KUCHING: UCSI University Sarawak Campus has been officially recognised by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) as a certified centre for Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
The uinversity’s Pro Vice-Chancellor Mukvinder Kaur Sandhu said that through APEL, individuals are given meaningful opportunities to transform their work experience, professional knowledge, and lifelong learning into recognised academic credentials.
She also said that this pathway is particularly valuable for adult learners and working professionals who aspire to further their education and advance their careers.
“APEL.C (Credit Award) allows individuals to receive credit transfers based on their relevant work experience and prior learning.
“In practical terms, this means learners may complete fewer courses, within a shorter duration, and at a reduced cost, while still achieving a recognised qualification.
“While APEL.A (Access) provides opportunities for individuals who may not meet conventional academic requirements to enter higher education, and we are pleased to collaborate with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak in offering this pathway,” she said.
She said this in her welcoming address during the launch of the Centre for Pre-University and Continuing Education (CPUCE) officiated by Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn at a hotel here today.
The CPUCE under which the APEL pathways, underscores UCSI University Sarawak Campus’s commitment to lifelong learning, flexible education pathways, and skills development that meet the evolving needs of the workforce and society.
“Looking ahead, the centre will also explore additional pathways such as APEL.Q, an initiative that enables experienced professionals to obtain accredited academic qualifications, from diploma to doctoral levels, based on their accumulated work experience and demonstrated competencies,” she said.
She added that CPUCE has in fact evolved from the Centre for Pre-University Studies, an academic unit at the campus that previously offered Foundation programmes as well as certificate-level English enrichment courses.
“With this transformation, the CPUCE will serve as a dynamic platform for expanding learning opportunities for a diverse range of learners, extending well beyond pre-university education,” she added.
In addition to providing science and arts pathways into undergraduate programmes across Malaysia and internationally, the centre will place strong emphasis on lifelong learning opportunities that address the evolving needs of industries and professionals.
“Among the key initiatives to look forward to under CPUCE are industry-specific reskilling and upskilling programmes, developed in collaboration with industry partners to ensure that learners remain competitive in an increasingly dynamic and technology-driven workforce.
“The centre will also offer executive education and professional development programmes, aimed at equipping working professionals, managers, and leaders with the knowledge and capabilities required to navigate today’s complex organisational and business environments.
“Through these initiatives, UCSI University aims to strengthen its role as a hub for lifelong learning, professional advancement, and talent development, not only for Sarawak but for the wider region,” she said.
