The needs and welfare of its Students have always been a priority to Open University Malaysia (OUM). Inline with one of the University’s shared values of being caring, a ceremony to present the Takaful Contributions under the Group Family Takaful Plan (GFTP) Scheme to beneficiaries of six OUM deceased Students was held at the Main Campus on 18 August 2005.

The contribution was presented by Tuan Haji Md Azmi Abu Bakar, Chief Operating Officer of Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Berhad to YBhg Prof Tan Sri Datuk Dr Anuwar Ali, President/Vice-Chancellor of OUM who then handed over the contributions to the beneficiaries of Allahyarham Kusymadi Bin Mustafa, Allahyarham Iskandar Bin Ab Kadir, Allahyarham Mahaiza Binti Ayub, Allahyarham Badri Bin Che Wan, Allahyarham Hazanatul Erni Bt Zakhilan and Allahyarham Hafizah Binti Abidin.

The collaboration between OUM and Syarikat Takaful Malaysia

Berhad in various insurance schemes which started since 2002, includes coverage for Students registered with OUM. Beginning April 2005, OUM has then joined in a new scheme; Group Family Takaful Plan which renders a comprehensive coverage that is deemed appropriate and advantageous for the welfare of OUM Students.

YBhg Prof Anuwar said, "I believe the insurance scheme for Students earners registered with OUM is quite generous and that it covers a comprehensive scope which the learners and their beneficiaries can benefit especially when faced with life’s many trials and tribulations.”

Another recipient, Puan Faridah binti Shah Dawood who is a Student at OUM Learning Centre Petaling Jaya has received medical claims amounting RM1,000.00. She underwent a knee surgery and had been hospitalised after a road accident.

The second OUM Book Fest was successfully held at the Main Campus on 1 July 2005. The Book Fest conceptualised the values and importance of literacy, as well as the reading culture through exposure from books and digital collections.

The ceremony was officiated by President/Vice-Chancellor, YBhg Prof Tan Sri Datuk Dr Anuwar Ali, and was attended by invited Guests, members of the media and staff of METEOR Group of Companies. Various activities were held which included exhibition on OUM modules/courseware by the Centre for Instructional Design and Technology, Talk on the concept of Open and Distance Learning at OUM, F-Tec Computer promotions by METEOR Technology, Internet registration by TMNet Streamyx and Info Hunt quizzes conducted by staff of Tan Sri Dr Abdullah Sanusi Digital Library. Membership registration for the Digital Library was also made available for the general public to have access to the wide collection from the Digital Library.

Participating exhibitors also offered discounts up to 30% on selected books of general topics. Exhibitors included companies such as Syarikat Arena Ilmu, Bistari Mediabuku Sdn Bhd, University Book Store Sdn Bhd, Utusan Publications & Distribution, Pekan Ilmu Publications Sdn Bhd, Koperasi Kedaibuku Universiti Malaya Berhad and PV Knowledge Sdn Bhd.