Micro-Credential Programmes: A New Paradigm of Upskilling

Technology is changing rapidly resulting in the need for upskilling more regularly in order to keep abreast of the ever-changing needs of employers. This has given rise to the emergence of Micro-Credential Programmes (‘MCP’) which afford flexibility, industry-focused content and the best of all, credit recognition towards relevant academic programmes by institutions of higher learning.

Micro-credential programme is a means for anyone who has the interest to learn specific skills as part of one’s professional development and earn a microcredential at the end of the programme. MCP enables those especially working professionals who have less inclination to commit 3 or 4 years of full-time undergraduate studies for a university degree qualification to seek for other viable options which are modular and add value to their professional experience. MCP promotes lifelong learning, recognise non-Formal Learning and is stackable to gain academic qualification subject to the credit transfer policy of respective institutions of higher learning.

As an institution that strongly promotes lifelong learning, Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (‘TAR UC’) has also developed its own MCPs which are very technology-centric. For starters, there are 3 MCPs conducted by TAR UC namely:

1. Micro-Credential in Artificial Intelligence
2. Micro-Credential in Database Management (in line with Oracle Academy Database Design and Programming with SQL curriculum)
3. Micro-Credential in Introduction to Information Technology (in line with CompTIA A+ professional certification and Cisco Networking Academy IT Essentials curriculum)

Leveraging on its strength as a Premier Digital Tech University (‘PDTU’) recognised by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (‘MDEC’), TAR UC dedicates its resources and facilities towards delivering industry-relevant MCPs. MDEC is also very supportive of PDTUs in providing MCPs to further equip the workforce to drive digital economy.

“The digital economy is evolving at breakneck speed and upskilling is crucial to stay ahead in this digital era. MDEC continues to work closely with Malaysia’s Premier Digital Tech Institutions to encourage the development of microcredential programmes for the Malaysian workforce. We would like to congratulate TAR UC for pioneering these digital tech micro-credential programmes,” said Dr Sumitra Nair, Vice President for Digital Talent Development.

Going forward, more technology-based MCPs such as big data analytics are in store for the public. TAR UC has recently established a Centre of Excellence for Big Data Analytics (BDA) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), in collaboration with MDEC and strategic industry partners. With the establishment of the Centre of Excellence, TAR UC is committed to training digital tech talents in the area of big data analytics and artificial intelligence to meet the demands of Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR 4.0).

Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei, President of TAR UC, stressed TAR UC’s MCP as an avenue for lifelong learning which is in line with its motto of “Beyond Education”. “Our world changes so fast that we have to also constantly update and improve ourselves. Our micro-credential programmes aims to serve this purpose which also perfectly fit into our motto of Beyond Education”, Prof Ir Dr Lee said.

For more information about the MCPs offered by TAR UC, please contact TAR UC Centre For Continuing And Professional Education at 011-1075 8530 (mobile) or email to [email protected]. Information on TAR UC MCPs can also be found at https://www.tarc.edu.my/cpe/micro-credential/