KUALA LUMPUR: National women’s doubles shuttler Thinaah Muralitharan has graduated with a Bachelor of Education (Teaching English as a Second Language) from Open University Malaysia (OUM) on Saturday (Oct 26).
In recognition of her outstanding performance in sports and having represented Malaysia at the Olympic Games, Thinaah was also conferred the sports icon award during OUM’s 28th convocation at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL).
The university's special sports icon award recognises students who have made significant contributions to the field of sports while also excelling academically.
In the same ceremony, social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye was also conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy in Education in recognition for his contributions to the education sector.
Reflecting on his award, he said it was meaningful because it highlights how learning goes beyond grades and scores, and on a broader scale based on lifelong achievements.
“After completing my secondary school education, while many of my peers pursued university degrees, I chose a different path—the school of hard knocks.
“I am delighted that my contributions as an activist have led to this recognition.
“My advice to all graduates here is to embrace the core values of excellence, discipline, integrity, mutual respect, confidence, openness in communication and humility and put them into practice now and in the future irrespective of what profession you are in,” he said, adding that education is more than degrees, it’s about a lifelong journey of learning, growing and giving.
