Wawasan Open University

Wawasan Open University

Infobox_University
name = Wawasan Open University


tagline = The People's University
established =
type = Private
vice_chancellor = Tan Sri Emeritus Professor Gajaraj Dhanarajan
students =
location = Penang, Malaysia
campus =
website = http://www.wou.edu.my/

Wawasan Open University is an institution of higher education based in Malaysia that allows adult students to pursue tertiary level qualifications through Open Distance Learning (ODL).

The concept of ODL entails educational training and instruction that does not require a student to be physically present for classes. The learning process is achieved instead through content that is transmitted electronically, over the telephone, by teleconferencing, pod casting, on-line communication and traditional print material.

At WOU, students are also able to attend weekend tutorial sessions and meet instructors at the five regional centres it currently operates in key cities in the country.

WOU is the only private, not-for profit open learning institute in Malaysia. The university is supported extensively by the Wawasan Education Foundation (WEF), a charitable body.

The university works with global organisations including the Commonwealth of Learning, the education arm of the Commonwealth of Nations, and the Commonwealth Educational Media Centre of Asia (CEMCA) to develop learner-centred programmes tailored for open learning.

History

The idea of a private, not-for profit virtual university in Malaysia was made public for the first time at the annual National Delegates’ Conference of Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia (PGRM) in July 1999. The PGRM, or Gerakan as it is better known, is a component party of the ruling Barisan Nasional (National Front) coalition in Malaysia. The idea was announced by Gerakan’s then president, Dato’ Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik.

In March 2000, the Gerakan Education Foundation - later renamed Wawasan Education Foundation (WEF) - was established as a tax-exempt charitable foundation to promote lifelong education to the public. The fund received a substantial donation from the family of Yeap Chor Ee, a prominent tycoon and philanthropist who had donated a large portion of his wealth to fund the running of private schools and educational development in the state of Penang.

In June 2002, eight experts in open and distance learning were commissioned to prepare a detailed proposal for the establishment of an Open and Virtual University of Malaysia (OVUM). The report was submitted to the foundation in 2003.

A revised proposal for the establishment of the Wawasan Open University was submitted to the Ministry of Higher Education by WEF in June 2004. The Minister of Higher Education invited WEF in January to plan for the setting up of Wawasan Open University College (WOUC).

MOHE then granted approval in July 2005 for Wawasan Open University College to be officially established and for Tan Sri Emeritus Professor Gajaraj Dhanarajan to be appointed Chief Executive as well as Vice-Chancellor of the University College.

Wawasan Open University College was formally registered under the Private Higher Educational Institutions Act 1996 in June 2006. It started its inaugural academic semester in January 2007, and opened its administrative headquarters and main campus at the site of the heritage-listed Homestead Mansion in Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Penang, in January 2008.

Affiliations and Accreditation

The university’s programmes are certified by the Malaysian Qualification Agency (AKM) of the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia.

The university is also affiliated through strategic alliances with international institutions, including Hong Kong Open University, SIM University (Singapore) and Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (India).

Wawasan Open University also collaborates with the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), the education arm of the Commonwealth of Nations, to provide the Commonwealth Executive MBA (Business Administration) and MPA (Public Administration) programmes in Malaysia.

Schools and Programmes

"School of Business and Administration"

Wawasan Open University's School of Business and Administration aims to develop and disseminate business management knowledge to fulfill the needs of the business community. It offers comprehensive business programmes in management, accounting, banking and finance, sales and marketing, and business information systems. The programmes emphasize work-based learning approaches and link business management theories with practice.

In line with the university’s flexible, self-paced learning environment, the School provides flexible course structures that offer broader learning opportunities to working adults who want to study for accredited qualifications or for self-enrichment.

Bachelor of Business in Accounting (Hons)Bachelor of Business in Banking and Finance (Hons)Bachelor of Business in Business Information Systems (Hons)Bachelor of Business in Management (Hons)Bachelor of Business in Sales and Marketing (Hons)

"School of Science and Technology" The School of Science and Technology offers five interesting programmes that reflect the current state of information and electronics technology. Such technology is vital for the hi-tech industrial sector to achieve success in a highly competitive globalised business environment.

Bachelor of Technology in Computer System and Networks (Hons)Bachelor of Technology in Computing and Intelligence Systems (Hons)Bachelor of Technology in Electronic Commerce (Hons)Bachelor of Technology in Electronics (Hons)Bachelor of Technology in Information and Communication Technology (Hons)

"School of Foundation and Liberal Studies"

The School of Foundation and Liberal Studies (SFLS) conducts two categories of courses for all students. They are University compulsory and LAN (Lembaga Akreditasi Negara) compulsory courses. SFLS provides a Headstart Programme to enhance students' readiness for tertiary study before they embark on degree programmes at the University. In addition, SFLS offers several Foundation courses to further consolidate students' basic knowledge and competency.

The SFLS is also in the process of developing other programmes on lifelong learning. These include short and long term courses and degree programmes for individuals, the community, industry and not-for-profit organisations. The courses are designed to help people enrich their knowledge, living skills, and to upgrade and enhance workplace skills and competencies.

"Centre for Graduate Studies"

The Centre of Graduate Studies is currently offering Commonwealth Executive Masters Programmes. The Commonwealth Executive Masters of Business Administration (CEMBA) recently received approval from the Ministry of Higher Learning (MOHE) and the National Accreditation Board (LAN), and are now open for enrolment.

Developed as a collaborative programme with the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), Canada and a consortium of four participating universities in Asia, this programme is designed to help busy working professionals in Malaysia to get an in-depth grasp of management principles as well as develop skills to increase efficacy in the highly competitive global business environment.

CEMBA Advantages• Focus on experiential learning• Courses supported by selected case studies specifically tailored to help working students apply what they have learnt to their current jobs• Global content localized to suit local industries and environment• Constant interactivity and connectivity through WOU’s Learning Management system supported with threaded discussion forums, video conferencing, online and face-to-face tutoring and intensive executive programme workshops.

Centres

Main Campus54, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah10050 PenangTel : ++6-04-2289323Fax : 04-226 9323Email: enquiry@wou.edu.my"

Penang Regional OfficeNo.7 China Street Ghaut10300 PenangTel : ++6-04-2633323/2625359Fax : ++6-04-2623669Email: ro_pg@wou.edu.my

Ipoh Regional OfficeWisma Gerakan80 Persiaran Green Hill30450 IpohPerakTel : ++6-05-2426323/2436323Fax : 05-2549 323Email : ro_ip@wou.edu.my

Kuala Lumpur Regional & Learning OfficeLevel 3 Menara PGRM8 Jalan Pudu Ulu56100 CherasKuala LumpurTel : ++6-03-92817323/92838323/92847323Fax : ++6-03-92849 323Email : ro_kl@wou.edu.my

Johor Bahru Regional Office17&19 Jalan Jaya 2Taman Jaya81300 SkudaiJohorTel : ++6-07-5564323/5566323Fax : ++6-07-5549323Email : ro_jb@wou.edu.my Kota Bharu Regional Office3956 Tingkat Bawah, Wisma GerakanJalan Temenggong15000 Kota BharuKelantanTel : ++6-09-7487323Fax : ++6-09-7489323Email : ro_kb@wou.edu.my


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужно решить контрольную?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Open University Malaysia — Not to be confused with Wawasan Open University. Open University Malaysia Universiti Terbuka Malaysia Logo of the Open University Malaysia Motto Universiti Untuk Semua: Membuk …   Wikipedia

  • University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus — Coat of arms of the University of Nottingham Motto Latin: Sapientia urbs conditur …   Wikipedia

  • University of Malaya — Universiti Malaya 马来亚大学 மலாயா பல்கலைக்கழகம் マラヤ大学 Coat of Arms of UM Motto in English Knowledge is the Source of Progress …   Wikipedia

  • Monash University Malaysia Campus — Monash University Sunway campus Motto Ancorā impāro I am still learning Established 1998 Type Foreign university President Professor Robin Pollard Location …   Wikipedia

  • Multimedia University — Logo of the Multimedia University Motto in English Bridging Boundaries, Connecting Minds Established 1996 (as a university) Type …   Wikipedia

  • National University of Malaysia — Coat of Arms of National University of Malaysia Motto in English Knowledge Guides Established 1970 …   Wikipedia

  • Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences — Kolej Universiti Sains Perubatan Cyberjaya Motto Nurturing the Passion To Care Established 23rd October 2005 Type Private University College President Dato Abu …   Wikipedia

  • Curtin University of Technology Sarawak Campus — Curtin University Sarawak Campus Motto Look Ever Forward Established 1999 Type Private Vice Chancellor …   Wikipedia

  • Management & Science University — Management and Science University Emblem of the Management and Science University Motto University of Choice Established 2001 Type P …   Wikipedia

  • National Defence University of Malaysia — Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia Seal of the National Defence University of Malaysia Motto Kewajipan, Maruah, Integriti …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”