KUALA LUMPUR: The Communications and Multimedia Ministry will lend its support to accelerate innovations, such as micro-credentials that will boost efficiency and skills in content and communications.

       Its deputy minister Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin (pic) said micro-credential courses could provide opportunities for adult learners to link training courses, stack their micro-credential courses, and earn transfer credits for an accredited academic programme offered by the universities.

       He noted that to date, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission has working arrangements to develop micro-credential programmes with the Multimedia University, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Universiti Kuala Lumpur and UCSI University.

       The focus of these programmes covers the digital ecosystem including data analytics, data centre, cybersecurity and cloud services, digital connectivity infrastructure and future technologies.

       "The development of these courses is one of the essential building blocks to effectively lay the talent development foundation in order to drive growth in the digital economy while bridging the digital divide, and build the foundation for digital utility and technology adoption in supporting the national objectives.

       "Also, to support the nation in achieving the status of industry leader for digital talents and expertise, which propagates innovation in the digital ecosystem," said Zahidi in his speech when officiating at the Micro-Credentials Education Summit (MCES) Malaysia 2022 organised by Acestar Sdn Bhd, here, on Thursday (June 2).

       Meanwhile, Acestar group chief executive officer, Natalie Sit said the importance of micro-credentials should be emphasised to all Malaysians, especially the young ones, and must start from the education system to form a more competitive and skilled generation.

       She suggested that all educational levels have a plan for the accreditation of micro-credentials in the educational modules of their respective institutions, thus would place the standard of Malaysian education to a more dynamic and comparable level with that of developed countries.

       The MCES 2022 was held in conjunction with the Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) Championship Malaysia 2022 Grand Finale where the winner will be fully sponsored by the organiser to represent Malaysia in competing at the ACP World Championship in the United States of America. - Bernama