Benchmarking visit by MQA for micro-credential course implementation

From left: Dr Ngeow, Joleena Chong, Juliana Mohamed Salleh, Dr Lim, Prof Rajkumar, Prof Goi, Zakiah, Mohd Makhzani, Asmawarniza, Nor Izumee, Noor Niana, Nur Fasihah and Norbaizurah

The Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) carried out a benchmarking visit to UTAR Sungai Long Campus on 7 August 2023 for the implementation of the Micro-Credential Course (MCC). On hand to receive the delegates was UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min.

Prof Goi welcomed the delegates to the campus and enthused, “The MCC courses offered at UTAR support the professional, technical, academic and personal development of learners.” He also expressed his hope to further improve the MCC at UTAR with the insights provided by the MQA.

Representing MQA were its Director of Accreditation Division (Social Sciences) Zakiah binti Abdul Wahab, Chief Assistant Senior Director of Accreditation Division (Social Sciences) Mohd Makhzani bin Yaacob, Chief Assistant Director of Accreditation Division (Social Sciences) Asmawarniza binti Alias, Assistant Director of Accreditation Division (Social Sciences) Norbaizurah binti Abd Halim, Assistant Director of Accreditation Division (Literature and Humanities) Juliana Mohamed Salleh, Assistant Director of Accreditation Division (Literature and Humanities) Nur Fasihah binti Che Md Azim, Assistant Director of Institutional Audit Division Noor Niana Mohamad Sharin and Assistant Director of Quality Assurance Coordination and Referral Division Nor Izumee binti Ramli.

Representing UTAR at the visit were Academic Quality Assurance and Audit Dean Ir Prof Dr D. Rajkumar, Centre for Curriculum Development and Innovation Head Dr Ngeow Yeok Meng, Centre for Extension Education Director Assoc Prof Ir Dr Lim Jee Hock and Centre for Extension Education Head Joleena Chong binti Mohamad Chong.

The visit aimed to evaluate the level and quality of practices that involved all areas and aspects of the Micro-Credential Course by raising awareness, visibility, institutional profile and reputation, and gaining a strong competitive advantage.

During the visit, Dr Lim delivered a presentation on UTAR’s MCC. He shared the pathway of MCC, the conduct of MCC and other related topics. He said, “Individuals can take MCC as part of an approved educational programme to achieve specific objectives or for professional development, upskilling or reskilling purposes.”

He added, “Upon the completion of MCC, participants will receive the Notice of Results (NoR). They will be awarded the UTAR Malaysian Micro-Credential Statement (UTAR MMS), which enables them to transfer credits if they choose to pursue studies at UTAR.”

Dr Lim (standing) introducing the available MCC

 

Ongoing discussion