Some stories transcend walls and deserve to be heard. For three inmates at Kajang Prison, the iron bars did not confine their spirit nor dampen their thirst for knowledge. Known as Siva, Shankar, and Suresh (not their real names), these individuals recently celebrated a remarkable academic milestone by graduating from Open University Malaysia (OUM) during its 29th Convocation Ceremony held at the World Trade Centre (WTC) Kuala Lumpur.
Despite serving long-term sentences, all three men defied the odds to obtain diplomas and degrees, proving that education can flourish even in the most unlikely places.
Suresh, 31, was only 17 when he began serving a life sentence in 2011 as a Sultan’s Extradition Prisoner (TLS). Initially believing his future had ended, everything changed when he sat for the SPM (Malaysian Certificate of Education) in 2014 at Sekolah Integriti Kajang and emerged as one of the top scorers.
“I thought my life was over,” Suresh shared. “But after scoring well in SPM, I was offered the opportunity to pursue a Diploma in Business Management at OUM, fully sponsored by the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (MITRA).”
Today, he is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and hopes his journey inspires other inmates to seek education as a second chance at life.
Shankar, 34, also serving a life sentence since 2018, echoed a similar sentiment. Despite the rigid routines and limited resources of prison life, he managed to complete his diploma and is now enrolled in a degree programme.
“Suresh and I started studying in 2019, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to pause for almost a year and a half,” he said. “When classes resumed online, it was tough, but the officers and lecturers were incredibly supportive. We had access to computers, internet, and study materials. Everything we needed to keep going.”
As his eight-month term nears its end, Shankar dreams of one day running his own business.
For Siva, 36, the journey has been one of rediscovery. He had previously studied abroad but never completed his diploma. After his incarceration began in 2010 with an 18-year sentence, he saw a second chance when education programmes were introduced in the prison.
“With my family’s encouragement, I restarted my diploma and then continued on to complete my Bachelor of Business Administration with Honours,” Siva said with pride. “Now, I’m setting my sights on a master’s degree in Business Administration.”
He credits his success to the unwavering support from his family, prison officers, and OUM lecturers who ensured he had everything he needed, from resources to motivation. Well, this story indeed inspiring!
Source : Astro Awani
Despite serving long-term sentences, all three men defied the odds to obtain diplomas and degrees, proving that education can flourish even in the most unlikely places.
Suresh, 31, was only 17 when he began serving a life sentence in 2011 as a Sultan’s Extradition Prisoner (TLS). Initially believing his future had ended, everything changed when he sat for the SPM (Malaysian Certificate of Education) in 2014 at Sekolah Integriti Kajang and emerged as one of the top scorers.
“I thought my life was over,” Suresh shared. “But after scoring well in SPM, I was offered the opportunity to pursue a Diploma in Business Management at OUM, fully sponsored by the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (MITRA).”
Today, he is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and hopes his journey inspires other inmates to seek education as a second chance at life.
Shankar, 34, also serving a life sentence since 2018, echoed a similar sentiment. Despite the rigid routines and limited resources of prison life, he managed to complete his diploma and is now enrolled in a degree programme.
“Suresh and I started studying in 2019, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to pause for almost a year and a half,” he said. “When classes resumed online, it was tough, but the officers and lecturers were incredibly supportive. We had access to computers, internet, and study materials. Everything we needed to keep going.”
As his eight-month term nears its end, Shankar dreams of one day running his own business.
For Siva, 36, the journey has been one of rediscovery. He had previously studied abroad but never completed his diploma. After his incarceration began in 2010 with an 18-year sentence, he saw a second chance when education programmes were introduced in the prison.
“With my family’s encouragement, I restarted my diploma and then continued on to complete my Bachelor of Business Administration with Honours,” Siva said with pride. “Now, I’m setting my sights on a master’s degree in Business Administration.”
He credits his success to the unwavering support from his family, prison officers, and OUM lecturers who ensured he had everything he needed, from resources to motivation. Well, this story indeed inspiring!
Source : Astro Awani
