Ten students from Penang received full scholarships for their studies at WOU, pursuant to the University’s collaboration with the state government and Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC).
The total amount of sponsorship for the 10 recipients, who had enrolled in the September 2023 intake, was approximately RM345,000. Applications for the scholarships opened in August 2023, to enable eligible candidates from Penang, especially from the lower income households, to pursue their academic dreams.
Of the 10 recipients, four female students came from PWDC, while six from the State’s “Education Bureau”.
A recipient through the PWDC channel, 20-year-old Yarshini Karunagaran entered the Diploma in Early Childhood Education (DECE) programme through Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). The Convent Light Street School alumna is a preschool teaching assistant and aspires to become a teacher one day. Her single mum, Parameswari Vijaysundram, who is also a student of WOU in the Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Psychology (BAPS) programme, is a nurse at an international school. “Working in a kindergarten has truly ignited my passion to be a teacher because I want to encourage children (to) realise their true potential,” she said.
Another recipient, Tan Lih Ling, 28, a tutor, is studying for her Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Management (BBMG) degree at WOU. Married with a young son, her father is a lorry driver and her mum a full-time homemaker. She is actively involved with NGOs, volunteering at orphanages and old folks’ home. The degree is her pathway to becoming a business entrepreneur. She stated, “With this degree, I can improve myself for my career and contribute to society in the future.”
A recipient through the State’s “Education Bureau”, Ng Chuen Chuen, 36, is the Head of IT at Synergy Central Academy Sdn Bhd as well as an IT lecturer. His father is retired and mum a full-time homemaker. He is enrolled in the Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) (BDSE) programme at WOU. He shared, “Through my experience in teaching and working in the field of computer networking, I have come to realise the paramount importance of programming skills in the modern IT landscape.”
Another recipient, Siti Rahana Awang, 31, is a tutor at Synergy College. She is the sole breadwinner in her family, supporting her homemaker mum and unemployed brother, since her father is deceased. She enrolled in the Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Management programme, adding, “This degree represents the realisation of a dream that has fuelled my passion for education and business for years.”
Penang Chief Minister, Chow Kon Yeow, graced the presentation ceremony of the 10 students at the WOU main campus on 11 December 2023.
He said that collaboration between WOU, PWDC and the State Government “reflects our shared dedication to expanding access to higher education, particularly for those facing economic challenges in Penang”. He added, “Today’s event is more than just the awarding of scholarships; it signifies our joint dedication to breaking down barriers, empowering individuals, and envisioning a future where talent thrives irrespective of economic constraints.”
He continued, “Regrettably, individuals from low-income households are often compelled to forego higher education prematurely to enter the job market, either to support their families or alleviate financial burdens. This dilemma underscores the significance of scholarships as beacons of opportunity, guiding individuals to acquire skills, enhance their employability, and unlock their latent potential. In doing so, we not only empower them but also contribute tangibly to a reduction in the nation’s unemployment rate.”
He stressed, “Higher education serves as the key for many to break free from the cycle of poverty, and through financial support, we take significant strides toward narrowing the talent and economic gap, not only in Penang but across the entire nation.”
He urged more “stakeholders to join hands in crafting and implementing solutions that will shape the future of our education and workforce development, in keeping with the Penang2030 vision”. He stressed, “Together, let us build a foundation for a future where education is accessible to all, and our workforce is equipped to meet the evolving challenges of a dynamic world.”
WOU Board of Governors Chairman Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, in his welcoming speech at the ceremony, said, “I would thank the Chief Minister, the Penang State Government and PWDC for their support and collaboration with WOU in expanding higher education opportunities and access to more Penangites.”
He commented, “As a progressive open, flexible, distance learning (OFDL) institution, we have always prioritised capacity building and human capital development, focusing on the upskilling and reskilling of talents. To date, nearly 30,000 students have experienced WOU’s innovative model of OFDL and the vibrant WOU learning community continues to grow.”
He revealed that the funds came from donors to WOU. He also announced that WOU is offering another batch of scholarship awards, again under the same arrangement, in collaboration with the Penang State Government and PWDC, to deserving Penangites for the upcoming January 2024 intake.
He urged those interested to quickly submit their applications to the State Government, PWDC or directly to WOU.