Pioneer PhD graduates invited to OUM's Jan 2011 Gathering

The OUM's pioneer PhD graduates were specially invited to attend the first staff assembly for the year 2011. The letter of invitation were specially prepared and signed by its President and Vice Chancellor, Emeritus Prof. YBhg Tan Sri Dr Anuwar Ali.

Photo with President of OUM. From left: Dr Baljinder, Dr Wong, Dr Lum, Tan Sri and Dr Aminah

It was a very special occasion both for OUM and the graduates. The guest of honor was Dato' Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar, our Malaysian first astronaut. It was special because this was the first time OUM has invited graduates to attend its Staff Assembly, which happened to be the first assembly for the year 2011. Among the graduates present include Dr. Baljinder Singh, Dr. Sia Mal Kong, Dr. Wong Siaw Ming, Dr. Lum Heap Sum, Dr. Aminah and Dr Richard Ng.

Tan Sri Anuwar presenting the meritorius award to Dato' Dr Sheikh Muszaphar

For the graduates, it was an opportunity to meet in person our very first astronaut and to hear him sharing his personal experience through his talk entitled "Having the Right Attitude towards Excellence". According to Dato' Dr. Sheikh, his achievement culminated from his years of hard work, passion, dare to take risk and fear of nothing except God. He explained how he was selected from among 11,425 applicants and later shortlisted to 4 and finally became the first astronaut.

Dr Richard and Dr Aminah with astronaut, Dr Sheikh

It was his passion and his dreams. To him dreams are possible if you can overcome fear. It was a very interesting talk with video clips shown on his 12-day stay at the International Space Station.

The book autographed by Dato' Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar

Dr Lum receiving a souvenir from Tan Sri President

To the graduates, this occasion is considered a home coming event and get together session after their convocation held in November 2010. They met the faculty members and also the top management of OUM. They were also treated to a brunch attended by all staff and our astronaut. The President of OUM then presented each and every one of the graduates an OUM Jacket, a CD and a book written by our astronaut.

Dato' Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar then signed the autograph of his book of each of the graduate.

The pioneer PhD graduates having discussion on future plans before their departure

To the management of OUM especially to the President of OUM, Tan Sri Dr. Anuwar Ali, we are grateful for the invitation and appreciation shown.