KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 16 (Bernama) -- As Malaysia advances to become a highincome nation, there is an urgent need for highly capable knowledge workers to power this transformation. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia data on employment for Quarter 2 of 2023, there are some 8.83 million jobs in Malaysia of which 62.4% falls under the semi-skilled category, with only 25% in the skilled category and the remaining 12.6% classified as low-skilled.

Add to this scenario the increasing trend of high school dropouts in the country over the past five years, Malaysia faces a situation that may hinder her progress to transition from being a “newly industrialised economy” to that of a “high-income economy”. In the face of these challenges, Universiti Tun Abdul Razak (UNIRAZAK) stands as a beacon of hope, as an enabler, to catalyse the working adults’ ambition to upskill and enhance their knowledge and expertise through quality tertiary education.

UNIRAZAK: The Path to Lifelong Learning and Upskilling

In support of the education thrust under the 12th Malaysia Plan for Malaysians to adopt a lifelong learning culture, UNIRAZAK offers innovative, alternative pathways to higher education for those who may have deferred further studies due to various reasons including financial constraints, health conditions, family commitments or others. UNIRAZAK had received recognition from the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) in 2018 to become one of the first few institutions to officially offer the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) as a pathway to its Diploma, Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes.

YBhg. Prof. Datin Paduka Dr. Samsinar Md Sidin, Vice Chancellor of UNIRAZAK said, “We are firm advocates of education being limitless and we strive to make quality education accessible to students from all backgrounds. It is an honour for us to collaborate with the MQA in making the APEL initiative an important capacity building avenue for working adults. UNIRAZAK is dedicated to bridging the gap between the nation's need for highly capable knowledge workers and the aspirations of working adults who seek to enhance their expertise.”

With a commendable track record of 93% graduate employability rate since it welcomed its first cohort of students back in 1997, the university offers easy and multiple access to a wide range of courses across 6 faculties today. UNIRAZAK is at the forefront of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 for academia, being one of the earliest institutions to transition to Open Distance Learning (ODL) at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when the Movement Control Orders restricted daily commuting for all Malaysians.

Blazing the trail for Online Learning

Together with education partner, SKC Education Group, UNIRAZAK developed its own customised online learning platform, known as UROX, to ensure that all its students have easy 24x7 access to learning materials, no matter where they are. With this facility, working adults can pursue further studies and upskill while balancing their professional commitments.

Kartini binti Shahidal, who completed her Master in Management course at UNIRAZAK, said, “The user-friendly, online learning management system UROX streamlined my path to success. Being able to access the necessary resources remotely, helped me broaden my horizons, shaping my journey of perseverance and personal transformation through lifelong growth and success”. She believes that age should never deter anyone from pursuing their passion and is optimistic that her latest accomplishment stands her in good stead for career advancement at her workplace, Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM). In 2022, UNIRAZAK’s homegrown learning platform UROX clinched the Best e-Learning Management System award at the International University Carnival on E-Learning (IUCEL).

Career advancement to drive professional growth

Software engineer turned business strategist, Zainul Alam bin Abdul Kadir is grateful to UNIRAZAK for accepting his professional qualifications and 20 years of engineering work experience under the APEL A (Access) pathway. “Alhamdulillah, I have achieved my dream of completing an MBA with a focus on leadership. The entire process has boosted my confidence and reinforced my belief in my abilities. Choosing UNIRAZAK has been the wisest decision I have ever made, and the team has been incredibly welcoming and supportive in helping me fulfil my lifelong aspiration,” said Zainul Alam who is currently CEO of Velocity Technology Sdn. Bhd.

Echoing Zainul’s comments, Cindy Saw Yu Pang regards her postgraduate journey as a thrilling experience during which she learned to skilfully balance work responsibilities, family commitments and her studies. Cindy said, “UNIRAZAK's unique teaching styles and guidance left a lasting mark on my academic success, instilling determination, and a love for conquering challenges.” As a Senior Human Resource Manager at a multi- national company, BYD Electronics (M) Sdn. Bhd., completing the Master of Business Administration course at UNIRAZAK also provided insights to navigate the dynamic international business landscape, preparing me to lead through future uncertainties”, she further elaborated.

To date, UNIRAZAK has empowered the dreams of 1,340 working adults who have benefited from APEL A (Access) pathway to tertiary education. This group comprises 82 Diploma holders, 35 Advanced Diploma awardees, 587 Bachelor’s degree holders, and another 470 individuals who have earned Master’s degrees, along with 166 who have attained PhDs.

“At the upcoming 22nd Convocation Ceremony in early December, UNIRAZAK expects to add 189 more graduates who have benefited from the APEL accreditation, bringing the total cumulative number of empowered working population to 1,529 towards further strengthening the capabilities of our country’s talent pool, insya-Allah,” concluded Prof. Datin Paduka Dr. Samsinar.

Working adults who are keen to invest in their future, upskill and become a driving force in Malaysia’s journey to become a high-income nation can call the Sales and Marketing team at tel.no. 03-27307030, e-mail at info@unirazak.edu.my/crm@unirazak.edu.my or visit www.unirazak.edu.my today for more information about the APEL accreditation offered at UNIRAZAK.

Source: BERNAMA