OUM Learner for the 3rd Time

I am currently undertaking my third programme at OUM. First the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), followed by the Master of Business Administration (MBA), and now the Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching (PGDT). For me, career growth is a continuous process and requires constant learning. We need new knowledge, skills, and perspectives in order to pursue new opportunities.

As the Head of Paradigm Marketing at Pharmaniaga Berhad, a leading pharmaceutical company in Malaysia, I’m in charge of overseeing business units at the national level, creating new business lines, and launching new products. My job requires me to stay on top of the latest market trends and technologies and constantly innovate to ensure that our products remain competitive in the market.

The BBA which I obtained in 2010 and the MBA I graduated with in 2014 gave me knowledge and skills that have been invaluable in my work as a marketing professional. They improved my problem-solving skills, enhanced my critical thinking abilities, and gave me a broader perspective on business. The networks I gained from these programmes have been instrumental in opening up new opportunities. I have also been able to apply the concepts and theories I had learned in my courses to real-world situations, making me a more effective and efficient marketer.

I did my Doctor of Business Administration at a public university, finishing it this year, and have returned to OUM for the May semester intake of the PGDT, driven by my desire to become a teacher or lecturer sometime in the future.

In my opinion, OUM’s programme structure and curriculum are comprehensive and relevant to the real world. I appreciated the simplicity and clarity of the BBA and MBA course modules. They were well-structured, easy to understand, and relevant to the real world, helping me to apply the concepts I learned to my work. I was so impressed with the quality of the learning materials that I have kept the modules on my bookshelf until now. They serve as valuable references and reminders of the knowledge and skills that I had gained during my studies.

I had enrolled at the Seberang Jaya Learning Centre for both my BBA and MBA. The staff there were very supportive and helpful throughout my studies. One challenge that we faced during my time, before the shift to fully online learning, was classroom shortage, so we attended tutorials at the nearby Polytechnic Seberang Jaya. Despite this, the experience was enjoyable, and I have many fond memories. I look forward to a positive experience as well with the Shah Alam Learning Centre, where I’m currently enrolled for the PGDT.

I firmly believe in the saying, “no pain, no gain”. If you want to achieve something in life, you must be willing to put in the effort and sacrifice some of your time. Believe in yourself and your capabilities, even during difficult times, and stay focused on your goals. With dedication and perseverance, anything is achievable.

It’s true that finding a balance between work, family, and personal pursuits can be challenging. But I believe that lifelong learning can actually enhance this balance by giving us a sense of purpose and fulfilment outside of work. When we engage in activities that promote personal growth and development, we are more likely to feel fulfilled and energised, which can, in turn, improve our relationships and overall quality of life.

Dr Tin Shin Thed, 48
Head of Paradigm Marketing
Pharmaniaga Berhad
Setia Alam, Selangor