Our Convocations Through the Years

This year, more than 4,000 learners will complete their journey and become OUM graduates. Even if the Covid-19 pandemic has prevented us from celebrating with our graduates in person, we are still happy to bask in their joy and success!

As a nod to this wonderful occasion, let’s take a look at some of the most memorable moments from OUM convocations through the years.

 

In December 2004, the very first convocation took place at Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur. 456 graduates received their scrolls from the University’s first Chancellor, Allahyarham Tun Endon Mahmood.

 

At the 5th Convocation in 2007, Tun Jeanne Abdullah was proclaimed OUM’s second Chancellor. Tun Jeanne has now been with OUM for 14 years.

 

Convocations are always a joyous family affair, and graduates come from all across Malaysia to celebrate this special occasion with their loved ones. Here, one family from East Malaysia attracted attention at the 6th Convocation in 2008 with their unique traditional wear.

 

At the 15th Convocation in 2013, Allahyarham Haji Kamarudin Uda Menon, then 82, became one of the University’s oldest graduates when he received his scroll for completing the Bachelor of Islamic Studies programme. Since then, many other senior citizens have followed suit, including Wan Zainun Wan Abdul Manan, who was 88 when she graduated in 2019.

 

OUM has always strived to live up to its motto of “University for All”. This has inspired the University’s decision to offer a 50% discount on tuition fees for all physically disabled learners. Here, one proud graduate at the 15th Convocation in 2013 receives her scroll from then President/Vice-Chancellor, Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Anuwar Ali.

 

The OUM-Prisons Department collaboration bears fruit for the first time as three inmates from Kajang Prison receive their scrolls at the 16th Convocation in 2014. This partnership is one of the University’s proudest, and truly represents our commitment to the democratisation of education.

 

If you’re an OUM alumnus, you have something in common with these celebrities! Vanidah Imran (left) graduated with a Bachelor of English Studies in 2015, Dr Soo Wincci (centre) graduated with a PhD (Business Administration) in 2016, and Brian Chen (right) got his Master of Education in 2019.

 

OUM often sends a delegation to celebrate the graduation of learners at our partner institutions. Here, one graduate from the Ho Chi Minh University of Technology, Vietnam, receives his scroll at a special convocation in Ho Chi Minh City in 2015.

 

Our partner institutions also often take part in our local ceremonies, thus lending a truly international flavour to our convocations. In 2015, graduates and officials from Villa College, The Maldives, travelled from Malé to Kuala Lumpur to join us at the 17th Convocation.

 

In 2017, OUM took the 20th Convocation straight to the graduates! Held in six regional locations throughout the country, it was the first time learners did not have to travel to Kuala Lumpur to receive their scrolls. Here, Sabahan graduates celebrated at the ceremony held in Kota Kinabalu.

 

Nursing graduates from one of our most successful international partners, the International Institute of Health Sciences, made the memorable journey from Sri Lanka to Malaysia to take part in our 22nd Convocation in 2018.

 

OUM convocations often involve graduates from our sister institute, the Institute of Professional Development (IPD). In 2018, more than 580 graduates from 60 professional programmes received their scrolls at the 14th IPD Awards Ceremony, which was held right after the 22nd Convocation.

 

Over the years, OUM has recognised the outstanding achievements of several very special people in their respective fields by conferring the highest honour in academia. At the 23rd Convocation in 2019, Datuk Mohd Nor Khalid (Lat) received the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Arts (Creative Arts) for his incomparable contribution to the local cartoon scene.

 

 

By Tengku Amina Munira