Open University Malaysia (OUM) celebrated its 5th year of establishment since its inception with the Open Day 2005 and 48th Merdeka Celebration at its Main Campus on 27 August 2005. This would make it the second event of its kind to be held at the University.

The ceremony was officiated by YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ Azman Hashim, Chairman of Arab-Malaysian Corporation Berhad (AMBANK). This would make the first official event for YBhg Tan Sri as Pro Chancellor of the University.

“With the current development and progress in education today, it is only appropriate that today’s event focuses on the concept and theme of Lifelong Learning," said Tan Sri Azman Hashim during the lauching Ceremony. He added, “Globalisation has increased the emergence and advances of information technology and communication thus allowing easy access to information. Learning is becoming increasingly important especially with new skills and knowledge to be obtained in both formal and non formal manner."

He further commented that one of the several reasons contributed to the unemployment among graduates today was their lack of communication skills and poor command of English, a factor that is important especially in the business/private sector.

He further added that with the establishment of OUM’s School of Lifelong Learning which conducted courses to cater for these specific needs, those graduates who are currently still looking for employment are encouraged to look into the possibilities of what OUM’s School of Lifelong Learning has to offer.

Participation was open to the public with special guests from members of Sahabat KLFM. Various activities were held including Colouring Competition for Children, Info - Quizzes, Sports Competition such as Futsal and Netball as well as a variety of outdoor activities. Exhibitions, academic forums and food stalls were also available.

Inline with the OUM Open Day 2005 theme of Lifelong Learning, several short courses, workshops, seminars and forums were made available by OUM’s School of Lifelong Learning. Participation comprised several invited organisation and institution such as MINDEF - Sekretariat Tentera Darat, Jabatan Perpaduan dan Integrasi Nasional, KEMAS, Persatuan Pesara Kerajaan Malaysia, Watson Whatt (M) Sdn Bhd, Tabung Haji, Post Office, Takaful Malaysia Berhad and Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur