NGO Signs MoU with OUM

Pertubuhan IKRAM Malaysia has become the first NGO to collaborate with OUM academically.

An Islamic grassroot organisation focusing on public education and community work, IKRAM signed an MoU with OUM on 28 May. The aim? To promote lifelong learning among its members.

The MoU was signed by OUM President and Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Ahmad Izanee Awang and IKRAM Deputy President Jusni Yusoff. The signing was witnessed by OUM Vice President and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Research) Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Tajudin Md Ninggal and IKRAM Secretary-General Hj Shahrul Aman Mohd Saari.

According to the Chairman of IKRAM’s Committee for Education and Human Capital Development (JKTMI) Ustad Dr Syazalie Hirman Ahmad Najib, part of IKRAM’s educational curriculum includes academic aspects, which need to be implemented more systematically and formally recognised.

“Therefore, OUM has been chosen to provide us with micro-credential accredited short courses to promote lifelong learning. IKRAM is the first NGO in Malaysia to sign an MoU with OUM to offer such micro-credential courses,” he explained.

Micro-credentials are courses from accredited programmes that are offered in smaller learning units. This allows students to focus more on specific topics or learning units according to their suitability and capability. This programme will be fully implemented online through a platform provided by OUM.

Dr Syazalie said IKRAM had a holistic member development programme, encompassing life skills, communication, and humanitarian values. However, a challenge existed in ensuring consistent assessment and knowledge retention among members. To address this, JKTMI spearheaded this collaboration to strengthen members’ knowledge acquisition and provide recognised qualifications.

The agreement enables OUM to put some of IKRAM’s educational modules online. These modules will be officially recognised by the University.

The MoU signing ceremony was also attended by OUM Vice President/Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Business Development) Prof Dr Yon Rosli Daud, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities Prof Dr Fatimah Yusooff, and Deputy Dean Dr Hamidah Mat.