About Open University Malaysia
Open University Malaysia (OUM), established in 2000 as Malaysia's first open and distance learning university, is dedicated to providing accessible higher education to working adults and non-traditional students. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur with a significant learning center in Kuching, Sarawak, OUM offers flexible programs in fields like business administration, information technology, education, and health sciences. The university's mission emphasizes lifelong learning, innovation in e-learning, and inclusivity, making it a pioneer in open education in Southeast Asia. Key achievements include enrolling over 190,000 students since inception and partnerships with international institutions for research and program development. OUM's Kuching center supports local communities in Sarawak by offering blended learning modes, combining online resources with face-to-face tutorials. For more details, visit the Open University Malaysia Website. Explore related opportunities in Academic Jobs in Malaysia, Academic Jobs in Sarawak, and Academic Jobs in Kuching.
OUM's history reflects Malaysia's commitment to expanding educational access, starting as a consortium of 11 public universities before becoming a private entity under METEOR Sdn. Bhd. The university has grown to include over 30 learning centers nationwide, with the Kuching facility serving as a hub for East Malaysia. Notable for its accreditation by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency, OUM focuses on quality assurance in distance education, earning recognition for innovative pedagogy. Campus locations emphasize virtual environments, supplemented by physical centers like Kuching for practical sessions and student support. This setup attracts diverse learners, including professionals balancing careers and studies. For academics, OUM provides a dynamic environment for research in open learning methodologies and digital education tools.
In terms of key departments, OUM excels in the Faculty of Business and Management, Faculty of Education and Social Sciences, Faculty of Information Technology and Multimedia Communication, and Faculty of Science and Technology. These departments drive programs aligned with industry needs, such as MBA offerings and IT certifications. The university's emphasis on research includes collaborations on sustainable development and digital transformation, relevant to Sarawak's economy. Job trends at OUM highlight a demand for experts in online curriculum design and educational technology, reflecting global shifts toward remote learning post-pandemic. With a focus on inclusivity, OUM supports underrepresented groups, enhancing its appeal for faculty interested in impactful teaching.
Notable faculty include Prof. Dr. Ahmad Izanee Awang, the President and CEO, known for leadership in higher education policy, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norbani Che Ha, an expert in marketing with publications on consumer behavior. These leaders contribute to OUM's reputation for academic excellence. For professor ratings and insights, check Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Open University Malaysia
Faculty job opportunities at Open University Malaysia are abundant, particularly in high-demand areas like information technology, business management, and education. As a leader in open and distance learning, OUM seeks professionals skilled in e-learning platforms and curriculum development. Recent trends show a surge in roles for lecturers in digital education and research fellows focusing on sustainable development, aligned with Malaysia's national priorities. For instance, professor positions at Open University Malaysia often involve designing online courses for adult learners, with opportunities in the Faculty of Science and Technology for STEM experts. Higher education jobs at Open University Malaysia include tenure-track roles, where candidates with PhDs and teaching experience are preferred. Lecturer roles at Open University Malaysia emphasize flexibility, allowing faculty to engage in remote instruction from locations like Kuching.
Research jobs at Open University Malaysia are growing, especially in collaborative projects on AI in education and environmental studies. Academic careers at Open University Malaysia offer competitive benefits, including professional development funds. Salary ranges, based on 2025 data, start at RM 4,000-6,000 for assistant lecturers, rising to RM 8,000-12,000 for senior lecturers, and RM 15,000+ for professors, influenced by experience and department. In Sarawak, these figures may adjust for cost of living. To explore Open University Malaysia academic opportunities, visit AcademicJobs.com's Higher Ed Jobs section filtered by the university. Rate professors at Open University Malaysia via Rate My Professor to gain insights into faculty quality.
Key departments hiring include the Faculty of Business and Management, where roles in finance and entrepreneurship are prominent, and the Faculty of Education, focusing on pedagogy for distance learners. Job trends for 2025 indicate increased demand for experts in cybersecurity and data analytics, with OUM partnering with industry for applied research. Faculty jobs at Open University Malaysia provide a blend of teaching and innovation, ideal for those passionate about accessible education. Salaries in Open University Malaysia academia are competitive, with bonuses for research outputs. For detailed listings, check Lecturer Jobs and Professor Jobs on AcademicJobs.com.
Pursuing academic careers at Open University Malaysia means contributing to a university that values diversity and lifelong learning. With over 100 programs, faculty have ample scope for interdisciplinary work. Explore related opportunities in Academic Jobs in Sarawak and Academic Jobs in Kuching.
Lecturer in Information Technology
Focus on e-learning tools; salary RM 5,000-8,000. 💼
Assistant Professor in Business
Develop online MBA courses; salary RM 6,000-10,000. 💼
Research Fellow in Education
Study distance learning impacts; salary RM 7,000-11,000. 🔬
Senior Lecturer in Science
Lead sustainability projects; salary RM 9,000-13,000. 💼
Why Work at Open University Malaysia
Working at Open University Malaysia offers unique advantages for academics, including flexible schedules that support work-life balance and opportunities to impact non-traditional students. The university's focus on innovation in distance education provides faculty with cutting-edge tools for teaching and research. Career prospects are strong, with pathways to leadership roles and international collaborations. Unique benefits include access to professional development programs and a supportive environment for research in open learning. In Kuching, faculty enjoy Sarawak's cultural diversity and natural beauty, enhancing quality of life. Explore why academic careers at Open University Malaysia are rewarding through Higher Ed Career Advice.
OUM's commitment to inclusivity fosters a collaborative atmosphere, with faculty contributing to national education goals. Research opportunities abound in areas like digital transformation, offering grants and partnerships. Compared to traditional universities, OUM provides more autonomy in course design, appealing to innovative educators.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Open University Malaysia
Salaries for faculty at Open University Malaysia are competitive within Malaysia's higher education sector, influenced by rank, experience, department, and location. Based on 2025 research, entry-level assistant lecturers earn RM 3,500-5,500 monthly, while lecturers receive RM 5,000-8,500. Senior lecturers can expect RM 8,000-12,500, associate professors RM 10,000-15,000, and full professors RM 15,000-20,000 or more, including allowances for research and housing. Departments like IT and Business often offer higher pay due to demand, with bonuses for publications. In Sarawak, salaries may include regional adjustments. Factors affecting pay include qualifications, years of service, and performance metrics. For comparisons, visit Professor Salaries on AcademicJobs.com. 📊
Compared to other Malaysian universities, OUM's salaries are on par with private institutions, though public universities may offer more stability. Experience plays a key role; mid-career faculty with international publications can negotiate higher rates. Location in Kuching provides cost-of-living benefits, making net income attractive. Trends for 2025 show salary increases tied to digital skills, reflecting OUM's e-learning focus. Faculty in research-intensive roles benefit from grants, supplementing base pay. This guide helps job seekers understand earning potential in Open University Malaysia academia.
Additional perks include health insurance and retirement contributions, enhancing overall compensation. For tailored advice, explore University Salaries. Salaries vary by contract type, with full-time roles offering security. 📍
| Rank | Salary Range (RM/month) | Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Lecturer | 3,500-5,500 | Entry-level, Master's required |
| Lecturer | 5,000-8,500 | PhD preferred, teaching experience |
| Senior Lecturer | 8,000-12,500 | Publications, department head |
| Associate Professor | 10,000-15,000 | Research grants, leadership |
| Professor | 15,000-20,000+ | International recognition |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Open University Malaysia
Discover and rate top educators at Open University Malaysia using AcademicJobs.com's Rate My Professor platform. This tool helps students and academics evaluate teaching quality, course difficulty, and overall impact. Ratings aid in course selection and recognize excellence in programs like business and IT. ⭐
Prof. Dr. Ahmad Izanee Awang
Department: Leadership; Rating: 4.8/5 - Praised for strategic insights in education policy.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norbani Che Ha
Department: Marketing; Rating: 4.7/5 - Engaging in consumer behavior courses.
Dr. Santhi Raghavan
Department: Education; Rating: 4.9/5 - Innovative in distance learning methods.
Prof. Dr. Latifah Abd Manaf
Department: Environmental Science; Rating: 4.6/5 - Expert in sustainability research.
Dr. Chiam Sun Wei
Department: IT; Rating: 4.8/5 - Strong in cybersecurity and e-learning.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Raemah Abdullah Hashim
Department: Business; Rating: 4.7/5 - Focuses on management strategies.
Career Progression at Open University Malaysia
Career progression at Open University Malaysia follows a structured path from assistant lecturer to professor, with emphasis on tenure-track for research-active faculty. Starting salaries at RM 4,000 evolve to RM 15,000+ with promotions based on publications and teaching evaluations. Professional development includes workshops on e-learning. Research funding supports grants in key areas like digital education. Learn more at Higher Ed Career Advice.
University-specific factors include mentorship programs and international conferences, fostering growth in open education.
Research and Innovation at Open University Malaysia
Research at Open University Malaysia focuses on digital learning, sustainability, and health sciences, with centers like the Institute of Research and Innovation. Trends for 2025 include AI in education and green technologies. Funding comes from government grants and partnerships. Explore Research Jobs.
Collaborations with global universities enhance opportunities in Sarawak.
Resources for Open University Malaysia Academics
- Professional development via e-learning workshops. 🎓
- Faculty unions for advocacy and benefits.
- Health and retirement packages.
- Research grants for innovative projects.
Student Life and Perspectives at Open University Malaysia
Student life at Open University Malaysia is flexible, with online resources and Kuching center events. Programs lead to strong career outcomes in business and IT. Use Rate My Professor for professor selection.
Resources include career counseling and alumni networks.