WOU celebrates the success of 805 graduates at 2024 Convocation

Wawasan Open University (WOU) proudly marked a momentous milestone, celebrating the success of 805 graduates during its 2024 Convocation held over six sessions on 23 and 24 November at its main campus. This achievement underscores the university’s unwavering commitment to accessible higher education, particularly for working adults balancing careers, personal lives, and studies.

The graduates, comprising 160 postgraduates and 645 undergraduates, hail from diverse industries, including business, technology, and healthcare. This year’s cohort represents a vibrant cross-section of learners, with 77% under the age of 40, reflecting WOU’s dedication to nurturing future leaders and innovators. Notably, the School of Business and Administration contributed 486 graduates, further cementing WOU’s prominence in business education.

Chief Executive and Vice Chancellor of WOU, Professor Dr Lily Chan, commended the graduates, stating, “Our graduates are living proof that ambition, coupled with opportunity and support, can lead to incredible achievements. WOU is committed to equipping working adults with the tools they need to unlock their potential and excel in today’s dynamic world.”

Recognising Outstanding Academic Achievements

The convocation also celebrated exceptional academic accomplishments, highlighting the university’s commitment to excellence. Several top-performing graduates received prestigious awards, including:

• Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Memorial Gold Prize: Ooi Soo San, a Commonwealth Executive Master of Business Administration (CEMBA) graduate and Business Support Executive at Bayer, was lauded for her academic brilliance and leadership potential.
• Chancellor’s Gold Medal: Kee Guo Hau, a Bachelor of Information Technology (Hons) in Networking graduate and Senior Infrastructure Support Engineer at a multinational firm, exemplified technical expertise and innovation.
• Tun Dr Lim Keng Yaik Memorial Gold Prize: Beh Jia Ai, a Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Accounting graduate, was recognized for her meticulous professionalism as a Tax Executive.
• WOU Best Student Award: Goh Shyh Khye, a Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Logistics and Supply Chain Management graduate, showcased his industry readiness as an Air Pricing Executive at APEX Logistics International in China.

These exemplary graduates embody the values and mission of WOU, setting benchmarks for their peers and inspiring future cohorts.

Honouring a Visionary Leader

A key highlight of the event was the conferment of the Honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree on Dato’ Seri Ir Lai Pin Yong, a luminary in the global semiconductor industry. His transformative leadership has not only advanced the sector but also significantly influenced talent development and education, both locally and internationally.

Dato’ Seri Ir Lai’s recognition serves as an inspiration to graduates, reinforcing the importance of visionary thinking and impactful contributions to society.

Paving the Way for Lifelong Learning

As WOU continues to evolve, its focus remains on meeting the demands of the digital economy through innovation and technology integration. By offering flexible learning opportunities, the university equips working adults with the skills needed to excel in dynamic fields such as STEM, business, and logistics.

With over 8,800 alumni now part of its thriving network, WOU’s mission of inspiring lifelong learning and empowering individuals to achieve their ambitions is more robust than ever. The 2024 Convocation stands as a testament to the university’s pivotal role in shaping future leaders poised to drive meaningful change.