This is one of the ways WOU aims to instructor being invited to train a group of academic staff maintain quality education and service standards so as to on their premises. The one-day training session, which was distinguish itself as a preferred destination for prospective conducted on 30 November 2017, enabled staff to gain a students. more comprehensive, in-depth understanding of the subject. To enhance efforts, the Department had made arrangements Participants returned with positive feedback about the for staff to attend the training workshops on the Client eye-opening experience and praised its practicality. The Service Charter, in batches, between July and October response encouraged Management to make academic staff 2017. To ensure high levels of awareness about delivering attendance mandatory, with two more classes scheduled excellent service to both internal and external stakeholders, and held in the months of January and February 2018. staff attendance was made mandatory across the nation.

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INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES

The Information Technology Services (ITS) department is Ameliorating the quality of its services, the Department responsible for all IT-related duties, including IT service has undertaken several key initiatives during the period. and support, IT management, planning and execution, etc Among these are: to ensure the University’s vision, mission and business strategy objectives are met. Aside from its role as the • Setting up ResourceSpace, an open source-based custodian of the University’s core information systems library digital asset management system which and IT assets, the Department further acts as an enabling archives the University’s digital photographs and driver in implementing relevant emerging IT technologies, images for the purpose of preservation. to improve the University’s overall operational efficiency. • Setting up a new SST networking/computing laboratory The Department, under the leadership of Tan Pooi See and at the Main Campus to cater for full-time on-campus his technical team, offers a range of integrated services study. related to administrating, delivering and sustaining the University’s IT operations. These encompass the following • Upgraded the Main Campus Wireless LAN Controller scopes of services: and Access Point to improve the coverage and provide better interoperability for most wireless devices and • Standard Software for Computing Laboratories enable better throughput and data transfer speeds. • Office Application and Desktop Management • Email Messaging Service • Carried out the technology refresh programme for • Open Access Computing computers at the Regional Centres in Ipoh, Kuala • Audiovisual Communication Collaboration Service Lumpur and Johor Bahru. A total of 87 units have been • Wireless Connectivity and Internet Access replaced with new computers. • Network, Voice (VoIP) and Data Communication Service • Upgraded the Learning Management System to • Servers & Data Storage Area Network (SAN) Moodle-based version 3.2 to take advantage of new • Network Shared Drives/Folders and Printing Service additional features, further enhancing and enriching • Helpdesk Support/Assistance the students’ learning experience. • Student, Tutor/Lecturer and Staff Portals • Student Learning Management System • Upgrading of the Internet connection at the Kuala • Online Assignment Submission System Lumpur Regional Centre and Johor Bahru Regional • Online Self-Service Applications such as Student Centre to 100Mbps fibre high speed broadband Account Management, MyEnrolment (for re-enrolment) service. and MySupplementary Exam (online registration for supplementary exam) • Business Critical Applications like Student Information, Enhanced Frontline Application System Library, CRM, ERP and HR systems To enhance the students’ self-service learning experience, a few key application systems were developed and introduced: • MyAddCourse System enables students to add courses online. • MyOutStanding Payment System allows students to check their outstanding amount and make payments online instead of having to be physically present at the Regional Centres. • APEL Admission Assessment System caters for the entire APEL process from application and payment collection to assessment and interview in line with the University’s move to replace the Open Entry admission system with APEL commencing from 1 January 2016.

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REGIONAL OPERATIONS

There are currently five Regional Centres and two Regional Support Centres throughout Malaysia, located in Penang, Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Kuching, Bandar Utama, and Klang respectively. The Regional Centres are an important first point of contact for prospective students and also offer a range of student support services. The physical facilities offered by the Regional Centres include: • Computer labs • Tutorial rooms • Library and study areas • Computer facilities • Video conferencing facilities • Counselling room/student service room • Mini theatres • Male/female prayer rooms • Parking facilities • Wireless Internet service

PENANG IPOH KUALA LUMPUR JOHOR BAHRU

PENANG SKILLS DEVELOPMENT BANDAR UTAMA KLANG KUCHING CENTRE

STRADFORD SC College INTERNATIONAL PAGE COLLEGE 55 WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017

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An estimated 4,000 new students visited the various Centres in 2016-2017 with nearly two-thirds from the Klang Valley and the Northern Region, and the remaining one third from Ipoh, Johor Bahru and the Kuching Regional Centres. Apart from the Regional Centres and Regional Support Centres, the University has also established three WOU Learning Centres, namely Penang Skills Development Centre (Bayan Lepas), SC College (Alor Setar) and Stradford International College (Prai) in 2017. These learning centres will serve as a key touch-point for students and prospects besides providing the learning support facilities.

The new student enrolment for Open Distance Learning (ODL) in 2017 increased by 6% compared to 2016, while the total ODL student enrolment remained relatively the same with about 650 students completing their studies in 2017.

The On Campus Learning (OCL) full-time student enrolment continues to grow since its launch in 2013. Over the last two years, the new enrolment grew by more than 20% with more than 200 students enrolled in the various OCL programmes. In 2016, the University produced its first batch of 45 OCL graduates, followed by another 40 in 2017.

Given the market concentration and geographic spread in the urban areas, there is still much untapped potential in the corporate sector and adult learners’ market throughout Malaysia. In an attempt to expand the market reach in townships where the University has not penetrated extensively nor has any presence, especially in East Malaysia and the east coast of the Peninsular, Regional Centres have been actively seeking collaboration with potential partners within their local territory to further strengthen the University’s presence.

PAGE 56 WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017 STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

WOU continues to make concerted efforts to engage WOU has appointed a partner institution for each of with established, credible academic and professional its five Regional Centres situated in Penang, Kuala organisations, underlining the University’s commitment Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Kuching and Ipoh, to serve as to excellence and the provision of lifelong learning learning laboratories. These institutions are equipped opportunities for working Malaysians. with the necessary facilities to support the teaching of the DECE courses. These partnerships strengthen the University’s efforts to provide market-driven tertiary education that meets the needs of industry, benefiting the Malaysian economy as a whole.

University of Mauritius Botswana Open University WOU signed an agreement for licensing its course materials with University of Mauritius as well as with Botswana College of Distance and Open Learning (now renamed Botswana Open University) in May 2016. Both institutions are already using the course materials produced by WOU for selected disciplines in their universities for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Signing of the documents by Prof Ho (2nd from right) and Ms Tan Chong Group Stephanie Liu of KinderJoy. WOU formally welcomed Tan Chong Group (TCG) into its corporate education partnership programme (CPP) Lubeck University of Applied Sciences, Germany with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding KIRON Open Higher Education on 4 May 2017 to strengthen the development of their WOU held discussions with Lubeck University of workforce and to improve employee retention in all Applied Sciences (LUAS), Germany, and KIRON Open subsidiary companies of the Group. The MoU aims to Higher Education, an NGO in Europe, in 2017 to jointly pave the way for WOU to provide quality education develop courses for online delivery to various student and training courses/programmes for employees under target groups, including refugees in Southeast Asia. the Group, while TCG in turn will promote WOU’s programmes, in addition to hosting programme previews Corporate Education Partnerships and roadshows. As of end 2017, over 200 local companies and multinational corporations (e.g. AirAsia Berhad, Penang Skills Development Centre, Dell Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd, CIMB Bank Berhad, Public Bank Berhad, Maybank Academy, Jabil Circuits, Agilent Technologies, etc.) in the country have entered into educational partnerships with the University to encourage their employees to pursue higher academic qualifications at WOU.

Dato' Dr Lim Weng Khuan (2nd from left) and Prof Dato' Dr Ho Sinn Chye sign the MoU.

KinderJoy Education Group The University inked a Memorandum of Understanding with KinderJoy Education Group (KinderJoy) on 26 October 2017 to appoint KinderJoy as a learning laboratory for the teaching of WOU’s Diploma in Early Childhood Education (DECE) programme in Ipoh. PAGE 57 WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017 SIGNIFICANT EVENTS

Courtesy Call by OUM Vice Chancellor Visit from Kong Zi Institute Newly-appointed Open University Malaysia (OUM) President/ A four-member delegation from Kong Zi Institute, Universiti Vice Chancellor Prof Dato’ Dr Mansor Fadzil paid a courtesy Malaya (UM), held talks with WOU’s top management on call on WOU Vice Chancellor and also met up with the top 16 March 2016 to explore offering an elective course on management during a visit on 28 January 2016. The purpose Teaching Mandarin as a Second Language to WOU students of the visit was to explore how the two institutions could and the public. The delegation was led by Mr Chen Zhong, work together to strengthen collaboration. Chinese Director, and Associate Prof Datuk Dr Azarae Hj Idris, Director (Malaysia) of the Institute.

WOU Vice Chancellor Prof Dato’ Dr Ho Sinn Chye (right) chats with Prof Mansor (centre) at his office. Mr Chen Zhong (seated, left) presents his suggestions. Dream Catcher Visit OpenLearning Platform WOU welcomed a three-member delegation from Dream Catcher Consulting Sdn Bhd, a provider of technical training, Adam Brimo, co-founder and CEO of OpenLearning, gave on 2 February 2016. They discussed potential collaboration a briefing about his online learning platform to WOU’s top in the training of working adults, particularly fresh graduates, management on 15 April 2016. He elaborated on the use of to equip them with job-specific skills sets that will enhance the platform to deliver engaging and interactive courses to their employability. student, and how it can enable the offering of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) to the public.

Sharing Expertise with MNU A four-member delegation from Maldives National University (MNU) met up with WOU’s senior management from 20 to 22 April 2016 to discuss ideas and initiatives to further improve the delivery of online higher education. MNU Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Aishath Shaheen, who led the team, expressed interest in teaming up with WOU to strengthen the delivery of its ODL programmes.

Inter-varsityThe Dream Catcher Sports team Championship explores ideas with the WOU management. Nineteen full-time, on-campus learning (OCL) students of WOU took part for the very first time in the northern zone inter-varsity sports championship from 27 to 29 February 2016. Organised by the Ministry of Higher Education, it was held at the Penang branch campus of Tunku Abdul Rahman University College in Tanjung Bungah.

GST Certification Course On 10 March 2016, WOU held meetings with KAC Advisory Ms Aishath gives an overview of Maldives National University. Services Sdn Bhd, a HRDF-approved training provider, to explore offering a course on Goods and Services Tax (GST) PAGE certification for the public. 58 WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017

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AeU Visit to Study WEKO Annual Safety, Security & Health Campaign A three-member delegation from Asia e University (AeU), Kuala Some 70 staff listened to talks on Healthy Eating and Active Lumpur, visited WOU from 11 to 12 May 2016 to gain insights Living, Ergonomic Safety and Workstation Usage & Safety on the WEKO open source repository system. Keeping ahead by external experts during WOU’s annual safety, security of technological changes, WOU has built and now runs the and health campaign held on 29 September 2016. Eight University digital repository using WEKO. exhibitors also set up booths to promote awareness of health and safety issues. Productive Visits from Laos and Nigeria On 2 June 2016, WOU hosted a four-member delegation from Panyathip International Group of Schools, Laos, led by its president and founder/director, Pathana Panyathip. The Group’s purpose was to acquire insights into the successful management of the University. A 10-member delegation from National Open University of Nigeria’s (NOUN) Governing Council on the Regulations of Conditions of Service visited WOU on 20 and 21 June 2016. Led by Council Chairman Prof Godwin Sogolo, the delegation called on WOU to learn more about staff regulations in the varsity.

Chinese Consul-General Calls on WOU Muhamad Nor Hikshan elaborates on ergonomics. WOU welcomed a visit from China’s Consul-General for Penang, Mr Wu Jun, on 15 July 2016. Mr Wu expressed his support for the University’s bid to explore tie-ups with academic institutions Inaugural Career Fair in the People’s Republic of China. The inaugural WOU Career Fair from 8 to 9 October 2016 saw exhibitors and speakers from professional bodies across various industries give the University’s students some precious insights that would assist them in their professional futures.

Mr Wu (right) presents a souvenir to Prof Ho.

‘Superheroes’ Family Day Some 200 staff and students of WOU and DISTED College, along with their family members, attended the joint Family Day An exhibitor entertains queries from the students. event themed ‘Superheroes’ at the Penang Youth Park on 20 August 2016.

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Exploring Opportunities for LUAS Collaboration Joyous Cheers at WOU’s Seventh Convocation A four-member delegation from Lubeck University of Applied A total of 622 graduates received their much-anticipated Sciences (LUAS), Germany, visited WOU on 14 October 2016 scrolls during WOU’s seventh Convocation ceremony held to explore collaboration in the offering of an international at the main campus from 24 to 26 November 2016. This online Master’s Degree Programme. The delegation was led included the first batch of 45 graduates from the full-time, by Prof Rolf Granow, Academic Director of the Institute for on-campus learning programmes, and also the first batch of Digital Learning (IDL), LUAS. ODL graduates from three Bachelor’s degree programmes – English Studies, Multimedia Design, and Networks & Data Communication. Two global women leaders, educationist Prof Asha Kanwar and humanitarian Tan Sri Jemilah Mahmood, were each conferred the Honorary Doctor of Letters degree, in recognition of their contributions to education.

The visitors from LUAS with the top management of WOU.

University of Hull Visit WOU explored a few potential areas of collaboration with UK’s University of Hull (UoH) that will deliver benefits to both institutions, particularly to the student body. This came about Prof Asha Kanwar is conferred an Honorary Degree by WOU. during a meeting of WOU’s top management with Prof Mark Lorch, Associate Dean, International Engagement, Faculty of An Ode to Dedicated Service Science and Engineering, UoH, on 3 November 2016. Thirty-one staff received 10-year service awards and another 13 also received 5-year service awards during the Annual Staff gathering held at the main campus on 15 December 2016.

Prof Lorch from University of Hull.

South African Ministry Marnisya Abdul Rahim (ETP) is congratulated by Dato' Seri Stephen WOU welcomed a 10-member delegation from the Ministry Yeap. of Higher Education and Training, South Africa, from 22 to 23 November 2016. The visitors, led by Trudi van Wyk, Acting Call to Build on WOU’s Strength Chief Director responsible for open learning, were given a closer look at the various learning facilities and support The Vice Chancellor issued a clarion call to the management services in WOU’s open distance learning model. and staff to help the University achieve sustainability and future growth, particularly in the next decade, during a town hall session on 15 December 2016. About 100 staff from the main campus attended the session, which was also streamed live to all Regional Centres. PAGE 60 WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017

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Appreciation Dinner for Tan Sri Raj The University paid tribute to the immeasurable service of Tan Sri Emeritus Prof Dr Gajaraj Dhanarajan - who retired as Chairman of WOU Board of Governors on February 28 - with an appreciation dinner held at E&O Hotel, Penang, on 16 March 2017. The event was attended by senior management staff and Board members of WOU.

One of the makeshift food stalls at the fest.

Benchmarking Visit from MEDIU A seven-member delegation from Al-Madinah International University (MEDIU) visited WOU on 3 August 2017 to learn about the University’s learning management processes, systems and student support services. The visit was led by Tan Sri Raj (2nd from right) is presented a gift by Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu the Deputy CEO for Research and Development, Assoc Prof Koon. Dr Abdul Rahim Ismail. Committing to Client Service Charter WOU staff members were acquainted with the precepts of the Client Service Charter during a town hall session at the main campus on 14 June 2017. The speakers were Vice Chancellor Prof Dato’ Dr Ho Sinn Chye and Chief Operating Officer Yeong Sik Kheong, Training workshops on the Charter were conducted in the following months of July and August to familiarise staff with the ‘WOU Promise’ of being prompt, accurate and respectful in all their interactions.

The team from MEDIU.

Capitalising on Seafront Campus for Kayaking The University officially launched its kayaking activities at the seafront main campus on 12 August 2017.

Prof Dato’ Dr Ho Sinn Chye calls on staff to be prompt, accurate and respectful in their interactions.

OCL Food and Cultural Fest A group of about 60 full-time OCL students staged a mini Malaysian Food and Cultural Fest at the main campus on 30 June 2017 with the aim of sharing about the festivals and cultures of different ethnicities. Proceeds from on-site sales went towards supporting activities of the OCL Student Council. Staff participate in a kayaking competition at the seafront campus. PAGE 61 WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017

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First Campus Relay The picturesque WOU main campus was the setting of a 4 x 400m relay sprint race on 14 August 2017, organised by the On-Campus Learning (OCL) Student Council. The event saw the participation of six teams including four teams comprising full-time students and the remaining two featuring staff members of WOU.

Dr Jomo (3rd from left) poses with WOU’s top management after receiving his Honorary Degree.

Bidding Adieu to the Vice Chancellor About 150 staff and guests attended WOU’s 10th year Anniversary and Appreciation Dinner at G Hotel on 6 December 2017. They also paid tribute to outgoing Vice Chancellor Prof Dato’ Dr Ho Sinn Chye who retired at the end of the year. The relay within the scenic main campus.

Family Day Spirit The DISTED-WOU Family Day, organised by DISTED College at its premises on 26 August 2017, attracted some 150 people to be part of the festivities.

MCOE Study Visit Three Directors from the Methodist Council of Education (MCOE) made an exploratory visit to WOU on 13 October 2017 to look into equipping their teaching staff with relevant teaching qualifications from WOU. They were led by MCOE’s Private Education Director, Jenny Qua. Prof Ho is presented a leather briefcase by Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon (right). Celebrating Dedicated Service A total of 14 staff members were honoured with 10-year service awards and another 18 with 5-year service awards during WOU’s annual staff gathering on 6 December 2017. Among them was Prof Dato’ Dr Ho Sinn Chye, who joined the University on 5 February 2007.

Jenny Qua (right) and the team from MCOE.

Ready to Soar: WOU’s Eighth Convocation Ceremony The eighth Convocation ceremony from 23 to 25 November 2017 witnessed the graduation of 688 students and the conferment of the Honorary Doctor of Letters degree on renowned economist Dr Jomo Kwame Sundaram. PAGE 62 Prof Ho (centre) with the 5-year service award recipients. WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017 WORKSHOPS/TALKS

Protect Data Securely with Safe Operating Systems Developing Professionals for the New Pedagogy A visiting expert from Germany warned that even firewalls Some 50 practising educators from WOU and other private cannot protect intranets against external attacks, therefore institutions attended a roundtable workshop on Emerging new appropriate architectures for their hardware and software Trends in Higher Education Pedagogy at the main campus from are needed. At the in-house public lecture titled Malware-proof 25 to 26 February 2016. The workshop, themed Innovative Computing and Secure Data Communication on 14 January Learning Environments in Higher Education, was organised by 2016, Prof Wolfgang A Halang, Chair of Computer Engineering WOU’s School of Education, Languages & Communications, from FernUniversität, Germany, highlighted how computer and funded by the Institute for Research & Innovation (IRI). systems of large corporations could also fall victim to hacking attacks.

Participants from WOU pose with the keynote speakers.

Prof Halang talks about the threat of malware. Tackling Stress: Insights from an Expert Treasure the Moment Viewing stress as part and parcel of life, and finding ways to alleviate stress-related tension through developing coping The maxim that one should cherish each and every moment in strategies, are the most effective ways to defeat the malady. life found renewed meaning when eminent physicist, Prof Alan Touching on the bugbear of our times, US-trained clinical Paige Lightman, from Massachusetts Institute of Technology psychologist Associate Prof Dr Gabriel Tan shared insights (MIT), USA, elucidated it during his public talk on 29 January during his public lecture on Saying Goodbye to Stress and 2016. The author of the hugely successful book, Einstein’s Chronic Pain on 27 February 2016. Organised by WOU’s School Dreams, spoke about the inspiration behind his work and the of Humanities & Social Sciences, the lecture drew a huge crowd importance of living in the moment. Over 70 people attended of over 200 attendees. the talk organised by WOU’s School of Science & Technology.

Prof Lightman calls on the audience to cherish their moments. Dr Tan offers pointers to relieve stress and chronic pain.

OERs for Course Development Benefitting from two half-day workshops titled OER Integration in e-Learning Materials hosted by WOU on 23 and 29 February 2016, 13 academic and academic support staff who attended the sessions gained valuable insights on the use of Open Educational Resources (OERs) in preparing course materials for PAGE students. 63 WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017

WORKSHOPS/TALKS

Chancellor’s Lecture Series kicks off Monitoring Higher Education The Chancellor’s Lecture Series, an initiative of WOU’s Centre for Some 150 academics and administrators from various institutions Dialogue (C4D), was officially launched by the Chancellor on 14 May attended the public lecture on Quality Assuring Higher Education in 2016. This was closely followed by an inaugural lecture under the the New Millennium organised by WOU at the main campus on 15 public series to highlight the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement July 2016. In his lecture, Prof Hazman Shah Abdullah, MQA’s Deputy (TPPA). Titled TPPA: Future or Fraud, it was delivered by prominent Chief Executive Officer (QA), shared about the many emerging economist Dr Jomo Kwame Sundaram who raised concerns on challenges in the accreditation of higher education institutions trade issues, intellectual property rights and investor-state dispute and programmes, and about MQA’s reinforcement division which settlement arrangements. actively monitors websites, information in the mass media, blogs, ads and claims of accreditation.

The Malaysian Constitution The Federal Constitution is being undermined by surreptitious amendments, questionable insertions of clauses and poorly drafted laws, declared Emeritus Prof Datuk Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi, Senior Professor of Law and Legal Advisor, Universiti Tekonologi MARA, Shah Alam. He was presenting a public lecture on The Constitution At A Crossroad, one of the highlights under WOU’s Chancellor’s Lecture Series, held on 10 September 2016.

Dr Jomo Kwame Sundaram (seated, right) listens as the moderator invites questions during the Q&A. Leadership Agility the Key to Success To drive organisational success, leadership ranks must remain agile in order to bring the best out of its staff, accommodate different stakeholders’ viewpoints, as well as enhance the customer’s experience. This was expressed by Jonathan Yap, Executive Director, Group Internal Audit, DBS Bank, Singapore, during a public talk organised by WOU’s School of Business & Administration on 11 June 2016 that was attended by a 60-strong audience. Prof Faruqi speaks about safeguarding the Federal Constitution. Planning for Financial Freedom DECE Programme Briefing for Teachers A professional consultant on personal finance gave some 30 staff and full-time students of the University a few valuable pointers on The University conducted a series of briefings on its Diploma in how to achieve financial freedom and build up savings through Early Childhood Education (DECE) programme that was set to be proper planning. The public talk on Personal Financial Planning by offered via ODL in the January 2017 intake. Addressing principals Loh Pei Luan, Associate from Amanah Saham Nasional Berhad of kindergartens and nursery centres, the first briefing-cum-tea (ASNB) Penang, was organised by WOU’s School of Business & talk session was held at the main campus on 3 November 2016, Administration on 29 July 2016. with similar briefings held at other Regional Centres throughout December.

Loh shares on how to manage finances. PAGE Dean of the School of Education, Languages & Communications, Prof Santhiram Raman briefs on DECE. 64 WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017

WORKSHOPS/TALKS

Mobile Campus in Hand The experiences of Korea National Open University (KNOU) in progressing to a highly advanced stage of mobile learning (m-Learning) for open distance learning proved to be both eye-opening and motivational for the staff of WOU. Prof Tae- Rim Lee, from KNOU’s Department of Information Statistics, presented an illuminating in-house lecture on Mobile e-book for Open & Distance Learning on 29 November 2016.

Upholding Democracy with Soft Laws Audiences got a different glimpse of democracy and were Tan Sri Andrew Sheng delivers his lecture. shown a few tools of upgrading democracy during a public lecture titled Upgrading Democracy: Soft Laws, Good Laws and Human Rights at the WOU main campus on 1 December Emerging New Technologies in SCM 2016. Organised by Penang Institute and WOU, veteran The University, through its School of Business & lawyer Roy Lee shared with the 40-strong audience how soft Administration, organised a roundtable on Emerging trends laws, good laws and human rights are the three key features of technologies in supply chain management (SCM) from 12 and upgrades in modern democracy, and that the best to 13 January 2017, in collaboration with the Penang Skills reference for countries is international standards. Development Centre. Some 50 industry experts and SCM practitioners attended the event to review emerging trends and technologies in SCM, and the unfolding implications for practitioners and academics.

Lawyer Lee (seated, right) responds to questions.

Changing Mindsets for a Brighter Future A respected Malaysian economist cautioned Penang to not Discussion between academics and industry representatives. fall into focusing overwhelmingly on the property sector, with inadequate emphasis on developing innovation and talent. Tan Sri Andrew Sheng, Chief Advisor to the China Banking Regulatory Commission, brought up Penang’s geographical advantage but reiterated that it is not real estate but rather its people and talent which are key to creating wealth. He presented his public lecture on Why East and West Will Meet in George Town under the Chancellor’s Lecture Series on 3 December 2016, which was attended by about 70 people.

PAGE 65 WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017

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Laying the seed of WOU Academia-Industry Dialogue A 150-strong audience heard how Yeap Chor Ee and Tun WOU, through its School of Science & Technology, organised Tan Cheng Lock shared a passion to bestow an educational an Academia-Industry Dialogue (AID) on 14 September 2017, gift for future generations of Malaysians. The public talk which saw 50 representatives from industry and academia titled Within the Walls of Tun Tan Siew Sin’s Ancestral Home brainstorm on technological drivers and challenges for the was based on the book of the same name co-authored by higher education sector. Held in conjunction with the event Cheng Lock’s granddaughter Datin Paduka Tan Siok Choo was a public seminar themed Managing Technology and and Dato’ Seri Ir Dr Lee Yow Ching. Prominent speakers Reinventing Education, where experts shared about the at the event held on 27 July 2017 included Yeap Chor Ee’s Internet of Things, a market-aligned education industry, and grandson Dato’ Seri Stephen Yeap and WOU Pro-Chancellor building research into a commercial venture. Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon.

The dialogue in progress. Dr Lee (2nd from right) and Datin Paduka Tan (4th from right) with their book. Cyber Bullying Forum Making Strides in Open Distance Education Easy connectivity has caused targets of cyber bullying to WOU organised an in-house seminar themed The Future come under pressure 24 hours a day, with most victims of Learning: Learning from Others on 25 August 2017 afraid to speak out and seek help for fear of appearing to update academics and senior management staff on weak. This issue was highlighted by four panellists during recent happenings in open distance education. Some 50 the public forum on Cyber Bullying: Stand Up! Stand Tall! staff attended a talk on Making Education More Open and organised by WOU’s School of Humanities & Social Sciences Innovative and picked up lessons shared from the example on 11 November 2017. The event was attended by about 50 of Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), USA. people.

Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon introduces the two speakers (seated), Mr WOU lecturer Irmadura Ramli (seated left) with the four panel Wong Hun Heng (left) and Dr Andy Liew (partly hidden). speakers.

PAGE 66 WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017 TOWARDS A QUALITY ENVIRONMENT

Green and People Friendly As part of the University’s commitment to provide an ecologically friendly environment, various initiatives were put in place and some further intensified to ensure the provision of a conducive learning and quality environment.

Some of the initiatives taken to-date include: • To reduce electricity consumption, appropriate measures have been taken such as the effective use of the chiller system for the centralised air-conditioning, use of energy saving lights, switching off lights and office equipments when not in use, and promoting energy conservation among staff and students. • The shift towards a paperless environment for all learning materials and related office operations. • Disseminating up-to-date health information among staff, students and visitors and ensuring various preventative hygiene measures are taken. • Ensuring all staff and students are familiar with emergency procedures including fire drills, assembly area, location of First Aid Kits and sick bay. This includes organising training periodically for the in-house Emergency Response Team members by BOMBA and the Malaysian Red Crescent Society in order to keep them updated with knowledge and skills. • The ongoing Green Living @ WOU campaign has actively encouraged staff and students to reuse, recycle and reduce (3Rs) everyday objects to minimise the University’s carbon footprint. • In providing a disabled-friendly access, WOU’s Main Campus and Regional Centres are all equipped with disabled-friendly ramps, lifts (with Braille) and designated washrooms as part of efforts to be an inclusive university. • The well-maintained landscape on the campus ground provides a conducive, healthy and fresh-looking environment for students and staff.

PAGE 67 WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY INITIATIVES

Giving Back to the Local Community WOU participated actively in a number of community-related causes, as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives as well as to promote a caring culture among faculty and students. A few of these are listed below.

Fundraising Efforts for Charity Home Expansion Fifty-five full-time, on-campus learning students raised approximately RM11,500 towards the building extension project of Penang Shan Children’s Home in Mount Erskine. The amount was raised mainly through two events. The first was a charity food fair held at the main campus on 12 March 2016 and another was a charity gala dinner held at a private hotel on 3 April 2016, which was attended by a 280-strong audience. A student donates blood during the campaign in 2017. Vice Chancellor Prof Dato’ Dr Ho Sinn Chye led a delegation of over 20 staff and students to the Home on 14 April 2016 to present the cheque to the home’s chief executive officer, Sharing is Happiness Krish Rethina. Doing their small part for charity, a group of 7 full-time students at WOU managed to raise RM715 through a food sale and cash donations, and also accepted gifts-in-kind including toys, stationery and watches for distribution to the children of Sunshine Cottage Welfare Society, Kulim. Associate Prof Dr S Nagarajan, Dean of the School of Humanities & Social Sciences, joined the students involved on their visit to the Home on 17 March 2017 and presented the funds raised to the Chairperson of the Welfare Society, Maria Benedicta George. Bringing cheer to young residents at the home, each child was also presented with a gift.

Fighting Cancer Together WOU extended its support for the 11th consecutive Prof Ho and the full-time students get acquainted with kids at the year towards the Relay for Life Penang event held on 30 Home. September 2017. Themed ‘Fighting Cancer Together’, the event was once again organised by the National Cancer Putting their Best Feet Forward Society of Malaysia (NCSM) Penang branch and the Penang Hospice Society. The Relay was held for the first time at Showing its support and solidarity in the fight against cancer, the Athletics Stadium, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Showing University participated in the Relay for Life event organised by its commitment as a silver sponsor, WOU also sent a team the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) Penang branch of about 15 participants, comprising both staff and full-time and Penang Hospice Society, for the 10th consecutive year. students, to join the walkabout.

Standing behind Relay for Life Penang as a gold sponsor, WOU also sent a 20-member team of staff and full-time students to participate in the walkabout at Youth Park on 23 July 2016.

A Life-Saving Gift for the Community A group of 10 open distance learning (ODL) students organised a blood donation campaign themed ‘Be a Hero, Be a Donor’ at the main campus on 15 October 2016, with the support of Penang Hospital. About 50 people turned up to participate in the blood donation drive. Another blood donation campaign, aimed at encouraging action and raising awareness with the slogan ‘One pint saves three lives’, was held at the main campus on 10 September 2017. Put together by a group of 9 ODL students from the Diploma in Early Childhood Education programme in collaboration with Seberang PAGE Jaya Hospital and Bukit Mertajam Hospital, it attracted about 45 individuals who came to donate blood, in the spirit of community Staff and students raise the WOU banner high during the walkabout. 68 service. WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017 STUDENT ENROLMENT & GRADUATION

Open Distance Learning (ODL): On Campus Learning (OCL): Total Enrolment from 2007-2017 = 20,914 students Total Enrolment from 2013-2017 = 383 students

2007 1,373 2008 1,909 2009 1,452 2010 1,584 2011 2,017 2012 1,930 2013 2,244 2013 56 2014 2,052 2014 46 2015 2,397 2015 85 2016 1,924 2016 92 2017 2,032 2017 104

Total Graduates

Postgraduate Undergraduate 2010 38 - 2011 80 70 2012 100 265 2013 81 260 2014 92 308 2015 116 377 2016 154 468 2017 202 486 Total 863 2234

Cumulative Enrolment by School (2007-2017) SBA SST SHSS SELC CGS PACE SBA SST SHSS SELC CGS PACE SBA – 12,528 Students (58.83%) 0.03% 5.77% SST – 5,584 Students (26.22%) 1.29% 7.87% SHSS – 1,677 Students (7.87%) SELC – 1,228 Students (5.77%) CGS – 6 Students (0.03%) 58.83% PACE – 274 Students (1.29%) 26.22% SBA – School of Business and Administration SST – School of Science and Technology SHSS – School of Humanities and Social Sciences SELC – School of Education, Languages and Communications PACE – Centre for Professional Development and Continuing Education

Based on the total cumulative enrolment of 21,297 students (20,914 ODL and 383 OCL) who have benefited from WOU’s unique educational experience from January 2007 to December 2017. PAGE 69 STUDY GRANTS & SCHOLARSHIPS

From 2016 to 2017, a total of 2,530 study grants were awarded to new students pursuing their studies at WOU. The grants were meant to encourage students to enrol at WOU and to reduce their financial burden.

Continuing students at WOU who excelled in their academic studies and were financially needy were also awarded scholarships in the form of tuition fees waivers. A total of 99 students were awarded the Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship from 2016 to 2017.

PAGE 70

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

73 Financial Highlights

74 Statement of Comprehensive Income

75 Statement of Financial Position WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Over the past year, the University recorded a total revenue of RM30.5 million - a decrease of 0.6% as compared to 2016’s RM30.7 million.

Tuition income formed its primary income source, apart from facilities rental income. Rise in student enrolment numbers and increase in tuition fees for both ODL and OCL students contributed to the growth in tuition income in 2017.

The University has taken various steps to enhance vigilance in managing its business expenses, through implementing effective cost controls while optimising resources and improving operational efficiencies. Through these efforts, it has contained operating expenses (before taxation) at RM30.8 million in 2017, close to that of the previous year’s RM29.9 million.

The University posted a loss before taxation of RM0.29 million in 2017 compared to profit before tax of RM0.73 million in the year 2016.

PAGE 73 WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017 STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 31 DECEMBER 2017

2017 2016 RM RM

Revenue 26,205,782 25,787,082

Other item of income Other income 4,289,063 4,895,386

Other items of expense Employee benefits expense (18,163,141) (17,117,358) Depreciation and amortisation expense (1,025,640) (1,111,605) Other expenses (11,594,248) (11,718,799) Profit/(Loss) before tax (288,184) 734,706 Income tax expense (183,170) (182,528) Profit/(Loss) after tax, representing total comprehensive income for the year (471,354) 552,178

PAGE 74 WOU BIENNIAL REPORT 2016 - 2017 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2017

2017 2016 RM RM

Non-current assets 1,444,788 719,649 Property, plant and equipment 1,176,653 1,376,384 Intangible assets 11,000,500 11,118,500 Investments in subsidiaries 13,621,941 13,214,533

Current assets

Inventories 71,004 172,068 Trade and other receivables 3,207,046 1,367,814 Other current assets 364,702 371,126 Cash and bank balances 6,409,154 6,726,324 Tax recoverable 4,890 16,588 10,056,796 8,653,920

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables 4,698,341 2,847,096 Grants 117,273 259,175 Other current liabilities 10,250,934 9,680,151 15,066,548 12,786,422 Net current liabilities (5,009,752) (4,132,502) 8,612,189 9,082,031

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

Equity attributable to equity holder of the Company Share capital 104,000,000 104,000,000 Accumulated losses (95,435,782) (94,964,428) Total equity 8,564,218 9,035,572

Non current liabilities Other payables 47,971 46,459 8,612,189 9,082,031

PAGE 75

Inspiring GreaterLifelong Success Learning through

Wawasan Open University (KPT/JPT/DFT/US/P01) Wholly owned by Wawasan Open University Sdn. Bhd. (700364-W)

54 Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 10050 Penang, Malaysia. 1-300-888-968 (WOU) wou.edu.my Biennial Report 2016-2017