I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the graduates who have successfully completed their studies and will be awarded the Bachelor's degrees in Management, Business Administration, Information Technology and Information Technology and Management; and Diplomas in Management and Information Technology in the Second OUM's Convocation Ceremony. Having gone through all challenges and hurdles, your sacrifices have finally borne fruit and your family will surely be proud of you.

OUM commences its operation in 2001 with an initial intake of 753 students with a vision of 'becoming a leader and pioneering open learning'. Currently the total number of students has reached almost 40,000, the majority of whom are adult learners, thus fulfilling OUM's vision.

The rapid increase in student intake and with the use of the 'blended pedagogy' coupled with the

success of its first group of graduates both in the academic field and their respective professions, indicating that OUM has succeeded in its mission.

Currently, OUM has moved a step further, by expanding its academic programmes internationally. For example, it has forged cooperation with Universitas Riau, Indonesia; University of Science & Technology, Sana'a, Yemen and Arab Open University, Bahrain for programmes in Master in Management, Master in Business Administration and Master in Information Technology.

It is my ardent hope that your success today will create impetus in pioneering other fields and building your resolve and determination for future undertakings, while at the same time prepare to contribute to society and the nation."

On this happy occasion, allow me first congratulate all the graduating students. Today you will walk tall with pride. The scroll that you will receive is a testimonial of the commitment and sacrifices that both you and your loved ones have made.

Not so long ago, you had embarked on this journey for a better future. Today your journey has reached a significant milestone and I believe you will soon be busy working on the next stage of your progress towards success in life.

Today, I understand is also a historic day for OUM as we celebrate the first batch of graduates from the Master programme. For the pioneering graduates, I am especially pleased that you have choosen OUM to pursue your aspirations; at a time when the university just began to operate.

I would like to express my gratitude to OUM for inviting me to be the first Pro Chancellor. It is great honour that I will cherish dearly.

When I was first approached by OUM last year, what fascinated me of the Open University at that time, was the first mission statement. OUM positions itself as the leading contributor in the democratisation of education in this country. It is a very noble cause and is the basis of what OUM is today.

In making education accessible to all, I noted that OUM has looked into the barriers that surround the higher education landscape today, and researched and studied the best practices of Open & Distance Learning (ODL) institutions worldwide.

These barriers can be in the form of technology, entrance qualifications, mode of delivery, conventional academic rules and regulation and perceived quality of ODL degrees.

Worldwide, the ODL mode of learning is fast gaining popularity due to its flexibility. The growth of the knowledge economy has forced us to seek knowledge in order to excel at the workplace. With the advent of technology the ODL mode of learning is convenient as it allows one to learn, earn a living and raise a family at the same time.

ODL institutions are very concerned about achieving the highest quality for their graduates. As an example, the Open University UK has been ranked as the 5th best UK university in terms of teaching. OUM though is only 5 years old, has been quoted in the UNESCO report as having innovative and good ODL practices in Asia and the Pacific, putting us on par with leading ODL institutions of the world. The report covers among others, the use of e-learning platform, one-stop centre for student services, tutor-student ratios as weel as accreditation and ISO certification.

With the implementation of the Open Entry Admission, as recently announced by the Ministry of Higher Education, OUM is now providing greater access to higher education, thus testifying to our slogan, "University for All."

I am confident that OUM will continue to be committed and passionate in its mission. To all the graduates that OUM is producing today, even though a large percentage of you are already gainfully employed, I hope that you will make use of the learning experiences gained during your studies and contribute towards nation building. This is a true measure of your success. Your journey should not stop here. I understand that some of you have already enrolled into other higher degree programmes at OUM. This is very commendable indeed.

To the graduates of 2006, today you have proven that nothing is imposible if one has the willpower, passion and the comitment to create one's own destiny. You have broken the barriers that others only dare to dream, i.e. having to study and work at the same time.

Now, after 5 years in operation with close to 40,000 students from all over the country and other parts of the world, with diverse backgrounds and cultures, OUM has also truly broken the barriers. I am indeed proud to be part of this team. "