GEORGE TOWN: The Wawasan Open University (WOU) aims to emulate the high standards of its distance-learning counterparts in the United Kingdom, India, Hong Kong and Singapore.

WOU council chairman Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik said the university would offer quality degree courses in line with the government’s aspiration to enhance human capital development.

“The availability of face-to-face contact with lecturers after working hours and during weekends provides tutorial support to students.

“This accessibility to our academic staff will enable working adults to fulfil their ambition of life-long learning,” he said after inspecting the site of the WOU’s new main campus along the millionaire’s row in Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah here yesterday.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is expected to open WOU on Jan 19.
The new semester will start on Jan 22.

Expressing his satisfaction with the building structure, Dr Lim said WOU’s primary objective was to spur the working population to continue honing their skills to improve their marketability in seeking employment.

Dr Lim said WOU registered 1,062 students during its maiden intake this year.

He added that the university forecast an enrolment of 2,000 students over the next two semesters.

In addition to its four regional learning centres in Penang, Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur and Johor Baru, WOU will open new branches in Kota Baru and Malacca next year.

Courses available under the five-year part-time study programme are Business Studies and Information Communication Technology.