The School of Digital Technology marks a major milestone as its pioneer cohort graduates at WOU’s 16th Convocation
The School of Digital Technology (DiGiT) at Wawasan Open University (WOU) marked a significant milestone with the graduation of its first cohort from the Bachelor of Digital Business (BDBS) programme. In conjunction with WOU’s 16th Convocation Ceremony, the School hosted a special gathering for its community at the DiGiT Hub, or ‘Gigspace,’ on 20 November 2025, bringing together students and lecturers in a rare, celebratory in-person meeting.
The spotlight shone brightly on Pirathp Silvarajoo and Shasmitha Seb Sebastian, who officially received their scrolls from WOU Pro-Chancellor Tan Sri Dato’ Chang Ko Youn during the convocation ceremony. Their achievement sets an inspiring benchmark for future cohorts and underscores WOU’s commitment to producing industry-ready professionals through flexible, Open Distance Learning (ODL).
Pirathp, from Penang, began his journey as a food delivery driver and worked his way up to become an Assistant Manager. He credited DiGiT’s flexible study structure for giving him the confidence to return to education. Studying full time in his first year and part time in subsequent years allowed him to ease back into academic life in 2021 while preparing to progress in the working world in 2022.
“DiGiT took me out of my comfort zone. It helped shape me to be more committed to my studies and more disciplined,” he shared.
He also praised DiGiT’s distinctive block mode approach, where each month focuses on a single subject. This helped him concentrate deeply, manage research effectively, and master each paper — a method especially suited for working adults. Pirathp added that the programme goes beyond theory, with industry-relevant subjects and assignments designed around real workplace needs. Alongside being one of DiGiT’s first graduates, he also received a Certificate of Outstanding Student at the undergraduate level.
Fellow graduate Shasmitha discovered the BDBS programme at a time when she was drawn to the fast-expanding digital world and the relevance and future opportunities the field offered. Her first year consisted of a full year of intensive and interactive learning and theoretical knowledge, while her second year allowed her to apply those skills in practice.
WOU’s digital learning platform, FlexLearn enabled her to study at her own pace, while recorded sessions on the MS Teams platform allowed her to revisit lessons whenever work commitments caused her to miss live classes.
Throughout her studies, Shasmitha developed a strong passion for digital business and customer service. She recounted how a customer service course became a catalyst in her career, helping her strengthen key professional abilities and advance professionally.
“I was able to stay in the digital world and learn something new every day. I never imagined I would be in customer service, and in a leadership role as well. I never thought I could achieve this so fast,” said Shasmitha, who currently works as a supervisor.
Crediting DiGiT with supporting her personal growth and professional development, she shared that the programme empowered her with practical and implementable skills that she could use in her work.
“The programmes’s unique work-study model not only equipped me with the necessary digital knowledge and skills but also gave me the opportunity to accumulate hands-on industry experience, so by the time I graduate I’m one step ahead of my peers.
Assoc Prof Ts Dr Andrew Tan, Dean of DiGiT, expressed his pride in DiGiT’s pioneer graduates, highlighting the significance of the moment when their names were announced on the convocation stage as a reflection of the School’s growth and future promise. He emphasised that DiGiT’s Study + Work model, which allows students to focus on full-time study in the first year before securing employment from the second year while continuing their studies, enables graduates to accumulate up to three years of industry experience upon graduation.
“As WOU’s first graduates in Digital Business, Pirathp and Shasmitha represent the programme’s vision in action. Their achievements demonstrate not only personal determination but also the effectiveness of a curriculum intentionally designed to produce industry-ready professionals for the digital economy. Graduating with both an academic qualification and substantial work experience gives our students a strong competitive advantage and sets a meaningful benchmark for future cohorts,” he added.
The celebratory gathering also provided an opportunity for the DiGiT community to connect beyond the typically muted, camera-off online classroom environment, bringing a sense of personal warmth and shared achievement to the milestone. The event concluded with a festive lucky draw, marking a joyful beginning to a new chapter for DiGiT and its growing impact in driving digital transformation across industries.
For more details on DiGiT’s unique programme offerings and how its pioneering work-study model equips graduates to be industry-ready, please visit https://www.wou.edu.my/school/digital-technology/