Four inmates at Kajang Prison are rewriting their futures, one page at a time. Despite the confines of their cells, Lim (36), Ah Qiang (36), Xiao Nan (31), and Surya (37) have embarked on educational journeys, earning diplomas and even a master’s degree. (All names are pseudonyms)
Lim, Ah Qiang and Xiao Nan were colleagues in the mobile phone sales business who were convicted of kidnapping and thus far have served 12 years out of their 30-year sentences. Initially, they didn’t consider further education.
“Later, we saw that some inmates were engaged in studies. We realised that if we didn’t study too, we would have no future and no chance to reform ourselves,” they shared.
With familial support, they enrolled in OUM’s Diploma in Management programme in 2019, enduring a rigorous 5-day, 5-hour-a-day schedule, disrupted only by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Studying in prison was very challenging, especially with limited access to the Internet,” they admitted. “But as there were no temptations or entertainment, we could focus more on our studies.”
Having graduated at the 28th Convocation last month, they are now pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.
Meanwhile, Surya was imprisoned for 12 years on kidnapping and assault charges. Once an accounting assistant, he was devastated by his conviction. However, with the support of his family and friends, he found comfort in education. “It was with their encouragement that I decided to study while serving my sentence,” Surya said.
He obtained his bachelor’s degree in 2022 and now has obtained a Master of Business Administration. Instead of ending his academic journey, Surya is now pursuing a doctorate. With 4 years remaining in his sentence, he aspires to work in the transportation industry.
These four inmates show how education can brighten even the darkest places, even behind the walls of a prison.
