Wawasan Open University Scholarship Fund to benefit some 1,000 needy adult learners

Kuala Lumpur, -- The Wawasan Open University Scholarship Fund will provide financial assistance to about 1,000 eligible adult learners who are enrolled with the newly launched, charity-backed “people’s university”.

Students who have been admitted to the University’s degree programmes for the January 2007 semester and can show proof of gross household income below RM3,000 per month are eligible to apply for financial assistance.

Students who do not have the minimum requirements for direct entry but have undergone the University’s Diagnostic Test and qualify for admission to its Headstart Programme in preparation for degree programmes are also eligible to apply. 

The Diagnostic Test recognizes related work and learning experiences outside the formal education system. The Headstart programme enhances students’ language literacy, numeracy and learning skills to enable them to successfully undertake degree programmes of their choice.

Speaking at a press conference during the Party Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia Deeparaya Open Day Celebration, Wawasan Open University Council Chairman, YB Dato Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik said,
“The Wawasan Open University Scholarship Fund was established to provide financial assistance to needy adult learners who wish to re-skill and re-train themselves.”

“As the people’s university, we are open to all – our mandate is to widen access to higher education for all Malaysians irrespective of ethnicity, physical disability, gender, age or personal circumstances.”

The University’s fee is among the lowest in the country and the mode of learning is open distance, facilitated by both digital and analogue technologies as well as the mentorship of well-trained tutors.  The programme structure is flexible and tailored-made to fit the lifestyle of busy working adults, so that students undertaking these programmes will not need to sacrifice their career or family commitments.

YB Dato Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik added,

“We have been fortunate to raise RM1 million for this inaugural financial assistance programme.  With this we will be able to provide financial assistance to at least 1,000 students who are enrolled with the University this coming January 2007 semester. We hope that these students will take advantage of this opportunity to further develop themselves and climb the ladder of success.”