LETTERS: To further the lifelong learning agenda, the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) is continuing its Accreditation of Prior Learning (APEL) initiative and, most recently, awarding academic qualifications.
APEL for Academic Qualification Awards (APEL.Q) recognises individual learning through prior experience.
The experience is from the workplace and other forms of learning, namely formal, non-formal, and informal education or continuing professional development training.
APEL.Q is a continuation of APEL's two previous initiatives, namely APEL. A (continuing access to higher education institutions) and APEL.C (credit award based on accumulated experience to obtain credit transfer for courses in the programme).
APEL.Q is a method to ensure equal access, recognition, opportunities, equality and practice in the career advancement of Malaysian citizens, but it can also benefit international students.
The MQA initiative also aims to expand study programmes by granting academic qualifications based on experience recognition.
It encourages more individuals with extensive work experience to acquire academic qualifications through different assessment mechanisms without following conventional study methods.
APEL.Q is also a recognition of academic qualifications for individuals whose experience is assessed as fulfilling the learning outcomes of a fully accredited programme offered by a local institution of higher learning.
APEL.Q, which will be launched soon, requires applicants to have a minimum number of years of work experience at an appropriate level in the relevant field.
The certificate level requires five years of experience; diploma,10 years; advanced diploma, 12 years; master's degree, 20 years; and doctoral degree, 25 years.
There are many advantages of following APEL.Q, such as encouraging working individuals to obtain higher qualifications, avoiding repetitive learning and reducing the cost of education.
APEL.Q makes our higher education system more flexible and comparable with developed countries, which on average have recognised prior learning.
Apart from being one of the methods to create a culture of lifelong learning, APEL.Q will also create a scholarly society that contributes to developing the country's human capital by recognising skilled workers.
All the initiatives will affect the economy and social development of the community and make Malaysia a high-income country.
Professor Datuk Dr Mohammad Shatar Sabran
CEO, Malaysian Qualifications Agency, Cyberjaya
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times