KUALA LUMPUR: Award-winning actress Vanidah Imran, 41, is now an English Studies graduate. She obtained her degree yesterday after four years of studies at the Open University Malaysia here.
“I’ve always wanted to pursue my studies at degree level, and since I’ve become an established actress, wife and mother, now’s the right time for it,” said Vanidah, who is married to actor Rashidi Ishak and has two teenage children.
“Rashidi and our children, Mikail and Mariyam, gave me full support throughout my four years of studies. I attended classes at the university on weekends and most of my fellow students were young, working adults.”
On her course content, Vanidah said English Studies encompasses “many subjects related to the English language” and these included social science, psychology, drama, management and journalism.
“It was fun to be in the classroom, or lecture room, once again. My course mates and I did many assignments together, and they were very stimulating.”
Vanidah believes that it is never too late for an entertainer to further his or her studies because education helps build one’s character and is a boost to the bankability of an entertainer.
“Many entertainers abroad are university graduates, and back home we have had a shining example in the late Datuk Sudirman Arshad, who was a law graduate. Education helps better one’s career, and in my case English studies relates to acting,” said Vanidah.
Vanidah’s next step is to pursue a post-graduate course in counselling, and this will be followed by a doctorate in the same subject.
“Counselling covers psychology, and this, too relates to acting. I’m currently searching for the right university which offers this course, and I’m sure I’ll find it soon.”