We welcomed the new year with two staff gatherings.
On 19 January, we had the OUM Townhall 2026 in Klang. It was a moment to pause, celebrate last year’s successes, and look ahead to new possibilities.
President/Vice-Chancellor Prof Dato’ Dr Ahmad Izanee Awang shared a fantastic piece of news: 7,618 new students have enrolled in the January 2026 semester alone. This strong start reflects OUM’s growing appeal nationwide.
Our nationwide Learning Centres were at the heart of this achievement. When Dato’ Izanee asked the Learning Centre directors to stand, the room erupted in applause for the dedication and hard work of their staff.
A lively video montage took us through 52 major events from 2025, from academic milestones to community initiatives, capturing memorable moments that add to our rich history.
Dato’ Izanee also shared the university’s strategic direction, built on four pillars: growth, visibility, sustainability, and harmony. He spoke openly about the forces shaping higher education today, from the rise of digital and lifelong learning to shifting student expectations, reminding everyone that adaptability and collaboration remain central to our success.
OUM also made strides on the global front, with the launch of the OUM International Centre in Kazakhstan. It was established in partnership with ESIL University in Astana, the capital.
Another key highlight was the rejuvenation of Yayasan Canselor, which provides financial aid to deserving learners. Dato’ Izanee encouraged staff to play an active role, whether through voluntary giving, alumni engagement, or supporting students in need.
The event closed with an integrity pledge led by Dr Suhaila Abdul Hamid, Director of the Centre for Quality Assurance, followed by a dialogue with staff.
Earlier, we attended the METEOR Group’s New Year Address at Menara OUM on 13 January. Group CEO Dato’ Naharudin Ali opened with Nelson Mandela’s words: “It always seems impossible until it is done.”
He highlighted METEOR’s steady growth, strong leadership, and dedicated teams, while also introducing initiatives to support staff welfare and workplace wellbeing. The address concluded with a lively Q&A.
This year, we hope to reach many more milestones, with the primary aim of encouraging more Malaysians to engage in lifelong learning to upgrade their education and, ultimately, improve their quality of life.
