SEPANG, Oct 9 (Bernama) -- Malaysia ranks second worldwide for search interest in micro-credentials, according to Google Trends data, reflecting a growing appetite for flexible, skills-based learning.
Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) chief executive officer Prof Datuk Dr Mohammad Shatar Sabran said the trend matches the rising number of micro-credentials offered by local higher education institutions and industry demand for specialised skills.
While Google Trends rankings are dynamic and can shift with the period and search terms used, he said, Malaysia's place in the top group points to strong interest in this learning approach.
"Recent years have seen a marked increase in micro-credentials offered by higher education institutions. This is in line with current industry needs, which place growing emphasis on specialised skills, while opening more doors for individuals to upskill and reskill," he said in a statement today.
Mohammad Shatar said the development also supports the Higher Education Ministry's agenda under Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir to strengthen flexible and lifelong learning.
He said MQA is strengthening the micro-credentials ecosystem through a quality assurance framework and listing mechanism to ensure offerings meet set quality standards.
Higher education institutions can deliver micro-credentials by unbundling MQA-accredited programmes into modules, or offering them on a stand-alone basis to meet professional, technical, academic and personal development needs.
This gives students, workers and the community the flexibility to learn according to their own needs and goals, he said, while accumulated micro-credentials can support a pathway to academic qualifications through established mechanisms.
"The growth of micro-credentials in Malaysia also reflects job market shifts, which increasingly prioritise a person's ability to demonstrate their skills and competencies.
"Micro-credentials are no longer just a complement to formal education. They are becoming a key talent development tool responsive to changing industry needs.
"With continued support from higher education institutions to expand quality micro-credential offerings through unbundling and stand-alone approaches, we are optimistic Malaysia can emerge as a flexible, innovative and industry-oriented higher education hub," he said.
-- BERNAMA