WAWASAN Open University (WOU) is partnering with the Penang government and the Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC) to award 12 full scholarships to deserving students pursuing undergraduate and master’s degree programmes at WOU.
The 12 full scholarships are worth up to RM700,000.
WOU chief executive and vice-chancellor Prof Dr Lily Chan said under the WOU-PWDC banner, the university would be awarding three scholarships for eligible Malaysian women residing in Penang to pursue higher education.
“And to further support our local communities in Penang, we are awarding nine scholarships exclusively to Malaysians born and residing in Penang. Six of these scholarships are for students enrolling in the bachelor’s degree programmes offered by our School of Digital Technology, while the remaining three are for students enrolling in other WOU programmes.
“WOU aims to open doors to higher education for all, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances.
“We offer an alternative pathway, a second chance for many who missed out on tertiary education due to various reasons.
“Our direction is driven by three strategic pillars – Core and Continual Education, Community and Industry, and Culture,” she said in her speech during the opening ceremony of the Special Scholarship Sponsorship Ceremony by WOU for Penangites at WOU today.
Prof Chan said the university’s scholarship selection committee, together with representatives from the Penang government and PWDC, would be involved in the awarding of the scholarships.
“The selection will be done relatively soon, hopefully, next month, as soon as the applications come in,” she added.
State Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim thanked WOU for taking the initiative to empower women in Penang through education.
“Through this collaboration, WOU is awarding scholarships to residents of Penang, both men and women, to pursue higher studies.
“WOU’s financial support to deserving learners in Penang will enable them to enhance their socio-economic standing. This, in turn, opens doors to improved employment prospects and careers,” Lim said.
Lim said the award of scholarships is most welcomed as it enables aspiring learners, especially those facing challenging financial circumstances, to hold firm to their dreams of obtaining their university education.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the scholarships, comprising two distinct categories, underscore the emphasis on inclusivity and skills development.
“They signify a targeted approach to addressing educational and gender disparities.
“This progressive stance aligns with our collective ambition to empower our citizens and equip them with the skills needed to thrive in a progressive world.
“In recognition of the evolving technological landscape, WOU has also taken significant steps by establishing the School of Digital Technology (DiGiT) and announcing the forthcoming launch of the School of Technology and Engineering Science (STE).
“These initiatives are indicative of WOU’s foresight and responsiveness to the demands of the digital era. They pave the way for learners to acquire essential skills that are crucial for their success in the contemporary workforce,” Chow said.
He added that graduates must emerge not only with degrees but also with profound skills that align with industry requirements in this era of technology-driven transformation.
“The transformative shift demands an ongoing process of upskilling and reskilling, wherein micro-credentials and concise professional courses assume a critical role.
“The symbiotic connection between academia and industry continues to be essential in shaping graduates who are prepared for the workforce,” he added.
Also present were WOU George Town Institute of Open and Advanced Studies chairman Tan Sri Andrew Sheng Len Tao, Wawasan Open University Sdn Bhd chairman Datuk Seri Stephen Yeap and PWDC chief executive officer Ong Bee Leng.
For more details on the scholarships, e-mail [email protected] or visit wou.edu.my
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Siew Chia En
Video by Law Suun Ting