From jail to a PhD

History was made at the Open University Malaysia (OUM) 29th Convocation when a former inmate received his doctorate from the varsity's pro chancellor Tan Sri Azman Hashim.
The first graduate to complete his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) studies behind bars, his journey was nothing short of remarkable.
Detained at Kajang Prison in 2001 when he was just 14, M.Y.* walked proudly across the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur stage to receive his hard-earned PhD in Business Administration scroll on May 3.
The 38-year-old, who was held under Tahanan Limpah Sultan, was illiterate when he first arrived in prison.
Undeterred, he taught himself the basics, sat for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) exams, and began his higher education with OUM in 2009.
Over 16 years, he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration, followed by a Masters in Business Administration (MBA), and eventually completed his PhD – all while behind bars. He was granted a royal pardon by the Sultan of Selangor last December.
During the convocation, two senior learners were honoured with the Lifelong Learning Award.
Yusof Haron, 73, from Perak, earned a Master of Islamic Studies, while Tang Tung Khing, 79, from Sibu, completed a Bachelor of Communication with honours – proving that the pursuit of knowledge knows no age limit.
Another standout graduate, Gomathy Sankaran – a Science teacher at SJK(T) Kangkar Pulai in Johor Baru – received her Doctor of Education. With 87 inventions to her name, including herbal hair oil, soap, serum, candles, coffee, as well as organic fertiliser and pesticides, she has won over 220 local and international awards from countries like Canada, Iran, India, South Korea, Sri Lanka and Hong Kong.
Held from May 3 to 7, the 29th Convocation of OUM – a university known for its online programmes tailored for working adults – saw a total of 7,915 graduates receive their scrolls across 10 sessions.
Among them were three Kajang Prison inmates, who earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) and Diplomas in Management – a powerful reminder of education's reach beyond bars.
*Note: Pseudonym used to protect the privacy of the graduate

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