When Emma Sofia Haime Abdullah enrolled at Wawasan Open University (WOU) in 2019, she had one mission in mind: to grow professionally while continuing to support her family. As the only daughter of a single mother who had just retired, she had entered the workforce right after her diploma to ease the financial burden at home.
“I chose WOU because it aligned perfectly with my career aspirations—a flexible and industry-relevant degree that could fit around my full-time job. The structure of the programme allowed me to continue working and still work towards my academic goals,” shared Emma, who pursued the Bachelor of Technology (Honours) in Construction Management (BTCM).
Her determination was put to the test in 2020, during her second year in the programme, when she got married and the COVID-19 pandemic struck.
“I had to juggle my new responsibilities as a wife, balance my studies with long, gruelling work days and constant travel demands as a Quantity Surveyor. It was challenging having to endure the isolation and adapt to uncertainties from the pandemic—but WOU’s online learning platform and the support from tutors really helped me stay on track,” Emma recounted.
Despite the many obstacles, Emma persevered—and her hard work bore fruit. In January 2025, she was promoted to Director of Operations and Business Development at Art Projeks Sdn Bhd, a project management consultancy in Selangor.
“WOU helped me build the knowledge and confidence I needed to step into a senior role. The programme wasn’t just about theory—it was practical, and I could apply what I learned directly to my work.”
After years of late nights, personal sacrifices, and unwavering commitment, Emma has successfully completed her studies and will be receiving her scroll at WOU’s upcoming convocation this November.
“Studying at WOU taught me that no matter how busy life gets, your goals are still possible. It’s all about commitment, and WOU gave me the tools to succeed.”
The construction management programme, along with other industry-relevant offerings under the School of Technology and Engineering Science, continues to open doors for learners like Emma—equipping them with the practical knowledge, confidence, and qualifications needed to thrive in a competitive, fast-evolving industry.