From Sabah with Sky-High Dreams

“Kenny, I am planning to further my studies at university.”

I remember the day my wife, Dezee Daniel, told me she wanted to continue her studies. That’s when it hit me – maybe it was also my time to pursue higher education. After thinking it over for a while, I decided to enrol at OUM.

I took up Bachelor of Management (BIM) in 2013 and graduated with honours in 2017. However, my educational journey didn’t stop there.

After roughly a year’s break, I wanted to further enhance my education portfolio. So, in 2019, I began my MBA journey. The following year, not only did my wife graduate with a nursing degree, I also became an MBA graduate. I must express my deep gratitude to my employer, Suriagroup, for supporting me through its Continuing Education Programme (CEP), which made all of this possible.

Right now, I’m working towards my Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and should graduate next year. I’m pursuing a DBA because it’s becoming increasingly popular, and the knowledge I gain can be applied in various areas of business. I’m also hoping for career growth through a comprehensive education in business administration and leadership.

When I think about what I like most about studying at OUM, three things stand out: (i) the freedom to learn at my own pace and in my own space through online learning; (ii) the various financial options that make paying study fees more manageable; and (iii) the support of experienced and helpful tutors.

Thanks to online learning, I could communicate with my lecturers and coursemates in different ways. It has also taught me how to work with people who aren’t near me and to adapt to changes more easily.

Kenny Lai, 43

Senior Executive, Sabah Ports