More than 60 students enrolled for full-time study at WOU during the February 2019 intake, taking advantage of the 50% study grant offered for their 3-year degree programme.
THE NEW STUDENTS POSE WITH THEIR ACADEMIC ADVISORS AND STAFF OF PENANG REGIONAL CENTRE.
The highest number of students enrolled in the Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Management (BMMG) programme followed by the Bachelor of Software Engineering (Hons) programme. Other popular choices were the fields of Accounting, Computer Systems & Networks, Psychology, Management with Psychology, and Logistics & Supply Chain Management.
PART OF THE NEW STUDENTS AT THE ORIENTATION.
The orientation held at the main campus today witnessed freshman Raveenesh Chandran, 23, from BBMG, leading in the oath-taking ceremony.
RAVEENESH STANDS TALL AS HE LEADS THE NEW STUDENTS IN THE OATH-TAKING CEREMONY.
Acting Vice Chancellor Prof Zoraini Wati Abas, in her welcome speech, spoke about the importance of the 3Cs, “communicate, collaborate and creative”.
She added that in today’s world, being able to communicate well is one of the traits of successful people. “You should also be able to present your ideas and collaborate on projects and activities. Be creative as people with creative ideas will succeed.” She encouraged them to be grateful for the opportunity to study and to respect another person’s opinion, time and culture.
PROF ZORAINI STRESSES ON THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING GOOD COMMUNICATION SKILLS.
Next, Penang Regional Centre director Ching Huey Ling introduced the academic advisors to the students, followed by the presentation of the Dean’s List award by Prof Zoraini. There was a total of 18 recipients of the award for achieving excellent academic results for the May 2018 semester.
PROF ZORAINI (CENTRE) AND CHING (4TH FROM LEFT) GIVING THE THUMBS UP TO THE DEAN’S LIST RECIPIENTS.
The orientation also briefed the students on academic matters, IT services, WOU’s learning management system, Wawasan-i, and on the library facilities.
New Students share their dreams and aspirations
Four new students from the February 2019 intake share their story:
* Nicholas Rajoo, 21, from George Town, enrolled in Bachelor of Software Engineering (Hons). He holds a Certificate in Mechatronics from the Northern Skills Development Centre (NSDC), Gelugor.
He often sees information about WOU on flyers, the media, and online. He also personally heard about WOU from two University staff, a former school mate and a close relative, as well as from a family friend.
“I have always liked engineering since my school days and want to study further, especially software engineering. Many people and industries are using a lot of Internet these days and so I felt it was good to learn computer skills for my career advancement.
“My ambition is to become a software engineer because I love to create things online, and do illustrations and computer programming. I studied engineering in Form Four and took up mechatronics at NSDC. As computers are becoming more and more advanced, I am challenged to enhance my knowledge even further. “
Nicholas grew up with a single mum – his dad passed away – and she works as a kindergarten teacher. He has a younger sister still in secondary school.
* Ng Jun Hong, 22, from Bukit Mertajam, enrolled in Bachelor of Software Engineering (Hons). He holds a Diploma in Science (Business Information Systems) from Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR UC), Tanjung Bungah.
“A college friend told me about WOU, declaring that a few students from TAR UC plan to come here to study engineering, and that he himself was also thinking about it. So I also came to PGRC to inquire.
“I decided on WOU because it has a February intake, and I can start my studies fast without having to wait a few months until May or June. Another thing is the fees. I chose BSEG because my elder brother, who is working as a computer programmer, suggested I consider this option. Moreover, I had studied IT in my diploma programme.”
Ng’s mum worked as a cashier and has since retired and he has an elder brother. His father passed away when he was 4 years old.
*Nurathirah Mohamed Harun, 20, from Taman Bukit Gambir, Gelugor, enrolled in Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Psychology.
“I googled the universities in Malaysia and discovered that Wawasan is offering a full-time psychology programme. I chose WOU since it was the nearest to my house because I stay in Penang, making it easier for my parents.
“I also looked through Facebook and saw a lot of positive feedback from students, such as on the environment here, and so that attracted me. When I came to inquire, I liked what I saw, the greenery, the seafront view, and so on.
“I have been interested in psychology since Form Four because I like to learn about human behaviour, how the brain works, and what makes people act in a certain way.”
The second of four kids, Nurathirah’s mother is a full-time homemaker and her father works in a contracting firm. She hopes to work as a counsellor or psychiatric assistant and move up higher in the field of psychology.
*Priyasheena Munusamy, 24, from Bayan Lepas, enrolled in Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Psychology.
She had worked in ground operations with Air Asia for a few years and after that, as a cabin crew with Malindo Airlines until last December. She enrolled at WOU through APEL using her Form Five qualifications and work experience.
“My dad told me about this University as one of our relatives is actually taking her psychology degree here, part-time. She informed my dad who in turn advised me to come here and have a chat with the Regional Centre staff. We thought why not join here as WOU has all these financial benefits for the students, and is also very welcoming for us who have worked for several years.
“My jobs in the past have been related to dealing with lots of people and all sorts of customers, probably this is what drew me to enrol in psychology. I also browsed through the courses before registering. I want to try a lot of things and hope to pursue any career that involves dealing with people.”
Priyasheena’s father works as a project manager in the manufacturing industry in Bayan Lepas and her mum is a full-time homemaker. She has a younger brother.
