PENANG: Wawasan Open University (WOU) proudly celebrated the success of 805 graduates at its 2024 Convocation, held over six sessions on 23 and 24 November 2024 at its main campus. This event marks a significant and rewarding milestone for these working adults, who demonstrated exceptional discipline and perseverance in earning their degrees while balancing the demands of their careers, personal lives, and numerous responsibilities. It is a testament to WOU’s unwavering commitment to providing accessible higher education and upskilling opportunities, empowering adult learners to achieve their ambitions and advance in their professional journeys.

This year’s graduating cohort, comprising 160 postgraduates and 645 undergraduates, represents a dynamic and diverse group of individuals from various industries, including business, technology, and healthcare. They join WOU’s thriving alumni network, now surpassing 8,800 members. The School of Business and Administration leads the way with 486 graduates, underscoring the university’s strong foundation in business education. Notably, 77% of this year’s graduates are under the age of 40, reflecting WOU’s steadfast commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators who are poised to drive change and make meaningful contributions to their fields.

Professor Dr Lily Chan, Chief Executive and Vice Chancellor of WOU, highlighted the university’s impact: “Our graduates are living proof that ambition, coupled with opportunity and support, can lead to incredible achievements. WOU is committed to equipping working adults with the tools they need to unlock their potential and excel in today’s dynamic world.”

Recognising Academic Excellence

WOU celebrated the remarkable achievements of its top graduates, whose hard work and dedication have set them apart:

  • Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Memorial Gold Prize: Ooi Soo San, a Commonwealth Executive Master of Business Administration (CEMBA) graduate and Business Support Executive at Bayer, recognised for her outstanding academic performance and leadership potential.
  • Chancellor’s Gold Medal: Kee Guo Hau, a Bachelor of Information Technology (Hons) in Networking graduate, currently excelling as a Senior Infrastructure Support Engineer at a multinational company.
  • Tun Dr Lim Keng Yaik Memorial Gold Prize: Beh Jia Ai, a Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Accounting graduate, commended for her precision and professionalism in her role as a Tax Executive.
  • WOU Best Student Award: Goh Shyh Khye, a Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Logistics and Supply Chain Management graduate, making his mark as an Air Pricing Executive at APEX Logistics International in China.

These graduates exemplify WOU’s commitment to academic excellence and the development of industry-ready professionals.

Honouring a Visionary Leader in Business and Technology

This year’s convocation was further distinguished by the conferment of the Honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree on Dato’ Seri Ir Lai Pin Yong, an influential leader in the global semiconductor industry. His visionary leadership and transformative contributions have not only propelled the industry but also significantly impacted education and talent development, both in Malaysia and internationally.

Shaping the Future of Education

As WOU looks to the future, it remains focused on expanding its offerings to meet the demands of an evolving digital economy. With a strong emphasis on integrating technology and fostering innovation, the university prepares its graduates to thrive in competitive industries such as business, STEM, and logistics.

WOU continues to lead the way in flexible, lifelong learning, inspiring working adults to turn their ambitions into reality and make a lasting impact in their respective fields.

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About Wawasan Open University

Wawasan Open University (WOU) is Malaysia’s leading open distance learning institution, offering flexible, accessible, and affordable education tailored to the needs of working professionals. With a mission to empower lifelong learners, WOU provides industry-relevant programmes designed to help students achieve their academic and career aspirations.                                

Find out more at www.wou.edu.my

Contact:         Rasidah Mion,
Corporate Communications Manager