Kuala Lumpur: Three Open University Malaysia (OUM) students who received their degree and diploma scrolls today proved that incarceration is not an excuse for abandoning one’s education. Siva, Shankar, and Suresh (not their real names), inmates at Kajang Prison, were among the graduates celebrated at OUM’s 29th Convocation Ceremony at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Suresh, 31, who has been serving a life sentence since 2011 at the age of 17 as a Tahanan Limpah Sultan (LTS), began his educational journey in prison in 2014 with the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, which he passed with flying colours. He shared his initial thoughts of hopelessness but found a turning point after his success in the SPM, which led to an opportunity to pursue a Diploma in Business Management at OUM, fully sponsored by the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (MITRA). Suresh is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration and hopes his journey will inspire other inmates to seek knowledge.

Meanwhile, Shankar, 34, who earned a Diploma in Business Management, managed to overcome the constraints of prison life and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He recounted how the pandemic forced a halt to their studies for a year and a half, but upon resuming, all classes were conducted online. Despite these hurdles, Shankar praised the support from prison officers and lecturers who provided necessary resources like computers and internet access. With eight months remaining of his sentence, Shankar is optimistic about starting a business upon release.

Siva, 36, serving an 18-year sentence since 2010, shared his journey of completing a Bachelor of Business Administration with Honours, attributing his success to the support from family, prison staff, and educators. He had previously started diploma studies outside prison but did not complete them. The opportunity to continue his education while incarcerated, encouraged by his family, led him to finish his degree and now pursue a master’s degree. Siva expressed deep gratitude for the officers’ assistance in providing materials for his assignments.