The Institute of Professional Development played host to nine officers from the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Education and Cultural Affairs, Sri Lanka from 9th February -11 February 2004. Senior officers especially in the fields of managing finance, procurement and physical facilities development of the Ministry, Provincial officers and Project Management officers had requested for this study tour. The focus of the study tour was to observe practices in School Based Management.

School Based Management represents a deep change in education not simply alterations in the forms and structures of schooling but fundamental reconfigurations of human interactions at every level of the educational enterprise. School based management practices means in Malaysia have to be seen within the parameters of a highly centralized system of education.

Besides the initial conceptual understanding of School Based Management, the Sri Lankan officers were provided the opportunities to see the practices in action at two schools. One was the Putrajaya Secondary School where the school administration showed the visitors the concept of financial

and procurement management within their control. The other school visit was to the Taman Tun Dr Ismail Secondary School which focused on the role of the community in school based management.

From the feedback provided by the visitors at the end of the programme, the study tour achieved its objectives of providing them an improved understanding of the basic concepts, techniques and approaches to school based management as it existed in the Malaysian Education System.

A counseling skills workshop was organized by Human Resource Management from 13th - 15th February 2004 at Shah Alam. It was officially launched by Prof. Dr. Ansary Ahmed, Senior Vice President OUM. The workshop, attended by 30 staff members was specially designed to train them in counseling aspects in order to enhance their service to students. In addition, the course was designed to help participants develop the right attitude and enhancing their knowledge and skills in a working environment.

It is hoped that all participants will fully utilize the knowledge and skills gained at the workshop and further propel them in attaining value added features in the field of education. At the end of the programme, participants were assigned action plans to enhance the effectiveness of human relations and interpersonal communications for a better working relationship at the work place.

A retreat was organized by Human Resource Management from 12th - 14th March 2004 for 40 new staff of Open University Malaysia and METEOR Sdn. Bhd. The objective of the programme was to develop a common understanding of the shared values, mission and vision of the organization and to instill in them a family spirit among employees of the METEOR Group. The retreat was officiated by YBhg. Prof. Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Anuwar Ali, President/Vice Chancellor OUM who also spoke on ‘Roles and Organizational Structure of METEOR and OUM’. Prof. Dr. Ansary Ahmed also contributed with ‘OUM’s Role in E-learning: Building the K-Society’.

Various activities were included in the programme such as lectures, presentation, group activities and also team building games. Through the learning process, participants were exposed on various aspects of management, quality, and objectives of the university. In conclusing and continuing with tradition, Prof. Madya Ramli Bahroom organized a lively sing-song on behalf of the management. Prof. Dr. Zainal Ahmad, Chief Operating Officer of METEOR Sdn. Bhd. gave the closing remarks.

There were more than 800 guests, staff and students at the Dinner. The event began with a welcoming speech by the Director of the Project, Tuan Haji Ishak Yaakub, followed by a speech by YBhg. Prof.Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Anuwar Ali, Vice Chancellor/President of OUM . Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Sri Hj Adnan bin Haji Yaakob officiated the Majlis Malam Gemilang 2004 and pleasantly surprised everyone with a commitment to sponsor the entire dinner.

The President/Vice Chancellor and OUM Management complimented the students for a project well done and hoped that this will be emulated by students from other states with the aim of fostering a close relationship and sense of belonging to OUM.