The new full-time, on-campus learning (OCL) students were encouraged to develop themselves holistically during their study with WOU so that they become employable graduates and consequently enhance the image of the University.
Speaking at the orientation for some 50 OCL students from the September 2017 intake at the main campus today, Vice Chancellor Prof Dato’ Dr Ho Sinn Chye urged them to start thinking of the job they want to do so that they can groom themselves accordingly starting from day one of their academic journey at WOU.
THE NEW FULL-TIME STUDENTS FOR THE SEPTEMBER SEMESTER.
He shared that many corporate companies and bosses are saying that they cannot find suitable graduates, and hence the students must start preparing themselves. He said the focus is not so much on what the students have studied but rather on the soft skills. “How good are you in communicating with people? How good are you in speaking in English?”
Prof Ho added, “Your ability to communicate and your critical thinking skills. The employer will assess whether you are able to think, advise and help the company.” He told the freshmen to equip themselves with soft skills so that they are successful in job interviews as they are competing with candidates with the same qualifications. “The boss is interested in how you talk, how you communicate, how you answer the questions, what kind of thinking has taken place behind your answers.”
PROF HO OFFERS POINTERS ON HOW TO SUCCEED AS A STUDENT OF WOU.
He asked the students to individually design their own success as a student of WOU. They should be clear about their goals which may be different from those of their classmates. “Distinguish or make yourself stand out from the others so that you can find the right job more readily.”
He also advised them to become proficient in understanding technology as the future job market will be different due to the influence of emerging technologies. He assured that WOU’s programmes have been designed to groom them to achieve their goals. “WOU is a very innovative and forward thinking university that keeps in mind the future of our graduates so that you become readily employable by the time you graduate.”
STUDENTS ADVISED TO MASTER IT SKILLS AND TO BE ACTIVE IN CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.
He also highlighted their need to be familiar with the learning management system, Wawasan2u, and realise the importance of participating in co-curricular activities to help strengthen interpersonal, critical thinking and networking skills.
Prof Ho called on the freshmen to be bold and ask questions and challenge the lecturers academically to build up their knowledge base. He advised that they form study groups and maintain good relationships with their Academic Advisors.
Lastly he requested that they play their role as good ambassadors of WOU by giving due attention to positive academic conduct and interactions with peers. “This is your duty as a good student of WOU”, he added.
PENANG REGIONAL CENTRE DIRECTOR TEH KIM KOW (RIGHT) INTRODUCES HIS STAFF.
Earlier Penang Regional Centre director Teh Kim Kow introduced his team while School of Business & Administration (SBA) Senior Lecturer Yap Li Lian introduced the Academic Advisors.
The oath-taking was led by Al-Ameen Rosli, 21, who had enrolled in Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
AL-AMEEN LEADS THE FRESHMEN IN RECITING THE STUDENTS’ PLEDGE.
Among the attendees were Chief Operating Officer Yeong Sik Kheong and Registrar Dr Andy Liew Teik Kooi.
