KUALA LUMPUR: Globalisation and rapid global digital developments, which have compelled industries to change, also need employees to similarly evolve so that they are not left behind.
Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Institute of Continuing Education and Professional Studies (iCEPS) chief executive Prof Dr Azizul Halim Yahya said those with skills and competence will be the top choice of employers.
"In this case, working experience and a lack of certain skills often hamper individuals including graduates in their quest for employment," he said.
He said the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to a public health crisis, has also impacted the economic sector and the labour market.
He cited a report from the Department of Statistics Malaysia, which showed the unemployment rate dropping to 4.3 per cent in Oct last year compared to May 2020, which was 5.3 per cent.
He however said this was still high when compared to the unemployment rate recorded on Dec 31, 2019, which stood at 3.2 per cent.
Azizul said limited employment opportunities by employers due to wanting to reduce production as well as operating costs were among the factors to an increase in the unemployment rate, apart from field inequality.
"This has subsequently led to higher competition for jobs. This is where micro-credentials play a role in giving added value to candidates to become the choice of employers or remain relevant in their careers," he said.
As such, he said UiTM through iCEPS took a step forward by introducing a micro-credential course on Dec 15, launched by its vice-chancellor Prof Dr Roziah Janor.
This, he added, was in line with the call by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), which wants public universities to be a provider of micro-credential-accredited short-term courses to promote lifelong learning.
"This learning system that supports lifelong learning provides a solution to professionals, who are facing time constraints, in any field to increase their level of competence and expertise.
"We must accept the reality that micro-credential and online learning are the new norms of education today that can help with the nation's sustainability in producing a workforce that is competitive and relevant," he said.
He said micro-credentials courses are accredited programmes offered in smaller learning units, which enables students to focus on the topic or unit according to their suitability and ability.
"In other words, it is a method of strengthening specific upskilling and closing the skill gap. With these additional skills, it will benefit those who are working," he said.
Citing journalists as an example, Azizul said they can take micro-credential courses by studying social media management or social media monitoring systems.
"They can also take technical courses such as photography and video skills.
"Similarly, work that was once done face-to-face in the office, is now done online at home. Here employees can take a course micro-credential in office software to help with their work at home."
He said at iCEPS, 33 micro-credential courses are being offered including technical modules such as Fiber Optic Communication System as well as versatile modules such as Sanitiser Development.
"iCEPS is also moving towards giving recognition to individuals who have completed this micro-credential for credit transfer opportunities for students or individuals studying at UiTM."