WOU entered its third year of on-campus learning with a new programme and growing population of full-time students at its main campus in Penang.
On hand to greet the freshmen during their Orientation today was Penang Regional Centre (PGRC) head Teh Kim Kow. He encouraged the students with the reminder that education can help lift their status in life.
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic-OCL) Prof Mohandas Menon, in his welcoming address, shared that WOU, well-known nationally and internationally for its open distance learning (ODL), currently offers six degree programmes, including the newly introduced Bachelor of Technology (Hons) in Computer Systems and Networks (BTSN).
“To get the most from education is more than learning and reproducing in exams to obtain good grades. You need to engage always in the classroom and in lessons. The lecturers will be there to encourage your participation in the classroom, so that you have observations and questions.”
“Grades are important but it is also important to derive that intangible learning experience at the University. You have new friends, new ideas and a new environment. Learn to talk and discuss inside and outside the classroom,” said Prof Menon.
He also informed that the University offers the support of academic advisors and good library resources, including access to ODL course materials. He hoped that they will not only graduate but would have developed the required soft skills for the job market and competency in the English language for effective communication.
The freshmen then took the students pledge led by Moses Gerard, 26, who enrolled in Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Accounting.
They were introduced to the PGRC staff and the academic advisors, and briefed on WOU’s regulations and procedures, learning support and services like Wawasan2u and library, social recreational facilities and on managing campus life.
Among those present at the Orientation were Dean Prof N V Narasimham and Deputy Dean Prakash Arumugam from the School of Business & Administration.
Students embark on full-time degree study
WOU shares in the joy of the new students as they begin their academic journey at the scenic campus-by-the-sea.
- Exploring WOU’s latest offering
Teoh Hung Siang, 21, from Simpang Ampat, Penang, is in the inaugural batch for the Bachelor of Technology (Hons) in Computer Systems and Networks (BTSN) programme.
He holds a Diploma in Information Technology & Communication (Application Development) from a private college in Prai. Among his courses at WOU this semester are Introduction to Java Programming, and Introduction to Computing and Internet.
Happy to get 20% rebate on total tuition fees and RM100 a month as living expenses throughout the duration of study, he informed, “What attracted me to WOU is not so much the rebate but the subject. I hope to learn computer skills, like coding and programming. I like to write a lot of computer coding, as a hobby. I hope to become a software engineer, and work in MNCs like Intel or Flextronics. That is my target! I need to reach it.”
“I found out about this programme when I was searching the Internet for a degree in computer science. All my friends, my teacher, my lecturer recommended this University. They said I do not have to be so tensed up about my homework, exam, as I would get a lot of support here.”
His father works as industry manager at a recruitment agency in Bayan Baru, while his mum is a homemaker. He has a younger brother in Form Four.
- Enjoying special NGO rebate
WOU offered about 50% rebate on total tuition fees for members of selected non-governmental organisations (NGO) during the September intake.
Nagamah Gopi, 21, lives with her sister cum guardian, a supervisor at a sales departmental store, since their parents passed away. She completed her STPM at Penang Free School, and enrolled in Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Banking & Finance at WOU.
She learnt about WOU’s full-time programme at an Education Fair and checked the website for details. “My friend who is studying at WOU, along with my teacher recommended WOU to me. The programme fee is much cheaper than other colleges, and with the NGO promotion, my sister can bear the fees.”
“I want to learn more about the banking system in Malaysia and around the world. The opportunities are wide and the demand high in the field of finance. I would like to become a financial officer and earn a good income so that I can take care of my sister.
“I am thankful for the NGO promotion given to members of Penang Hindu Endowment Board as it reduces my sister’s burden and enables me to pursue my degree. My teacher informed me about it.”
Pushpasri Kannayah, 23, who holds a Diploma in Business Studies (Accounting) from TAR College, enrolled in Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Logistics and Supply Chain Management at WOU. “My former college mate had joined WOU and that led me to check out its programmes for myself.”
Her father is a civil servant in the Veterinary sector, while her mother is a production operator at B Braun Medical Industries.
“I picked WOU since it was offering the programme I was interested in to further my studies. Besides that, the University is close to my house, only a 30-minute drive away, making it so convenient. I also love the breezy sea and sights from the campus location.”
“After my Diploma, I realised I did not want to be tied doing calculations. I want to work in the logistic sector, either shipping or airline. I love meeting new people and travelling to different places. Moreover, there is good income in this line. I plan on pursuing a Master in Logistics too.
“Being a member of the Penang Hindu Endowment Board entitled me for the special NGO rebate on tuition fee. It is really helpful. Thank you WOU for making me feel like the luckiest person!”
Annie Khor Khai Ching, 20, from Batu Maung, enrolled in Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Banking and Finance. An only child, her father works as a building construction worker, while her mum is a homemaker.
She did her STPM at St George’s Girls School. She found out about WOU and its full-time programme through her friends.” I am a member of YMCA. I joined a month ago. It was my friend who recommended WOU to me. They told me that WOU is well-known for ODL and started full-time the last few years. Also, it is the only private university in Penang.”
“I chose this programme as I like mathematics and calculations. I hope to join the finance or banking sector when I graduate. I aim to learn as much as I can from this programme, and do well in my studies. I look forward to a happy student life at WOU.”
Christine Tan Ee Wen, 20, enrolled in Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Management because of her interest in all aspects of management. She was in the same school – St George’s Girl School – as Annie.
The younger of two kids, her father works as a sales manager and her mother is a homemaker.
She found out about the degree programmes from the head of PGRC. She enrolled because of the proximity to her home in Tanjung Tokong and since it is the only private university in Penang.
She discovered online about the NGO rebate offered to members of YMCA. She has been a member of YMCA for two months. ‘This rebate helps lessen the fee of a lot of students, making the degree very cheap. This allows us to continue our education.”
She is keen to become a wedding planner, and also get her Master’s.
