Latest news with #MalaysianQualificationsAgency
Daily Express
17 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Malaysian Qualifications Agency launches new TVET and academic articulation guidelines in Malaysia
Published on: Tuesday, August 12, 2025 Published on: Tue, Aug 12, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: Ahmad Zahid praised industry-oriented curricula and new programmes in Data Science and Cybersecurity. - Bernama pic Kuala Lumpur: The Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) has rolled out new guidelines to facilitate seamless transitions between Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and non-TVET academic programmes. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi highlighted the initiative's goal to remove structural barriers for TVET graduates seeking advanced degrees. Advertisement He said, 'I would like to thank MQA for agreeing to approve the Master of Professional Practice and Doctor of Professional Practice at Levels 7 and 8 of the Malaysian Qualifications Framework (MQF).' Ahmad Zahid described the move as a game changer in Malaysia's education landscape. He added, 'This reflects our commitment to producing highly capable and world-class talent.' The initiative ensures TVET pathways remain on par with traditional academic fields without compromising quality. Ahmad Zahid emphasised the importance of globally recognised graduates across all industrial sectors. He spoke at the MQA Awards 2025 ceremony, attended by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and MQA CEO Professor Datuk Dr Mohammad Shatar Sabran. The Articulation Programme allows Malaysian Skills Certification holders to pursue higher education. Ahmad Zahid, who chairs the National TVET Council, stressed the need for swift adaptation to IR 4.0 and AI advancements. He said educational institutions must ensure curricula stay relevant and research remains impactful. Graduates must develop future-proof skills like computational thinking and data literacy, he noted. Ahmad Zahid praised industry-oriented curricula and new programmes in Data Science and Cybersecurity. Strategic collaborations with global tech firms will help develop future-ready education, he added. He cited growing international accreditation for Malaysian programmes as a sign of progress. Private institutions contribute through flexible curricula and industry partnerships, he said. Ahmad Zahid expressed confidence in Malaysia's appeal as a global education hub. He concluded, 'Malaysia will continue to be a destination of choice for international students.'
The Sun
18 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
MQA launches new TVET and academic articulation guidelines in Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) has rolled out new guidelines to facilitate seamless transitions between Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and non-TVET academic programmes. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi highlighted the initiative's goal to remove structural barriers for TVET graduates seeking advanced degrees. He said, 'I would like to thank MQA for agreeing to approve the Master of Professional Practice and Doctor of Professional Practice at Levels 7 and 8 of the Malaysian Qualifications Framework (MQF).' Ahmad Zahid described the move as a game changer in Malaysia's education landscape. He added, 'This reflects our commitment to producing highly capable and world-class talent.' The initiative ensures TVET pathways remain on par with traditional academic fields without compromising quality. Ahmad Zahid emphasised the importance of globally recognised graduates across all industrial sectors. He spoke at the MQA Awards 2025 ceremony, attended by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and MQA CEO Professor Datuk Dr Mohammad Shatar Sabran. The Articulation Programme allows Malaysian Skills Certification holders to pursue higher education. Ahmad Zahid, who chairs the National TVET Council, stressed the need for swift adaptation to IR 4.0 and AI advancements. He said educational institutions must ensure curricula stay relevant and research remains impactful. Graduates must develop future-proof skills like computational thinking and data literacy, he noted. Ahmad Zahid praised industry-oriented curricula and new programmes in Data Science and Cybersecurity. Strategic collaborations with global tech firms will help develop future-ready education, he added. He cited growing international accreditation for Malaysian programmes as a sign of progress. Private institutions contribute through flexible curricula and industry partnerships, he said. Ahmad Zahid expressed confidence in Malaysia's appeal as a global education hub. He concluded, 'Malaysia will continue to be a destination of choice for international students.' - Bernama
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Zahid: TVET no longer last resort for higher education
KUALA LUMPUR: Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is no longer considered a last resort in pursuing education. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said this was reflected in the rising number of applicants each year and the existence of an accredited masters and doctorate programme for professional practice. "Today, Alhamdulillah, TVET has come a long way in dispelling the outdated perception that it is a last resort in pursuing education. "In the context of the Malaysian Qualifications Agency's (MQA) regulatory oversight, for the first time, Malaysia has introduced high-level TVET — namely, TVET at the masters and doctorate levels. "I would like to express my gratitude to MQA for approving the Master of Professional Practice and the Doctor of Professional Practice at Malaysian Skill Certificate (SKM) levels seven and eight. "This reflects MQA's highly contemporary mindset, actions, and practices — and it is precisely why I felt it was essential to attend tonight's event," he said in his speech at the MQA awards. Zahid said TVET graduates can now progress to the highest academic levels without structural barriers. "We are determined to place TVET on equal footing with other academic fields, without compromising quality or standards, with the aim of producing graduates sought after across all industries, both locally and internationally," he said. Zahid, who is also the rural and regional development minister said that the government was in the midst of amending the National Skills Development Act 2006 to provide a pathway for TVET graduates to pursue acadmic pathways.
The Star
10-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
‘Move beyond siloed thinking'
WITH the world changing at an unprecedented pace, the resulting uncertainty calls for fresh perspectives on education, leadership and innovation, said HELP University chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Paul Chan. He pointed to the 'transition nexus' – where experiential learning, artificial intelligence (AI) and circular economy principles intersect – as the central framework to guide these shifts. 'We cannot solve the problems of our country – and certainly not the world – unless we move beyond siloed thinking. 'This is no longer the age of monodisciplinary or interdisciplinary work. We have entered the era of transdisciplinary learning. 'Learning must move beyond information transfer to become a dynamic journey of identity formation,' he said during his welcome address at the 24th HELP University Annual Convocation Strategy Symposium in Kuala Lumpur on April 26. The symposium brought together thought leaders, policymakers, educators and industry practitioners to explore how AI-driven experiential learning, circular economy principles, and cross-sector collaboration among government, universities and industry can drive innovation in an era of uncertainty. Chan said experiential learning forms the foundation for both lifelong and life-wide learning, enabling a transformation in how young people are educated and professionals are upskilled. He added that leadership – the only 'compass' available in uncertain times – must remain fluid. 'It must be an exadaptive leadership – prudent, exponential, and capable of rearranging existing resources to solve problems that have not yet emerged,' he said. He also urged educators, policymakers and industry leaders to embrace a shift from experiential to experimental learning. 'With an understanding of experimental learning, we can then recognise that AI is not frivolous; in fact, it is rigorous. We must learn to master this tool,' he said. Beyond knowledge transfer Malaysian Qualifications Agency chief executive officer Prof Datuk Dr Mohammad Shatar Sabran, who delivered the keynote speech, emphasised the need for action – challenging institutions to become architects of transformative, lifelong and life-wide learning. Drawing on the metaphor of an architectural structure, Prof Mohamed Shatar articulated a vision of education in which the 'pillars' represent foundational values – resilience, critical thinking and ethical reasoning – while the 'roof' signifies the overarching aspiration of nurturing responsible, future-ready citizens. He emphasised that in today's fast-shifting landscape, education must no longer be viewed as a linear conveyor belt of knowledge transfer. Instead, he said, it must foster flexible, holistic individuals capable of navigating complex and unknowable futures. 'Experiential learning models based on the '3Ls' – Learn by Listening, Learn by Seeing, and Learn by Doing – are important. 'Why teach photosynthesis in a classroom when you can sit under a tree and examine a leaf? 'Learning doesn't need to be confined to four walls,' he stressed, citing examples from Korea and Japan, where students engage in outdoor, hands-on learning activities, reinforcing knowledge through experience rather than rote memorisation. He further underscored the importance of differentiation through innovation for Malaysia to position itself as a global education hub and stand out as 'bold, flexible and innovative'. 'That difference must stem from how we teach and how our students learn,' said Prof Mohammad Shatar, who also witnessed the signing of three memoranda of understanding (MoUs) during the symposium, aimed at facilitating HELP's global expansion. The first MoU was signed with China's Hunan University of Technology to establish the Institute of Future Technology and Design, dedicated to advancing AI-driven entrepreneurship. The aim is to position Malaysia as a centre for packaging technology, which plays a key role in eco-technology development for waste recycling. The second was with the Global Education Advancement Group, a former Nasdaq-listed company, to provide technical and vocational education and training-driven upskilling programmes that support workforce development. The third partnership was with the Australian Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) to offer competency-based training tailored to the demands of the evolving financial ecology. Gamifying lessons Like Prof Chan and Prof Mohammad Shatar, Gamify Lab chief creative officer Erik Moltgen also advocated moving beyond passive knowledge transfer. Moltgen 'We must move towards active, engaging learning environments. Design is as crucial as content,' he said. Noting the synergy between gamification and AI, he said the latter enables the creation of more immersive, personalised and efficient educational experiences than ever before. There is, however, a divide in how people perceive AI – one that is often generational and economic, he opined. 'Parents view gaming as a distraction or the opposite of work. But I see games as a powerful ally to learning,' he said, referencing how games like chess have historically been used to develop strategic thinking. He added that gamification – using game mechanics to enhance learning – can play a key role in addressing the current crisis in motivation. 'Universities have long relied on extrinsic motivation, but that's declining. 'Forty years ago, a degree was enough to secure a job. Now, even with a degree, experience and diplomas, graduates are competing in a saturated market,' he said during a panel discussion alongside IPA chief executive officer Andrew Conway, International Council for Small Business chairman Prof Dr Ki Chan Kim, and Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants advocacy and professional standards director Terence Lam. Policy as a catalyst Malaysian Investment Development Authority sustainability division director Syed Kamal Muzaffa Syed Hassan Sagaff identified policy as the structural base enabling collaborative innovation, particularly in emerging fields like AI. He cited the Malaysia Artificial Intelligence Nexus 2024 as a concrete example of policy in action, aimed at promoting AI development across various sectors. The initiative seeks to unite AI experts, universities, businesses and government agencies to create a cohesive ecosystem for AI advancement. 'That is what we are talking about – cross-sector collaboration. 'Malaysia already has the right policies and government oversight in place to enable cross-sector innovation – especially in AI. 'Now, success depends on industry and academia actively joining the effort to bring that policy to life,' he said during a panel discussion that also featured HRD Corp chief strategy officer Dr Rony A Gobilee, HELP University Institute of Crime and Criminology director and professional chair Datuk Seri Dr Akhbar Satar, and Transparency International Malaysia president Raymon Ram offering perspectives on how strategic policy frameworks are shaping Malaysia's future. Echoing Syed Kamal Muzaffa, Rony reinforced the importance of policy-driven partnerships at both national and regional levels. He said platforms such as HRD Corp's e-learning aggregator, e-LATiH, reflect a future-facing approach to experiential and lifelong learning. 'Policy should not only be made available, but also accessible. 'This is part of our strategic plan development. We work together with industry,' he said, adding that HRD Corp is currently focused on closing gaps within industry to help create high-paying jobs, support technology adoption, and ensure a sustainable learning ecosystem. Highlighting the need for cross-border collaboration to scale these efforts beyond Malaysia, he said boundaries should not limit opportunities to learn from one another. 'We are looking at the Asean level, where industries in Malaysia are no longer confined by borders in terms of talent and competencies,' he said, adding that Asean countries share common interests – skills consistency, talent mobility, inclusive growth, regional collaboration, and strong public-private partnerships. Looking ahead, Rony said Malaysia would leverage its Asean chairmanship to promote leadership and skills exchange across the region. 'This year, we aim to organise a skills exchange programme through Asean leadership, enhancing the value proposition for all member countries,' he said.
Malay Mail
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
MQA ensures standards, not course decisions, says Higher Education Minister
MANJUNG, April 27 — Local universities are free to determine their own courses, says Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir. Zambry said universities have been granted autonomy, with the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) only tasked with ensuring that any course offered meets the established standards. 'I have not been informed that all public or private universities must follow the mould set by the Higher Education Ministry (KPT) or the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). It is not the role of MQA to decide whether a course can be offered. 'MQA is only responsible for ensuring that any course to be offered by a university meets the required quality and standards, but it is not the final decision-maker,' he said. He said this after officiating the closing ceremony of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia's (UTM) TechnoXplorer 2025 programme at SMK Ahmad Boestamam here today. Earlier, former higher education deputy minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah had called for public universities to be given greater autonomy and for bureaucratic barriers to be reduced to enable Malaysia's higher education institutions to thrive. Saifuddin reportedly said that while the MQA played an important role in maintaining academic standards and course accreditation, the agency's slow processes and bureaucratic red tape had caused the country's academic sector to lag globally. Meanwhile, Zambry said there was no issue of universities not being given autonomy as alleged, because it was the universities themselves that determined their courses before submitting them to the MQA. 'Each course must be discussed at the MQA level for approval because quality control is important. However, MQA only acts as a guide for universities to ensure that new courses offered are not hastily or poorly developed,' he said. He added that regulatory oversight regarding implementation and curriculum was a normal process to ensure that public universities remain important institutions for educating Malaysians at the highest level. — Bernama
