ChancellorYABhg Tun Jeanne Abdullah

Pro ChancellorYBhg Tan Sri Dato' Azman Hashim

Group Management CommitteeYBhg Prof Tan Sri Anuwar AliPresident/Vice-Chancellor

YBhg Prof Dr Mansor FadzilSenior Vice President

YBhg Prof Ir Dr Rosli HamirVice President(Learner Management & Campus Development)

Repin IbrahimVice President(Business Development & Human Resource Management)

Che Omar Ahmat @ AhmadFinancial Controller/Bursar

Kamariah Mohd NoorGeneral Manager/Registrar

Prof Dr Ahmad HashemGeneral Manager (Technology)

Prof Ramli BahroomGeneral Manager (Corporate Planning)

Editorial TeamAdvisorYBhg Prof Tan Sri Anuwar AliPresident/Vice-Chancellor

Chief EditorKamariah Mohd NoorGeneral Manager/Registrar

EditorYBhg Datin Teh Raqamah AbdullahDirector, Corporate Relations Unit

Associate EditorsAssoc Prof Hazidi Abdul HamidFaculty of Education & Languages

Rahmah DaudManager, Corporate Relations Unit

Siti Farina Sheikh MohamedFaculty of Education & Languages

Norfardilawati MusaFaculty of Applied Social Sciences

Azeezah Jameelah Mohd MohideenSenior Executive, Editorial Unit

Fatimah IbrahimSenior Executive (Quality Assurance)

All rights reserved. No part of this pulication may be used or reproduced in any form orby any means, including but not limited to electronic or mechanical photocopying,recording or by any information storage or retrieval system or otherwise, withoutprior agreement and written permission from the publisher.

WriterGowri VenkatesanSenior Executive, Corporate Relations Unit

PhotographerAzizan JamaludinCorporate Relations Unit

Contact Us:OPEN UNIVERSITY MALAYSIAJalan Tun Ismail, 50480 Kuala LumpurTel: 603.2773.2045 Fax: 603.2697.8825E-mail: pro@oum.edu.my

OUM Today is published by Open University Malaysia,a member of METEOR Group of Companies.

www.oum.edu.myThe electronic version is accessible at

Making Ripples, Creating Waves taying stagnant and static has never been the intention of OUM since we appeared on the education scene in 2001. Instead, we have made it our topmost priority to constantly reinvent ourselves so that from time to time, we have new ideas to offer to our target audience. These ideas are not just new; they are projected to help make learning a happier, easier and more enjoyable task for our learners.

Our motto, “University for All” displays to the world our commitment to make education accessible to the masses as much as possible. All these years, this motto has served us well. However, recently we felt it was necessary to supplement this motto with another tagline that could convey our passion for lifelong learning.

Consequently, a committee was formed to come up with viable suggestions. These were discussed thoroughly before a few were shortlisted and presented to the OUM management. As we value our staff’s views in the things we do, the shortlisted suggestions were then presented to the entire staff body to choose the one they liked best. The majority of them chose “University for All: Opening Minds, Transforming Lives.”

We could not help but agree with their choice. It aptly describes how our University could play a key role in providing education that could open people’s minds to new horizons and new possibilities as well as transform their lives to become more meaningful and productive. We hope you will like our new tagline as much as we do.

Technology has been an important leverage in achieving our aims. We have been using Web-based tools and electronic devices to provide programmes that could be accessed wherever a learner may be. In fact, we envision a virtual classroom at one’s fingertips. This is becoming more and more of a reality as we have now ventured into providing mobile learning. We find this thrilling – our learners could not only use a handphone to converse and send SMS, they could even use it to study.

Conferences constitute another area where we are making our presence felt. In March, we attended the First International Conference on E-Learning and Distance Learning in Riyadh. It brought together e-learning experts and practi-tioners from all over the world. It was an opportunity for us to present our views on the issues and challenges facing e-learning in the context of an open and distance learning institution. It also allowed us to provide some solutions on how to use e-learning; reap maximum benefits from its use. Besides sharing our knowledge, we also learnt a lot from this meeting of minds.

In August, we will be holding the Ninth International Conference on Information (ICI9) in Kuala Lumpur. We are delighted to be co-organisers together with Esterhazy Karoly College (Hungary), Cadi Ayyad University (Morocco) and Delta Academy of Science (Egypt). This Conference will explore new technologies and media in which borderless learning can be encouraged. Specifically, the Conference will cover a number of themes such as open learning, mobile learning, e-learning, emerging technologies and learning assessment.

Suffice to say, the journey towards knowledge never ends. Both education providers and learners have to consistently and continuously enhance what they know. After all, learning is not just for a few years. Learning is lifelong and never ending.

Professor Tan Sri Anuwar Ali

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02 OUM Today Issue 58 • April 2009

President’s Quill

From left - Dr Tripat Narayanan, Koh Soo Ling, Prof Abtar Kaur, Prof Tan Sri Anuwar Ali,Dr Asma Abdullah and Sharifah Maria

he University in collaboration with the Fulbright Alumni Association of Malaysia (FAAM) and Malaysian-American Commission on Educational Exchange (MACEE) recently organised a colloquium on intercultural awareness to enhance inter-ethnic, cultural and religious tolerance in Malaysia.

A diverse group comprising Fulbright scholars, university lecturers, teachers, researchers and members of non-governmental organisations came together to discuss and share their experiences and insights into multiculturalism besides looking into issues that could foster greater understanding and harmony among various races.

YBhg Datuk Prof Mohd Yusof Kasim, Deputy Director General of Higher Education Department, Ministry of Higher Education, who officiated the opening, said intercultural awareness should be inculcated from young to promote understanding and avoid conflicts among people of different ethnic groups.

YBhg Tan Sri Ani Arope, the first recipient of the Malaysian Fulbright Scholarship, in his keynote address, said racial polarisation in schools and institutions of higher learning was more obvious now than before. This has created an elitist racial group who believed that they were more superior than others.

He said in a multicultural society like Malaysia where one’s religion and culture are protected by the Constitution, there should not be race prejudice and religious bigotry. “We recognise that social conflicts are inevitable in our society. It is important that we work out strategies to minimise or divert the effects.”

He added that the country’s cultural diversity should be regarded an asset. “It has intrinsic value for development as well as social cohesion and peace. Harnessing our diversity could be the driving force for development, not only in terms of economic growth but also, towards a more fulfilling intellectual, emotional, moral and spiritual life.”

FAAM President Dr Suseela Malakolunthu, in her closing remarks, outlined the recommendations of the colloquium that should be given due consideration by the authorities. It recommended that multicultural components be included in primary, secondary and higher education curricula to inculcate the idea of multiculturalism in the minds of students.

The colloquium also proposed that the Study Abroad Programme be introduced by the Ministry of Higher Education to expose university students to the cultural diversity of people from other countries.

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03OUM Today Issue 58 • April 2009

Tan Sri Ani Arope delivering his keynote addressProf Tan Sri Anuwar Ali (left) presenting a memento to Datuk ProfMohd Yusof Kasim

Intercultural Awarenessfor A Better World

A Passion for the Printed Word

obbies make for a more well-rounded and interesting person. It can also provide insight into the character of a person. In a recent interview, Prof Dr Mansor Fadzil, Senior Vice President, spoke about his most favourite hobby – reading. He reads academic literature, fiction and general knowledge books. He also favours technology-based reading materials, especially on cars and aeroplanes. He is fascinated by the latest engines developed by international motor and aircraft companies. In addition, Prof Mansor is impressed with the service provided by international airlines, such as Emirates Airlines and Singapore Airlines. “Their ability to exceed customer expectations is something I want OUM to emulate,” he said.

One of his favourite books is The Autobiography of the Wright Brothers, which chronicles how the two inventors developed the world’s first aeroplane. Cars and aeroplanes have intrigued Prof Mansor since young. His very first book was filled with pictures of cars. He also reads at least one book on aeroplanes each month, thereby acquiring a vast knowledge on them. He is capable of holding long conversations on various aeroplane models, engine type and capacity. Religious books, especially the translation of the Qur’an, are also read regularly by Prof Mansor. “The Qur’an is a book of incomparable beauty and perfection. If you read it carefully enough, you will find that many of the things stated in the Qur’an have been scientifically proven,” he said.

The book which has left the biggest impression on Prof Mansor is Don’t Be Sad by ‘Aaidh ibn Abdullah al-Qarni. It advises on how to overcome sadness with a pragmatic and satisfying Islamic outlook on life. It also teaches how to deal with the trials and tribulations of this world. “Because of this book, I am now more at peace with myself and my surroundings. I have learned to accept people as they are. This book has also helped me to cope with the many challenges of life,” Prof Mansor said. He recommends Don't Be Sad as a must read for all Muslims.

For history buffs, he suggests The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History by Michael H. Hart. “The biggest surprise was that the author named Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as history’s most influential individual, above the other 99, most of whom were Caucasians,” he said.

Another book which left a great impact on Prof Mansor is The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. The computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon University in the United States had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. In his book, he shared his thoughts on living, chasing dreams and seizing every single day as if it were one’s last. Prof Mansor also reads leadership and management books, such as The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. On average, Prof Mansor reads one or two books a month. We may wonder where he finds the time to read considering his busy schedule. He said, “I wake up at

H 5am every day to read. I also read at night and while travelling. It is not that easy at home because I like to spend time with my children.”

So what draws Prof Mansor to reading? “Reading keeps the mind sharp and exposes it to new words and ideas. We can learn so much by reading. I often think about the things I discover from books and try to apply that knowledge for self-improvement,” he answers.

Does he have any advice on how Malaysians can nurture the reading habit? Motivation is the key, says Prof Mansor. If you are motivated, reading will be something you do effortlessly and with much pleasure. According to him, it is important to look for books that interest us and to gradually build a reading habit from there. Apart from the obvious academic advantage, Prof Mansor believes reading helps one to develop an inquisitive mind. It does not matter what type of reading materials you prefer. Be it novels, biographies or science fiction, you can never go wrong with reading.

06 OUM Today Issue 58 • April 2009

Thank You Tun AbdullahI It is with a heavy heart that we at Open University Malaysia (OUM) bid farewell to our fifth Prime Minister. We have extensive contact with you and the times that we have had the honour of your company have been deeply appreciated and fondly remembered. The photograph album on the special occasions we prepared for you speaks a thousand words.

Your term, Sir, has only been a little more than half a decade but it has certainly proven to be an enigmatic time for the nation. We have seen ups and downs; we have seen turmoil and jubilation. Through it all, you have stood as an example of patience and wisdom. It must have been trying for you to see our follies.

Dear Sir, what is the value of a man if not by that which he leaves us? Thus we take this moment to see what we have been taught and, hopefully, learnt during the course of your premiership.

You have taught us that in the beginning and the end we all must hold on to our faith in God and our acts of piety. We are often lost in the hustle and bustle of our daily pursuits and strife. We are frequently blinded by our loyalties to our affiliations and affinities but you taught us that they are all irrelevant if we fail in our ultimate responsibility to the Creator Almighty.

You have taught us that before we can advance as a nation, we must first be free and independent people. We, however, often forget that our freedom and independence come at a price that we are often less than willing to pay. Forgive us for our lack of grace when you remind us of this folly.

07OUM Today Issue 51 • August 2008 07OUM Today Issue 58 • April 2009

Thank You Tun AbdullahYou have taught us that the key to our success is the knowledge that we have to master. We, however, are less than persistent in our efforts to this end. We laze in our comfort zones expecting more than we deserve. We thank you for reminding us of our indolence.

You have taught us that we must strive for a balance: moral, culture, protection of rights, priorities of progress, must all go hand in hand. We are often myopic but you tried to lead us onto the right path.

You have taught us that we can only move ahead if we do it together but we often forget this when we sought only benefits for us and ourselves.

You have taught us that we need to be tolerant but we are often too quick to anger and too fast to lash.

Dear Sir, with this farewell, we apologise for the times that we have not understood: for the times that we have not been able to see beyond ourselves while you sought universality: for the times we were lost in our greed and haste while you were remind-ing us of our humanity and our duties to the Almighty.

We thank you, Sir, for being our teacher.

Positive Learning Experience for OUM Graduates n a survey conducted recently by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), OUM obtained encouraging feedbacks from its graduates. The survey findings among others indicated that 98 percent of the graduates will not hesitate to recommend the University to those who are planning to embark on their tertiary education.

The project called “Tracer Study” targeted students who were at the brink of their graduation. MOHE reserved the rights to the findings that will help gauge graduates’ career opportunities. The survey hosted on MOHE’s portal saw the participation of 181 higher learning institutions.

The project coordinator for OUM, Prof Dr Latifah Abdol Latif, said that among the institutions that took part, OUM stood out as the only open and distance learning (ODL) university. “Due to the nature of OUM’s teaching and learning process, we had to improvise the survey to cater to our needs. We were grateful to MOHE for allowing us to modify the survey.”

Prof Latifah, who is also the Director for the Centre for Student Management was happy with the support from OUM learners. “Out of the 4,506 learners who graduated last year, we managed to entice more than 3,000 to post their feedback. I see this as a great achievement. Usually, people are averse to surveys and it is not easy to get them to fill the form. But this time around, we used a new technique and it worked to our advantage.”

“How we managed this was by requesting the learners to attempt the survey prior to the collection of their graduation robes. As it was an online survey, the learners were able to complete it beforehand and present the slip as proof of participation when they came to collect their graduation paraphernalia. For those who still lagged behind, we got them to fill the form in the computer lab. This is the best way we could think of to obtain sufficient samples without inconveniencing the learners,” she added.

The study, said Prof Latifah, covered six dimensions, namely, curriculum, evaluation system, career guidance, teaching and learning processes, knowledge and skills, and facilities. “The participants answered a combination of objective and subjective questions. For MOHE, the findings facilitated the tracking of graduates’ employability. Conversely, since OUM learners are mostly working adults, the findings enlightened us on their perceptions towards the University.”

“The factor that attracted the graduates most is the flexible learning environment of OUM. They were pleased to be able to work while learning without much constraint. The online learning platform called the Learning Management System (myLMS) was also found to be a boon. Through the myLMS, they got to learn together with their peers and tutors although they were not at the same place.”

Prof Latifah finds such activities crucial for OUM to provide the best of services to its learners. “The majority of our learners juggle work, studies and family simultaneously. Therefore, their needs cannot be equated with those undergoing conventional learning. As each individual is different, so are their requirements. We have created a repository to deposit the findings and use it as a benchmark when new learner-centred activities are initiated.”

According to Prof Latifah, the survey does not end there as measures would be stepped up to track graduates’ career growth on a consistent basis. “We are eyeing the possibility of working closely with the Alumni Relations Unit through which follow-up surveys will be conducted. By doing this, we will be better placed to keep tabs on how our graduates fare in the workforce. If they climb high up the corporate ladder, that will be a good indication that OUM’s hard work has paid off,” she concluded.

Prof Dr Latifah Abdol Latif, Director, Centre for Student Management

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08 OUM Today Issue 58 • April 2009

Participants of the workshop all set and ready to go

Assessment Method Revisited earners look up to universities to help them achieve their potential. In the same vein, universities derive satisfaction from producing quality graduates who could positively contribute towards nation building.

These inspiring words were uttered by Senior Vice President Prof Dr Mansor Fadzil during a recent workshop for OUM tutors entitled “Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) Item Development.”

The workshop, organised by the Centre for Tutor Management and Development (CTMD), saw the participation of close to 150 tutors. The University’s undergraduate assessment system is going through a change by incorporating the MCQ. To cushion the change, a string of activities has been lined up to ensure a smooth transition. The two-day workshop was aimed at bringing together the tutors to set the stage for the development of MCQs. In the past, undergraduates were assessed through sit-in examinations and assignments. Numerous research conducted worldwide showed that MCQ assessment is a viable method to bring out the best in learners. Motivated by the success rate, OUM will adopt this method effective from the May semester. For a start, seven courses will have MCQ exami-nations. The assessment system will be implemented in stages for the remaining courses depending on the rate of adaptability. However, exemption will be given for certain niche courses of MCQ that still require assignments.

The workshop facilitated the tutors to engage in invigorating discussions pertaining to the fundamentals in MCQs. Mr Yap Yee Khiong, a consultant for the Malaysian Examinations Syndicate, served as workshop facilitator. He was engaged by OUM as a consultant for six months to ensure the smooth implementation of the project.

Associate Professor Dr Santhi Raghavan, the Director of CTMD, said as the interface for OUM and its learners, tutors are an integral part of the University. “Our tutors and learners share a good rapport as a result of their interaction during tutorials and online forum. We believe that it would be wise to rope in the tutors in this project as they can give inputs on learners’ academic progress. Our highly qualified tutors have vast industrial and academic experience, therefore we can tap into their expertise and eventually come up with MCQs that help nurture learners’ thinking skills.”

The MCQs, said Dr Santhi, exploit the Bloom’s Taxanomy components that include knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation to produce high calibre graduates who will be valuable to their employers.

L “The job market now is teeming with graduates. Nevertheless, our graduates are special as they are already working but they continue learning to increase their knowledge to climb up the career ladder. As the workforce becomes increasingly competitive, people turn to lifelong learning to survive the challenges. OUM strives to give its learners an excellent learning experience so that their confidence is boosted with the right knowledge,” she concluded.

09OUM Today Issue 58 • April 2009

Associate Professor Dr Santhi Raghavan, Director, Centre for Tutor Management & Development