GEORGE TOWN – While many education institutions struggle to implement online learning, a private university is on its way to becoming a force to be reckoned with in this sphere.
Established as an institution for working adults, Wawasan Open University (WOU) in Penang has, for decades, invested in connectivity technology to drive its long-distance learning modules.
It offers courses that tailor to the needs of students, especially those from the working class, who want to acquire new skills to compete in an increasingly globalised world.
More importantly, the varsity also provides students with the right skills to survive the Covid-19 pandemic.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Lily Chan previously told The Vibes about a new trend where youth are opting to work before pursuing their tertiary studies, so as to upgrade their skills.
This is due to uncertainties in the job market, the evolving ways in which to work and perform, and the time needed to find the right vocation.
WOU highlighted the need for students to better understand the gig economy in light of the pandemic.
Senior lecturer Lee Heng Wei of the newly established School of Digital Technology said the gig economy is based on flexible, temporary or freelance positions, often involving individual short-term business contracts.
“The corporate world is now trending towards embracing the gig economy to reduce their operating costs and to meet project needs.”
The gig economy was brought on by the pressure of not only having to cope with operating costs, but also management costs and talent replacement.
Gig jobs have helped many earn extra income to make it through an economic downturn.
Those with fewer skills and a low education level are at a disadvantage when they take on odd jobs in the gig economy.
“It has created an urgency to equip the country’s workforce with a higher level of education and technical skills,” said Lee.
However, the ecosystem has its issues, including tax collection, as it has no formal hiring system.
In line with its digitalisation drive, WOU hosted a virtual graduation last November for 684 students.
They comprised 614 graduates from open distance learning programmes – 500 undergraduates and 114 postgraduates – with the rest from on-campus programmes.
The event also featured the inaugural batch of 56 students who received their diploma in early childhood education.
WOU graduates, who hail from across the nation, are aged between 21 and 72, with 61.4% being women.
Among the graduates are directors, human resources staff, lecturers, principals and teachers, accounting employees, managers in the marketing, supply chain, project, factory and sales sectors, engineers, IT executives, technicians, clerks, flight attendants and police personnel. – The Vibes, February 17, 2021
