The way forward: (From right) HELP Education Group deputy executive chairman Adam Chan, HELP University vice-chancellor Prof Dr Andy Liew Teik Kooi, Abu Hassan, Prof Mohammad Shatar, Prof Chan and wife Datin Chan-Low Kam Yoke, and Malaysian Investment Development Authority chairman Tan Sri Datuk Sri Dr Sulaiman Mahbob, posing for a photo during the launch of the HELP Apel Centre. — ART CHEN/The Star
MALAYSIANS are embracing lifelong learning with some 50,000 working adults applying for a higher education qualification under the the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (Apel) programmes.
Introduced in 2010, the programmes comprise three types of accreditation – Apel for Access (Apel.A), Apel for Credit Award (Apel.C) and Apel for Award of Academic Qualifications (Apel.Q).
Response for all three programmes, which allow for work experience to be “transferred” to a higher education qualification, said Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) chief executive officer Prof Datuk Dr Mohammad Shatar Sabran, has been “very good”.
If the Apel candidate’s work portfolio – which shows all the experience they have gained – is complete and in order, the duration of the programme will be shorter than the time it takes to complete a traditional higher education qualification, he said.
Introduced by the MQA, Apel involves identifying, documenting and evaluating learning based on prior work and life experiences, such as knowledge, skills and attitudes, to determine an individual’s achievement level.
Apel.A provides entry-level access to higher education for working adults while Apel.C provides an avenue to assess relevant experiential learning of an individual in the form of credit that can be transferred.
Apel.Q promotes lifelong learning through facilitation of the recognition of prior experiential learning that takes place in the workplace, and other forms of knowledge, such as formal, non-formal, informal, continuing professional development education and training.
“The ‘beauty’ of this programme is that a person has already acquired their knowledge through experience and this can be used by them to get their higher education qualification,” Prof Mohammad Shatar said after launching HELP University’s Apel Centre on Aug 26.
He said the varsity’s centre is the first to offer the Apel.Q accredited programmes in Bahasa Malaysia.
“This would give more opportunities to those who are not well-versed in English.
“With this, we can help to develop more talents for our nation,” he added during the centre’s launching ceremony at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur.
During the event, HELP University chancellor and co-founder Prof Datuk Dr Paul Chan said Apel.Q dispenses with the need for having traditional certificates and degrees before one can earn a tertiary qualification and opens opportunities for career advancement, further education and personal growth.
The centre, which focuses on non-technical disciplines, including business administration, management and entrepreneurship, is designed to cater to the evolving needs of today’s learners, many of whom have gained substantial knowledge and skills through non-traditional routes such as work experience, community involvement and self-directed learning, he said.
HELP University Apel Board chairman Emeritus Prof Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Abu Hassan Othman said the centre is part of the university’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.
“Learning does not just happen within the walls of a classroom.
“It is a journey that continues through personal and professional experiences,” he said, adding that the centre currently offers seven courses through Apel.Q.
Urging alumni to join the HELP Apel.Q Fellowship to share their knowledge and experience, Prof Chan also announced the creation of the HELP Apel.Q Review of Experiential Learning, which will include scholars, professionals, businessmen and managers across the world to share their dissertations to be used as case studies.
He added that HELP would be embarking on research collaborations with the industry and government, with an International Inauguration Conference for Apel.Q being planned for May next year.
