Azizan Osman issue: Richworks will seek explanation from UM

Azizan Osman, a motivational speaker and owner of Richworks Group of Companies, would seek explanation from the University of Malaya (UM) on the issue of his controversial doctorate in entrepreneurship, supposedly obtained from the university.

Richworks, in a Press statement posted Azizan's Facebook page yesterday, stated that they view this matter seriously.

"We have sought further clarification and and the outcome of the inquiry will be communicated once the process has run its course.

"We acknowledge the inconvenience this may cause, nonetheless, we are committed to continue to deliver the highest value to our clients and partners."

The statement added that the matter would be addressed "as efficiently as possible."

Yesterday, UM had in a statement stressed that the institution had never issued a PhD in Entrepreneurship to Azizan, contrary to what the speaker alleged on his biodata page on Richworks' website.

"The university would like to draw the public's attention regarding the status of the honorary doctorate in entrepreneurship that was claimed to have been conferred by UM to Encik Azizan Osman as highlighted by social media sites.

"The university would like to stress that we have never conferred an honorary doctorate in entrepreneurship to Encik Azizan Osman.

"We hope this explanation answers all of the public's confusion on the matter," said UM.

Established in 2008, Richworks Group of Companies, which was founded by Azizan, acknowledges itself as a leading seminar organiser in Malaysia.

The seminars, conducted by Azizan, mostly relate to starting up businesses and how to make money.