Issue No.28, Apr - Jun 2014

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PP 14958/11/2012 (031535) ISSN 1985-1286

Contents Vice Chancellor’s voice WOU offers dual mode learning in the limelight Prof Madhulika sees transformational potential Prof Menon’s leadership for smooth led by veteran educators delivery Wawasan Open University ODL programmes respectively. “We have both internal expertise Students welcomed to WOU’s world of OCL presently operates as a dual and the capacity to attract external Regional centres abuzz during ODL mode learning university. It offers Prof Menon shared his goal for the experts to help us mount attractive orientation higher education opportunities University: “Our OCL programmes MOOCs for the academic faculty

New full-time marketing degree to to working professionals via will need both quantitative and on areas such as ICT applications address talent demand Open Distance Learning (ODL), qualitative expansion and further in teaching and learning, research Equipping for administrative leadership and also to the younger age refinement. My short-term target is methods in ODL, leadership and in education group through On Campus to make sure that all components governance in higher education in the know Learning (OCL). of the OCL system are put in motion institutions and mainstreaming Open WOU becomes a smoke-free campus and stabilised in the next one to Educational Resources (OER), besides NII of Japan keen to build WEKO community with WOU The University delivers ODL to adult two years to achieve high quality discipline based specialised themes learners, allowing them to study standards and attract adequate targeted at learners,” she said. Appreciation to excelling regional centres anywhere, anytime, on a part-time number of students to sustain the and support centres WOU supports Young Enterprise basis while they continue with their full-time programmes.” “MOOCs demonstrate the value and Programme in its 25th year jobs. WOU also gives fresh school potential of ODL as possibly the New WawasanLearn in July 2014 leavers and diploma holders the “My long-term vision is for our only mode capable of fulfilling the option to pursue full-time degree OCL system to develop and grow educational needs of the growing in the schools Grooming ‘professionals’ for the programmes at the main campus in into a Campus of Learning, taking millions of aspirants for quality workforce for better job prospects and advantage of the ICT infrastructure higher education in the developing Showcasing Islamic finance as a viable option career development. and learning resources available in a world and the transition economies,” dual mode learning situation to make she added. Real-time data - making sense and To spearhead and ensure optimal WOU a reputed dual mode institution taking action More advanced, up-to-date and blended delivery of its ODL and OCL in the region,” declared Prof Menon. WOU has a long history in ODL, new ODL training programmes to its target audience, expanding its cache from 11 degree the University recently appointed Meanwhile Prof Madhulika stated: programmes when it first opened its WOU contributes to module development for Commonwealth course two veteran educators as Deputy “The use of Massive Open Online doors to students in January 2007 Delegation from India explores QA at Vice Chancellors (Academic) to lead Courses or MOOCs at WOU can to more than 40 undergraduate and WOU the ‘charge’. enable the University to establish its postgraduate programmes today. Virtues of the Horse light up Lunar credentials as a noteworthy provider New Year With broad vision and understanding of learning for areas of special The University offers nine ODL expertise in ODL as well as in higher postgraduate programmes, which Boosting strategic thinking and learning of potential, Prof Mohandas Menon habit with CeMBA and Prof Madhulika Kaushik have education.” include Master of Education Sales engineer finds ‘good foundation’ been placed in charge of the OCL and (MEd), Commonwealth Executive at WOU cont. page 2 2 cont. from coverpage

Wawasan Open University has transformed itself to become a dual These students are pursuing OCL full-time programmes at WOU. mode teaching and learning institution, offering affordable part-time study opportunity for working adult students through Open Distance Learning (ODL) as well as On Campus Learning (OCL) full-time study for STPM school-leavers or Diploma holders, especially those living in the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia. By extending its existing suite of MQA accredited programmes and excellent learning support services (both on campus and online) to students of the 17-24 year old age group, WOU hopes to assist Penang to enhance its position as the third education hub outside of the Klang Valley and Iskandar in Johor. We should realise that growth hubs require high quality accredited institutions of learning to sustain the growth momentum. WOU is confident that it can provide excellent learning experience to its full-time students. It has the necessary academic strength and infrastructural capacity to deal with the demands of its younger student population, both in curricula counselling and pastoral support. I congratulate Prof Mohandas Menon and Prof Madhulika Kaushik on their recent appointment as Deputy Vice Chancellors (Academic Affairs) in charge of OCL and ODL respectively. On their shoulders rest the challenging task of MBA (CeMBA), Commonwealth Executive Master of Public steering the University towards attaining its OCL and ODL development goals. Administration (CeMPA), MBA in Construction Management They bring with them many years of experience in dual mode education and (MBA-CM), MBA in Manufacturing & Production Management I have every confidence that they would do their utmost best to fulfil their (MBA-MPM), and PhD by research. responsibilities. Among the ODL degree programmes are accounting, WOU is introducing a new on-campus programme in the coming September management, banking & finance, electronics, intake. This is the Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Marketing. I commend the telecommunications, multimedia design, construction School of Business & Administration (SBA) for this initiative. I also thank the management, liberal studies, psychology, English Studies, and Course Coordinators from the relevant Schools for organising subject-related primary education. talks by invited speakers or practitioners in areas such as Islamic finance, social etiquette and advanced manufacturing systems for the benefit of WOU has two intakes every year for part-time study, in January students and staff. and July. The University registers more than 4,000 active I also commend the School of Education, Languages and Communications students in a given semester, and to date over 13,000 students (SELC) for introducing a new specialisation, i.e. Education Management, to its have experienced the ODL opportunities provided by WOU. Master of Education programme for the July 2014 ODL intake. In meeting the challenges and opportunities in higher On another front, our Learning & Library Services Department is actively education, WOU expanded its operations to offer OCL full-time networking with researchers from the Centre for ICT and Distance Education studies last year. The pioneer batch of OCL students joined (CODE) of Open University of Japan as well as the National Institute of the University during the inaugural September 2013 intake to Informatics to develop a WEKO-based content management system in pursue Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Accounting and Bachelor WOU to hold and better organise our digital data. I believe the successful of Business (Hons) in Management. implementation of this project will help WOU manage and share its repository of Open Educational Resources (OER) more effectively online. For OCL, the University carries out three intakes a year, that is, WOU will continue to forge linkages with institutions or organisations on in September, February and May. The upcoming September 2014 projects of mutual interest and benefit. The recent visit and talk by a senior intake will see the introduction of Bachelor of Business (Hons) academic from Brunel University, UK and the hosting of a CEMCA-sponsored in Marketing to make it a total three full-time business degree visit of senior academics from India to WOU are two such examples. programmes from WOU. In its unending pursuit of academic excellence and inter-institutional WOU has been recognised as a quality institution of higher linkages, the University however has not forgotten to meet its social learning by the Ministry of Education, and all its programmes obligations, doing its part for society at large, for the university’s own are accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). learning community, as well as the young learners in secondary schools. In addition, 13 programmes have received recognition from the I thank the WOU team of academic advisors who have stepped forward Public Service Department (JPA) following the graduation of the once again to guide students from yet another selected secondary school in pioneer batch of students. Penang in their participation in the Young Enterprise Programme this year. I wish to conclude by acknowledging the dedicated efforts shown by the staff of General Services and Administration (GSA) Unit in spearheading and continuously promoting ‘green’, eco-friendly, healthy-living campaigns and activities in the University over the years, the latest being the declaring of our main campus as a ‘smoke-free’ campus. Well done GSA. Rasidah Mion Editor Corporate Communications Manager

Professor Dato’ Dr Ho Sinn Chye Members Vice Chancellor of Wawasan Open University

WOU will continue Dr S Nagarajan Dean, School of Foundation and Liberal Studies to forge linkages Professor Phalachandra Bhandigadi with institutions or School of Education, Languages and Communications

organisations on Deehbanjli Lakshmayya projects of mutual Lecturer, School of Business and Administration

interest and benefit. Selva Suppiah, Teoh Soo Ling Editorial Team David Lee, Boey Hein Lee Photographers

KDN Permit: PP 14958/11/2012 (031535) Published by Wawasan Open University Wholly owned by Wawasan Open University Sdn Bhd (700364-W) Professor Dato’ Dr Ho Sinn Chye Printed by Thunder Print Sdn Bhd Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer No 6463, Lorong Ayam Didik 3, Taman Ria Jaya Light Industrial Park, 08000 , Kedah. 3

Prof Madhulika sees transformational potential Prof Madhulika Kaushik. Prof Madhulika Kaushik is the new Deputy She has been involved in the design and well as the Government of India, has published Vice Chancellor (Academic) in charge of Open development of the Commonwealth Executive extensively in the areas of consumer behaviour Distance Learning (ODL) with effect from MBA (CeMBA) and Commonwealth Executive and marketing, women’s leadership and 24 February 2014. Master of Public Administration (CeMPA) entrepreneurship, and in ODL. She has published programmes at WOU, and has been a member of numerous journal papers and conference She subscribes to the benefits of Massive Open the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Academic proceedings; written various course modules; Online Courses (MOOCs) in higher education and Board since 1998. She coordinated the developed video and audio tape based teaching their transformational potential in how learning CeMBA/CeMPA programmes as Director of materials; and overseen the development of will be accessed and accredited in future, giving WOU’s Centre for Graduate Studies from online teaching materials. learners a key role in planning and managing 2007 to 2009. their own education. Her current research interests include She was an Education Specialist for Higher application of ICT in higher education, use of Prof Madhulika holds a PhD and MBA in Education at COL from February 2011 until OER and issues of quality and governance in Marketing, in addition to teaching and research January 2014 – prior to joining WOU in February ODL, and leadership development in higher experience of more than 36 years spread over this year - where her work included capacity education and entrepreneurship education for different distinguished institutions. She started building in higher education institutions developing and transition economies. her career as a research fellow in 1978 at the for leadership, research, Open Educational University of Jodhpur, India and joined the ODL Resources (OER) and ODL delivery, quality In recognition of her distinguished academic sector in 1988 as a Reader in Management assurance and resource materials development. publications, teaching excellence and extensive Studies at the Indira Gandhi National Open professional contributions to the community University (IGNOU), India. She was a Professor Prof Madhulika, who has conducted consultancy and to the field of education, Prof Madhulika of Management in IGNOU from March 1996 projects funded by international agencies such was honoured with the Indira Gandhi until January 2011. as UNDP, UNESCO, FAO, COL, ILO and ADB as Priyadarshini award in 1998. Prof Menon’s leadership for smooth delivery Support). He will also facilitate academic staff University, New Delhi from 1992 to 2001. development and delivery of face-to-face training programmes for WOU’s Centre for He holds a PhD in Educational Technology Professional Development and Continuing and Master of Education from the Centre of Education (PACE). Advanced Study in Education, M.S. University of Baroda, India; a Master of Science in Prof Menon from Kerala, India, joined WOU Botany from the University of Calicut, India; as Assistant Vice Chancellor on 1 March a Bachelor of Education from Regional College 2011, providing leadership in the areas of of Education Mysore, India; and a Bachelor of Prof Mohandas Menon. course development and advancement of Science from the University of Kerala, India. e-Learning. He helped WOU to formulate its Prof Mohandas Balakrishna Menon has Open Educational Resources (OER) Policy and Prof Menon was conferred an Honorary Doctor been appointed Deputy Vice Chancellor Open Licence Policy, and to develop an OER of Letters degree by the Open University of (Academic) to oversee the recently initiated integration strategy. He facilitated the capacity Sri Lanka on 19 November 2008 for his work in On Campus Learning (OCL) with effect from building of academic and academic support education done during a 30-year career in the 16 January 2014. staff in using OER in an e-Learning environment Commonwealth. He also received the Honour and helped in producing a cost-effective and for Life Contribution for Teacher Education in In his new capacity, Prof Menon will provide the quality assured course development model. 2007 from the Indian Association of Teacher necessary leadership and facilitate a smooth, Education for his contributions in Teacher cost-effective delivery of full-time programmes Before joining WOU, Prof Menon was the Education globally. by the University. Deputy Director and Chief, Education Planning and Management Division, of UNESCO-United Prof Menon has written numerous publications, Prof Menon will continue to oversee the Nations Relief & Works Agency in Amman, book chapters and research articles in running of the Educational Technology & Jordan, since April 2008. He was an Education journals in his areas of specialisation, namely Publishing (ETP) and the Learning & Library Specialist at the Commonwealth of Learning instructional design, ICT integration, Learner Services (LLS) Units, which he did in his former from 2001 to 2008; and Director, School of Assessment and monitoring and evaluation. position as Assistant Vice Chancellor (Academic Education at Indira Gandhi National Open 4 Students welcomed to WOU’s world of OCL Fan Yin Wen Subashini Melody Lim

Prof Ho offers studying tips during the OCL Orientation.

Make full use of the powerful seek their advice. Thirdly, make full Economics in STPM, and I am interested in Internet-based learning generated by use of the Internet-based learning we HR, and this programme covers it,” WOU. That was among the key advice created for you. Get into the culture of she said. given by Vice Chancellor Prof Dato’ getting information online and accessing Dr Ho Sinn Chye to the second batch WOU’s learning management system, Subashini Tavamany, 22, from Kulim, Kedah of students for On Campus Learning Wawasan2u.” obtained her Diploma in Accounting last (OCL) full-time studies at WOU. November. “After I finished my diploma, The students were also briefed on WOU’s I didn’t know what to do. My aunty The nine students attended orientation regulations and procedures, IT services suggested to me to come to WOU as a at the main campus in Penang on and facilities, WOU learning management relative of ours previously did a part-time 5 February 2014. They comprised six system Wawasan2u, library services, OCL programme here. Moreover, having an from Bachelor of Business (Hons) in programme details, and on managing Accounting diploma, I thought it best to Management and three from Bachelor of campus life. pursue a specialised degree in the same Business (Hons) in Accounting. field.” Freshman Melody Lim Chii Wen, 20, The students were introduced to their from Balik Pulau, Penang who enrolled in Fan Yin Wen, 21, received her STPM respective Academic Advisors from Management, led in the oath-taking. qualifications from Saint Anthony’s the Schools during the orientation. She did her STPM at Methodist Boys School, Teluk Intan. “I like the environment Prof Ho offered a few pointers to help School, Ayer Itam. “I found out about here and the fees are affordable. I found them in their journey at WOU. WOU from my counsellor in MBS, during out about WOU while searching through her briefing on after-STPM programmes. the Internet for my study options. I’m “First, form and maintain small study I chose WOU because my relatives and my taking Accounting as I want to become a groups from among your course mates, brother, Edwin Lim, who shall graduate this successful accountant, earn lots of money about 3 to 4 in a group. Secondly, get year in Liberal Studies, recommended this and help my mum,” said the only child to to know your Academic Advisors and University. Also, I did Business Studies and a single parent who works as a nanny. Regional centres abuzz during ODL orientation The five Regional Centres of Wawasan for Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Psychology, led in Meanwhile at IPRC, Pandian Sarangabanly, Open University (WOU) were abuzz the oath-taking and delivered the student address. a recent Bachelor of Business (Hons) in with excitement when many of the Management graduate of WOU who is currently 1,000-odd new students of the Open Academic representatives from the main enrolled in the Commonwealth Executive MBA Distance Learning (ODL) programme campus – School of Business & Administration (CeMBA) programme, led the new students in turned up for orientation. The sessions Dean Prof N V Narasimham (KLRC), School their pledge. Another graduate, Eric Chuang, were organised by (KLRC), Penang (PGRC), Ipoh (IPRC), of Foundation & Liberal Studies Dean shared his learning experience at WOU with Johor Bahru (JBRC) and Dr S Nagarajan (KCRC), School of Education, the freshmen. (KCRC) on 12 January 2014. Languages & Communications (SELC) Dean Prof Santhiram Raman (IPRC) and School of Science Apart from acquainting the students with WOU, & Technology Acting Dean Ishan Abeywardena the orientation also witnessed the presentation (PGRC) - were at the orientation of Dean’s List awards for the January 2013 organised by the regional centres semester, with a total 67 students being named to present briefings and awards. to the list. At the main campus, among the Vice Chancellor Prof Dato’ Dr Ho Sinn Chye new students registered with represented WOU at the JBRC orientation. PGRC was Cheah Hui Ting, 25, He gave out the Star Ambassador award to from Padang Serai, Kedah, who Gwee Yuen Hwa, a Bachelor of Technology enrolled for Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Construction Management student, (Hons) in English Studies. New for introducing three or more friends under student Oh Jia Ling, 24, from MBA WOU’s Friends and Family Programme. New in Manufacturing and Production student Hannah Khit Chin K’choo, who enrolled Management, led in the oath-taking. Full-time students attend lecture at the main campus. 5 New full-time marketing degree to address talent demand

WOU is introducing a new full-time degree Marketing graduates can find employment as compulsory and University courses, as well programme, Bachelor of Business (Hons) in consultants, coordinators, executives, directors, as the basic major courses (total 27 credits) Marketing, for the upcoming On Campus managers, planners, and specialists in the fields like Principles of Marketing, Business Law, Learning (OCL) September 2014 intake. of marketing, advertising and public relations, and Microeconomics, and core major courses or land sales management positions and rise to (65 credits) that equip students with all The Marketing degree from the School of become a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). aspects of marketing. Business and Administration (SBA) will add to the existing two OCL programmes – Accounting Prof N V Narasimham, Dean of SBA, said that Among the core major courses are: and Management – currently offered at the the marketing degree will equip students with • Product Management main campus in Penang for STPM school-leavers skills to handle the wide scope of jobs out there. • Internet Marketing and diploma holders. “The current economic situation and increased • Customer Service cost of living is influencing the type of jobs • Marketing Plan This is a specialised programme that focuses that are being created and sought by employers. • Consumer Behaviour on the different components of the marketing Surveys and observations seem to show a • Social Media Marketing field, from Product Management to Internet demand for talents like business administration, • Personal Selling and Salesmanship Marketing and Retailing. This diversity reflects marketing, media, IT and engineering.” • Retail Management the wide range of roles and fields of • Brand Management expertise that are available within the The Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Marketing • Strategic Marketing marketing profession. is a 121-credit programme comprising of

ODL students attending tutorial classes. Equipping for administrative leadership in education In an effort to develop education knowledgeable school leadership is required to leadership and management skills, produce significant improvement in education, Wawasan Open University is expanding its especially in student achievement,” said Prof Master of Education (MEd) programme to Santhiram Raman, Dean of SELC. include the specialised field of Education Management, commencing from the July “This MEd should particularly benefit school The specific courses are: 2014 ODL semester. principals, deputy heads, senior assistants, heads • Education Administration: Theory and Practice of units, education administrators in the various • Education Leadership WOU, through its School of Education, District Education Departments, researchers, • Educational Policy and Planning Languages and Communications (SELC), teachers aspiring to administrative positions introduced the MEd in Teaching English as a in the Ministry of Education, and educators in “The programme package as a whole will help Second Language (TESL) in July 2012. Now, the private Education and Higher Education students understand their role as professionals working professionals have the added option sectors,” he added. in educational organisations and enable them to pursue MEd in Education Management via to play a proactive part and make informed Open Distance Learning (ODL) for a broader Students will need to complete five core decisions to meet the challenges of education perspective into the issues and challenges Education courses, an Education project administrators in the 21st century,” Prof confronting education. component, and three courses specific to the Santhiram clarified. area of specialisation. The core Education The MEd in Education Management is courses are: “The expected outcome is competent leaders 45-credit programme that can be completed • Research in Education capable of effectively managing education. in four semesters, or learners can stretch it • ICT in Education The courses look at the key dimensions of according to their pace and schedule. It aims • Ethics in Education instructional and administrative leadership to provide students with knowledge and skills in • Professional Development in Education and provide the students with the necessary educational administration and management. • Curriculum Development knowledge base and best practices associated “International evidence shows that a strong and with leadership,” he added. in the know 6

The breezy seaside air around Wawasan Open University’s main campus at Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah in Penang is WOU becomes a now assured of its freshness, for a truly invigorating and conducive setting for health and learning.

In an effort to promote good health and increase awareness smoke-free campus among staff and students on the dangers of nicotine and tobacco, WOU was declared a ‘smoke-free’ environment starting from September 2013.

This move is also in line with the University’s objective to create a safe and conducive environment for teaching and learning, and is in support of the government’s aspirations to promote the adoption of a healthy lifestyle. Holding up the awards are (from left) Rina Julian, With the implementation of the ‘smoke-free’ campus, notices Mohd Shuib and Angie Ng. to inform students and visitors alike of this initiative and to prohibit smoking have been put up on the campus grounds, namely near the main gate entrance and at the cafeteria.

The University requests the cooperation of those working, studying or attending events at the main campus to refrain from smoking, and in this manner, help contribute towards a healthier environment.

NII of Japan keen to build WEKO community with WOU Participants pose with the trainers. and ITS personnel – and four librarians from Asia e-University, Universiti Malaysia Perlis and Universiti Putra Malaysia. WOU hopes to use the external librarians as catalysts to facilitate WEKO-based Institutional Repositories development in their universities.

“WOU will be able to share its Open Access contents for the use of its students, and the other institutions in Malaysia and around the world. The WEKO repository software is very easy to use by end-users and repository managers as it has a multiple deposit transfer functionality, allowing for the contents to be The National Institute of Informatics Assoc Prof Dr Kazutsuna Yamaji of NII said deposited into the repository with just one (NII), Japan is looking forward to the prestigious Japanese institution plans click of the mouse,” stated Dr Yamaji. collaborating with Wawasan Open to supply the system to South-East Asian “If a few universities in this country decided University in using the ground-breaking countries, starting with Malaysia. “So WOU can to use WEKO, they can then easily share WEKO system in an Open Educational be the first partner to deploy our system to the information within the end-user community, Resources (OER) world. different countries,” he said, adding that NII relying on each other for support and enquiries. is ready to offer support in migration to the The NII wants to build up the WEKO community WEKO is an open source repository software WEKO repository system and to the end-user here, and I would be happy if WOU can lead that community,” he added. developed by NII some six years ago and is being community. used by almost 200 universities in Japan. The University library has received a RM50,000 Dr Yamaji said this when he was here as a grant from WOU’s Institute of Research and co-trainer for a WEKO repository training Dr Yamaji explains about WEKO. Innovation last November to build and run a workshop at the WOU main campus from 3 to 4 university digital repository using WEKO. This March 2014. The other trainers were Dr Hiroshi will allow the library to migrate its existing Kato, also from NII, and Prof Tsueneo Yamada ePrints-based OER repository data to the new from the Open University of Japan (OUJ). WEKO-based repository. This repository would facilitate the library to not only capture the The workshop aimed to equip participants metadata of WOU resources but also grow into with hands-on knowledge on how to replicate providing a gateway to other OER resources a WEKO type arrangement in their respective from around the world. universities. The programme was organised by WOU, through its Learning & Library Services The WOU team is also planning to work with Department. It was attended by 11 participants, OER Asia and GLOBE (Global Learning Object with seven from WOU – including Learning Brokered Exchange)-OUJ to participate in OER & Library Services director Kamsiah Mohd Ali Asia–GLOBE Harvester network. in the know 7

Appreciationto excelling regional centres WOU supports Young Enterprise Programme and support centres in its25th year Deehbanjli of WOU and Audrey Cheah Hands-on teaching. of Seagate Penang shed light on the roles and responsibilities of the YE Board of Directors, while representatives from Intel and First Solar shared on the simulation of a production cycle and how to sell their handmade products. It was a learning Holding up the awards Mohdare (from Shuib left) and Rina Angie Julian, Ng. experience for the new advisors as they have to guide their achievers (students) through the same process in the next Wawasan Open University hosted an award 8 or 9 months. ceremony at the main campus on 14 February 2014 to recognise the hard work put in by its regional The year 2014 marks the 25th WOU later hosted a ‘Train-The-Trainer’ centres and support centres in reaching out to anniversary of the Young Enterprise session at the main campus on prospective students. (YE) Programme in Penang, which 19 February 2014 to prepare the lead is designed to guide students from facilitators for the Achievers’ workshop. The Penang Regional Centre (PGRC) was named the participating schools in their Briefings were conducted by Deehbanjli most efficient centre for the second semester running, objectives to become well-rounded and two others from the MNCs. registering the best student-to-staff throughput enterprising individuals. performance for the January 2014 intake. Vice Chancellor The Achievers’ workshop was held in Prof Dato’ Dr Ho Sinn Chye presented the ‘Most Efficient WOU once again lends its support as a USM on 26 February 2014, attended by Regional Centre’ award to PGRC marketing and admissions corporate sponsor to the programme. This some 480 Form 3 and Form 4 students senior executive Rina Julian Nazrin Julian. year, WOU is paired to mentor SMK Datuk participating in the YE Programme Haji Mohd Nor Ahmad in , Penang. this year. The participants learnt about Meanwhile Subang Regional Support Centre (SBGRSC) teamwork, sales, coming up with creative grabbed two accolades, the ‘Best New Enrolment The school is among 16 secondary schools products, and how to plan and execute Performance’ and ‘Best Revenue Performance’ awards, that are to be mentored by their respective their production properly and realistically. and the Klang Regional Support Centre (KLGRSC) won corporate advisors, comprising mainly the ‘Best Re-enrolment Performance’ category. of multinational companies and two Both the corporate and teacher advisors The respective heads, Mohd Shuib Md Jadi of SBGRSC universities – WOU and Universiti Sains will work with the students from the and Angie Ng Ai Chen of KLGRSC, were on hand to Malaysia (USM). assigned schools in the next few months receive the awards. to manage their company, including The WOU team chief advisor Deehbanjli ‘producing’ hand-crafted items for sale. Regional Operations & MARCOM Director KH Chong Lakshmayya said the 25th anniversary highlighted that there were winners in four out of five committee, consisting of the chief advisors categories this semester despite tough challenges facing from all 16 corporate sponsors, is gearing all RCs in new student enrolment. There was no winner for up for many activities and events to mark ‘Highest in Total Enrolment Performance’– previously won Deehbanjli from WOU conducts the training. the auspicious occasion. An anniversary by Ipoh Regional Centre for July 2013 intake. All awards logo has been created with the help of were based on actual achievement against the targets set. Winnie Lee, the ‘managing director’ of Athena Enterprise Sdn Bhd, from Convent Deputy Vice Chancellor (Operations) Dr Seah Soo Aun Green Lane’s winning YE Company in 2010 spoke on WOU’s achievements in 2013, remarking that which was sponsored by WOU. total student enrolment and new student enrolment had increased compared to the previous year. He commended An Advisors’ workshop was held at the the regional centres and called on them to be a “working Dell plant in Bukit Minyak on horse” and to further increase WOU’s revenue in 2014 12 February 2014. It was participated by while reducing expenses. 80 new corporate and teacher advisors.

New WawasanLearn in July 2014! We are pleased to announce that we have upgraded a key feature in WawasanLearn which allows easier viewing of the entire site through mobile devices. Other improvements you can expect in WawasanLearn include:

1. ‘Drag and drop’ function (from desktop) for adding images or files in your forum posting. Please take note that this function is only available in all recent versions of Chrome, Firefox and Safari, as well as Internet Explorer version 10 and above. 2. Simple layout that is adaptive for all screen sizes. 3. Concise sections for viewing activities and resources in a course.

We welcome any feedback or suggestions you might have about our new WawasanLearn in the coming semester. We hope you will have an enjoyable e-learning experience at WOU! in the schools 8 Grooming ‘professionals’ Students of WOU received these and many She showed a video on ‘top 10 bad business for the workforce other valuable pointers - ranging from handshakes’ before demonstrating how to preparation to dressing to handshake and on execute a proper handshake with the help how to conduct oneself - in a job interview, of a volunteer. The students then spent a during a talk on Social Etiquette at the main few minutes practising self-introduction and campus on 12 February 2014. performing introductions with two others.

About 60 first and second-year She described the usual format of job full-time students pursuing Accounting and interviews and how to address them. Management degrees at WOU benefited from “Hide all your personal data, photos, timeline, the highly interactive and entertaining session etc, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram at least by social etiquette coach Hor Phooi Sin. a few months before the interview. Don’t hashtag your interview or the company. Highlighting that 180,000 fresh graduates enter Never comment about a job interview on the workforce every year in Malaysia, she said Facebook or any social media platform,” she only a small percentage of job applications cautioned, adding that HR personnel have been lead to interview. “You have an average of known to track these channels. 40 minutes to impress the interviewer or HR personnel,” she stressed.

Speaking on ‘image portrait’, she offered basic tips like wearing a watch that’s not too flashy or colourful, adorning simple or no accessories, simple spectacles or clear contact lens, little or no perfume, and clean shoes so as not to distract the interviewer from you as a person. “Wear a smile to show you’re comfortable, confident, that you’re in your comfort zone in When going for an interview, do you the interview.” consider how important proper dressing is, or how helpful a confident demeanour She advised being well-prepared by researching would be? Do you know it is advisable to the company and the position applied for avoid tattoos or piercings other than a before going for the interview. “You must pair of earrings? Are you aware that you understand the company culture. Go online should be careful of excessive make-up to and check. Explore the dress code of current help project a proper professional image? employees if you can,” she remarked.

Showcasing Islamic finance as a viable option Islamic finance is the fastest growing and has high liquidity.” He said wealth in Islamic Negara has established the International segment of the financial sector and highly finance can only be created through productive Liquidity Management Centre to create more resilient, able to withstand global financial activities that involve real sectors. “Real wealth investment instruments for the banks,” he said. and economic crises with very little impact, is only 0.8% of total financial wealth, which said Prof Datuk Dr Syed Othman Alhabshi, is created every year through share swaps, The talk was part of the WOU Seminar Series Chief Academic Officer of INCEIF, the derivatives and so forth without the backing of and attended by about 70 people, including Global University of Islamic Finance. any real sectors.” over 50 full-time WOU students.

Speaking on Islamic Finance – The Viable He said household debt in Malaysia has The crowd at the talk. Alternative at the main campus on 26 February increased to almost 82% of the GDP. 2014, he said Islamic finance achieved a 20% He highlighted a recent research by his global growth rate over the last 5 years. PhD student that found “25% of the people “So every five years, it doubles. The Bank who go bankrupt are those who bought Negara plans for Islamic financing to account houses. Only 10% come from credit cards.” for 50% of the total by year 2020 from the current 24%. The Islamic sector is overtaking Prof Syed Othman said that people are therefore the conventional sector,” he pointed out, noting trying to make as much money as possible in that important financial centres around the any way they like. “We need to plough back world are embracing Islamic finance. morality and ethics,” he said.

Noting that no Islamic banking institutions On the weaknesses of Islamic finance, he listed in Malaysia collapsed during the past three a lack of talents and inadequate avenues for financial crises, he stated: “Islamic finance has Shariah-compliant investment to match the inherent resilience as it is based on real sector deposits. “So the government through Bank in the schools 9 Real-time -data making sense and taking action There is a need to use real-time data - data, with the assumption everything is related discuss possible collaboration in research rather than just relying on past data which until proven otherwise. projects; enhancing WOU’s MBA programmes; does not work for a lot of current systems jointly offering the Advanced Manufacturing – to help retain the stability or optimal He said we need to explain the system, whether Systems PhD programme; and Brunel status of a system, whether manufacturing, it is a technology or a social or economic conducting short-term courses for WOU’s banking or any embedded systems. system, and how excitations are related with Centre for Professional Development and behaviour. “There are a lot of influences, so I Continuing Education. “The challenge is to make sense, as soon as want to know what happens when I take it possible, what the data is generating, and take from a stable to an unstable situation. If you corrective action,” asserted Dr Alireza Mousavi, don’t know the source of the destabilisation or a systems engineering expert from Brunel excitation, you cannot solve it. University, UK, during a lecture at the main campus on 4 March 2014. “We must also be able to predict, for example if there is war in the Middle East, what happens to Historical data is only good for some parts of the price of oil. Obviously you want to stablise it the system. “Now we can create and generate and have controls, but you should also improve real-time data, which is needed to base and optimise the system.” your decision on. Real-time data is created, consumed, and collected by embedded systems, Historical data helps find a pattern to predict such as census, and devices in our phones, or simulate the future in order to improve the televisions, cars, airplanes,” he said in his system, such as bringing down costs in a factory. presentation titled Advanced Manufacturing But there are drawbacks. “One of the most Systems. difficult parts of any simulation is reliance data. Making the concept of systems clearer 70% of the time spent is to make sure I have the to the audience. He said Brunel University is working on ‘event actual data.” modelling’ which involves looking at the whole world for every source of information or input Dr Alireza also met with WOU academics to

More advanced, up-to-date and blended new ODL training Prof Menon outlines the training.

Prof Dhanarajan shares on ODL.

Wawasan Open University has revised The revised ODL-CCCP is an updated version and comprehensive, thereby serving as an and upgraded its ODL Core Competency of two earlier cycles of the programme used in introductory certificate course incorporating Certificate Programme (ODL-CCCP) for in-house training workshops organised in 2011 the basic requirements for an academic in an the training of its academic and academic and 2012. open university.” support staff. The Module 1 workshop was attended by Prof Menon, Deputy Vice Chancellor The revised version was launched by Vice 14 academics from the School of Business & (Academic-OCL) and also coordinator of the Chancellor Prof Dato’ Dr Ho Sinn Chye at the Administration, School of Science & Technology, CCCP, stated: “We have made the new package main campus during the commencement of the School of Foundation & Liberal Studies, of ODL-CCCP more compact but intensive with workshop on Module 1: An Overview of ODL on and the School of Education, Languages & six modules and a project with an estimated 27 February 2014. Communications (SELC). The trainers were 120 hours of study. We will use a blended Tan Sri Emeritus Prof Gajaraj Dhanarajan, mode, including self-learning by individual In inaugurating the programme, Prof Ho Prof Mohandas Menon, and Prof Phalachandra participants, expert presentations, multi-media highlighted the importance of such ongoing Bhandigadi. sessions, group discussions and activities.” professional development programmes for keeping abreast with new developments and Prof Phalachandra from SELC, who coordinates For workshops on the subsequent modules emerging innovations. He said the academics the CCCP, said: “The new version will include all of the CCCP, the University plans to invite will be able to develop professionally and up-to-date developments in ODL and integrate international experts in different areas of ODL enhance their competencies in ODL and, in the the content of an introductory course on OER to provide resource support either through process, help WOU to improve its quality and and e-learning. The revisions are expected face-to-face or virtually. institutional performance. to make the whole programme advanced in the schools 10 WOU contributes to module development for Commonwealth course A new online professional development WOU academics Jasmine Emmanuel, a systematic and effective manner can be course initiated by the Commonwealth Prakash Arumugam, Deehbanjli Lakshmayya provided by tutors in online courses,” he said. Educational Media Centre for Asia and S. Vighnarajah who coordinated the It is expected that this process of systematic (CEMCA) is expected to help various development of four of the five modules of the online facilitation can be adopted in the ODL institutions better deliver e-learning course participated in the Hyderabad workshop. system at WOU. Such a provision can be helpful programmes through integration of Open in offering one-to-one tutor support and Educational Resources (OER). Representatives from Indira Gandhi National feedback to individual students and also help Open University (India), National Institute of facilitate non-synchronous discussion forums. Five participants from WOU attended a Open Schooling (India), Open University of Sri three-day Facilitators’ Workshop for OER- Lanka, , and BRAOU based eLearning organised by CEMCA in also participated, with another from the Higher collaboration with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open Education Commission, Pakistan, in University (BRAOU), Hyderabad, India from 7 to attendance. 9 January 2014. WOU Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic- The workshop at BRAOU Hyderabad was a OCL) Prof Mohandas Menon who follow-up to earlier workshops. It was facilitated attended the workshop as a resource by the CEMCA consultant, Dr. Som Naidu. person said that the University’s contribution in the development of the In January and June 2013, WOU had hosted modules has been very significant. “The two workshops where teachers from leading module development activities helped in institutions in the Asian Commonwealth orienting 15 WOU staff in the conceptual contributed to the development of five modules understanding and use of OER and towards the online course over the last e-learning, and four of them obtained 12 months. exposure to how online facilitation in

Delegation from India explores QA at WOU A three-member delegation from India effective mode of education, but stressed the WOU as it is generally acknowledged that there visited WOU’s main campus from 20 to importance of quality. “Stakeholders should is a lot to learn from the experience of WOU 21 March 2014 to learn about quality feel that they get quality education from ODL which has developed in a few years into an ODL assurance standards and practices in universities. I find some ODL programmes to be institution of quality using latest technologies the University’s course development and better than formal education, but then people’s and innovations to reach out to large number delivery, including learner support and perception is important.” of learners.” academic administration. He said another problem is the lack of support The visit was sponsored by the Commonwealth for a fully online education system in India. Educational Media Centre for Asia (CEMCA), “No online degree is recognised to date by the New Delhi. country. There is yet no infrastructure in place to implement a fully online education.” The delegation was led by Prof Vinay Kumar Pathak, Vice Chancellor of Vardhaman Prof Manjulika highlighted the function of Mahaveer Open University, Rajasthan. the Distance Education Bureau in regulating The other members were Mr Binod Kumar institutions and ensuring that programmes Bhadri, Assistant Educational Advisor from meet required standards to remove negative Ministry of Human Resources Development, perception among employers in India. “We want Prof Pathak(2nd from left) and his India, and Prof Manjulika Srivastava from to study the QA practices and standards that delegation with WOU top management. Distance Education Bureau, University Grant universities follow in Malaysia,” she said. Commission. The delegation also expressed interest in WOU’s The delegation met up with WOU management. The team met with WOU Vice Chancellor learner support services, including the digital Prof Dato’ Dr Ho Sinn Chye, the deans and library and WawasanLearn, and the academic other senior management. administration undertaken by Registry.

Prof Pathak shared about his university’s Prof Mohandas Menon, Deputy Vice Chancellor establishment 27 years ago and how delivery of (Academic-OCL), said the visit was part of an education is changing with technology. ongoing cooperation between CEMCA and WOU. “CEMCA is keen to send study teams Mr Bhadri acknowledged that ODL is an from other Commonwealth countries in Asia to 11 Virtues of the Horse light up Lunar New Year

WOU’s family members embraced age-old “The horse is often looked upon as an energetic Besides the traditional and cultural influences, Chinese traditions and cultural practices character as most important battles in the olden gorgeous hanging lanterns and décor added to usher in the Year of the Wooden Horse. days were won due to the power of horses. to the festivity. Even the door gifts were made The Chinese New Year celebration began We must work hard and be committed as a of paper that resembled a fish, symbolising with Vice Chancellor Prof Dato’ Dr Ho team. Therefore, we will be able to sail through abundance and prosperity. Thumbs-up to Sinn Chye and WOU Sdn Bhd Chairman and excel together,” he continued. the skilful hands that created the beautiful Dato’ Seri Stephen Yeap lighting loud fire decoratives from ang-pow packets. There was crackers to chase away the negativities Chinese New Year luncheon is never complete also an inscriptive decoration of the word from 2013 and making room for good without the ‘yee sang tossing’ ceremony. “Horse” on the wall in Chinese characters. fortune and health in 2014. And so loud cheers and joyful exclamations were heard as the VIPs and staff tossed the Guests of Honour included Chairman of WOU’s “2014 is the year of the Wooden Horse, a horse ‘yee sang’ – ingredients made of thin slices Board of Governors Tan Sri Emeritus Prof Gajaraj that is vibrant and intelligent as it signifies an of raw fish, vegetables and spaghetti (an Dhanarajan, WOU Sdn Bhd directors abundance of business opportunities this year add-on fusion item) - as high as they could. Loo Choo Teng, Ooi Teng Chew and Tan Sri as long as we are willing to work hard,” said This age-old tradition of tossing is a symbolic Chin Fook Weng, Wawasan Education Prof Ho in his welcoming speech. wish for fortunes to rise and happiness for all. Foundation member Dato’ Dr Sharom Ahmat, as well as Datin Seri Irene Yeap along with her daughters Janice and Stephanie.

Tossing the yee sang.

Chatting with colleagues over good food.

Receiving door gifts of oranges and fish-shaped ang pow packets containing sweets.

Staff queuing up amidst colourful decorations.

Dato’ Seri Stephen lights the firecrackers. Venue: WOUmaincampus Date :24-27June2014 (Sat&Sun) themed ‘BeyondAdvocacy, Research andPolicy’. WOU willhostthe2ndRegionalSymposiumonOpenEducationalResources (OER) 2nd RegionalSymposiumonOER “After Iwaspromoted toGeneral Manager, Itook schedule and“cost-wise, itwasverygood”. Open DistanceLearningmode,whichsuitedher picked WOUbecauseoftheflexibility about WOUbysearching theInternetand Married withtwoteenagekids, shefoundout subsidiary withinthesamegroup. was theDeputyGeneral Managerinanother company inKualaLumpur. Priortothat,she a General Managerinanautomotiveparts Ma hasbeenworkingforoverthree years as ceremony lastDecember. – andgraduated atWOU’s fourthconvocation Executive MBA(CeMBA)intheJuly2010 intake Ma MunLai,44,enrolled fortheCommonwealth Sales engineerfinds‘goodfoundation’atWOU which weimmediatelysigneduptogether. University tocheckandaskforadvice,after quite flexibleandaffordable. We wenttothe online andintroduced ittome.We foundit do part-timestudy. MyfriendlocatedWOU “We were searching around forauniversity to introduced totheUniversity byaschoolfriend. Chan enrolled atWOUinJuly2008,afterbeing wife, EstherTham. to share thehappyoccasionwithhimwashis Electronics degree from WOUlastyear. Onhand He received hisBachelorofTechnology (Hons)in three years. Technology inBayanLepas, Penang forthelast Chan Kok Ching,31, isasalesengineeratTDS Email: [email protected] Tel: 04-218 0133/4 IFax: 04-228 4500 54 JalanSultanAhmadShah,10050 Penang, Malaysia. Penang RegionalCentre Open Tuesday toSunday: 10.00am -7.00pm WOU RegionalandLearningCentres Email: [email protected] Tel: 04-218 0333 IFax:04-2269323 54 JalanSultanAhmadShah,10050 Penang, Malaysia. Wawasan OpenUniversity Main Campus Get thelatestWOUupdatesfrom 12 UPCOMING Boosting strategicthinkingandlearninghabitwithCeMBA Facebook andTwitter! EVENTS 10.00am-7.00pm) (Library Servicesavailable Tuesday toSunday, Email: [email protected] Tel: 03-9281 7323/9283 8323IFax:03-92849323 56100 Cheras, KualaLumpur. Level 3Menara PGRM, 8JalanPuduUlu, Kuala LumpurRegionalCentre Email: [email protected] Tel: 05-2426323/243 IFax:05-2549323 Wisma Gerakan, 80Persiaran Greenhill, 30450Ipoh,Perak. Ipoh RegionalCentre STUDENT INFO Management, ManagementinOrganisations, took includeResearch Methods, Strategic she remarked, addingthatthecourses she “WOU’s MBAdefinitelyhelpsmeinmywork,” practical andnotjustgive‘head’knowledge. She feelsthattheMBAonechoosesshouldbe automotive blog,”Mastated. regularly contributearticlestomycompany’s also sinceacquired aninterest inwritingand approach problems andfindsolutions. Ihave me todevelopstrategic thinking.Icanbetter CeMBA inculcatedalearninghabitandhelped “The research andassignmentsrequired for increase mycapacitytoabsorbnewthings. equip myselfformyownknowledgeandto the MBAbecauseIfindthatitisimportantto Microprocessor. Devices, Control Systems, AnalogCircuits, and courses studiedare SolidStateSemiconductor work. Thishasbeenveryuseful.”Amongthe are alotofcourses andlearningrelated tomy involved. IchoseElectronics inWOUasthere Lots ofprogramming andvisualbasicsare with controllers, integrated circuits andchips. “I workinautomation,where weare engaged technology from aprivateinstitution. degree, hehasadiplomainindustrialrobotics and studyduringhisfree time.Besideshis Chan washappyashecouldfocusonhiswork, My friendgraduated in2012.” For more details,visit a question,don’thesitatetodrop [email protected] The University would like to hear from you. Whether it’s a view, a comment or even http://www.facebook.com/WawasanOpenUniversity Follow us: Email: [email protected] Tel: 03-56355323/56325323IFax:03-56351323 Bandar Sunway, 46150 Petaling Jaya,Selangor. No. 34-1Ground Floor, JalanPJS8/2, MentariPlaza, Subang RegionalSupport Centre Email: [email protected] Tel: 03-33252353/33252373 IFax:03-33252313 Bandar BotanicCapital,41200 Klang,Selangor. No. 41(Ground Floor), JalanKasuarina 2/KS7, Klang RegionalSupportCentre Email: [email protected] Tel: 03-76297223/76297123 IFax:03-76297023 Bandar Utama,47800Petaling Jaya,Selangor. L2-6 &7,WismaBU8,11, LebuhBandarUtama, Bandar UtamaRegionalSupportCentre wou.edu.my intake shallcommenceon23June2014. programmes atthemaincampusinPenang forSeptember2014 Enrolment forOnCampusLearning(OCL)full-timedegree Commencement ofEnrolment forSept2014OCLintake nationwide Venue: WOUmaincampus andRegional/LearningCentres : Date Student OrientationDay(July2014ODLIntake) 13 July2014 (Sun) in Penang. of theSingapore-based companyheworksfor, Chan wouldnowliketoexpandtheoperations I dealwith.” I canexplainwhatamdoingandtheproducts progress inmywork.WhenImeetclients, developed agoodfoundationtofurther “I dosales. From mystudiesatWOU,Ihave company.” I cancommandahigherpayingjobinanother plans, career-wise, shequipped,“WiththeMBA, studies withworkandfamily. Astoherfuture support, andthishelpedhertojuggle She credits herhusbandforbeingagood and Operations Management.

Chan Kok Ching Kok Chan http://twitter.com/WawasanOU Follow us: Email: [email protected] Tel: 082-578923IFax:082-576 93350 Kuching,Sarawak. 14 Westin Avenue,JalanTun Jugah, Kuching RegionalCentre *Open Monday-Saturday from 10.00am-7.00pm Email: [email protected] Tel: 09-7487323IFax: 09-748 9323 Jalan Temenggong, 15000 Kota Bharu,Kelantan. 3956 TingkatBawah,WismaGerakan, Kota BharuRegional Centre Email: [email protected] Tel: 07-556 4323/5566323IFax:07-554 9323 17 Johor BahruRegionalCentre

Ma Mun Lai & 19JalanJaya2,Taman Jaya,81300 Skudai,Johor.

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