--- title: "Highlights: The OpenLearning Micro-credential Symposium 2021 Malaysia" description: Highlights from The OpenLearning Micro-credential Symposium 2021 held virtually in Malaysia from 18-25 November. image: https://blog.openlearning.com/hubfs/Blog%20Featured%20Image%20-%20Highlights%20from%20Micro-credential%20Symposium%202021%20%20Malaysia%20(4).png --- [![OpenLearning Logo](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5f6fb7cbdbe1b69641ddf9fe/5f71c1cd44fb7b7354aed8e9_Open%20Learning%20Logo.webp)](https://blog.openlearning.com) - Educators - Get Inspired Curated content to help you create, market and deliver world-class education. - [Beginner Course Creators](https://blog.openlearning.com/openlearning-blog-beginner-course-creators?hsLang=en) - [Employee Onboarding and Training](https://blog.openlearning.com/onboarding-training?hsLang=en) - [Marketing Your Course](https://blog.openlearning.com/marketing?hsLang=en) ![icon-1](https://blog.openlearning.com/hubfs/Images/icon-1.png) - [Downloadable Resources](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/bufc4bjkqmflegwai5t3s/ADOkkCFNU1LsxShHdPOz7ss?rlkey=e0ne00og4hp6ux1ut6wvomh9l&st=zfyrc58o&dl=0) Templates to help you plan and manage your online course project. ![Nav_Icon_2](https://blog.openlearning.com/hubfs/Images/Nav_Icon_2.svg) ![external-link-alt-regular](https://blog.openlearning.com/hubfs/Images/external-link-alt-regular.svg) - [Workshops and Webinars](https://solutions.openlearning.com/events?hsLang=en) Browse upcoming events and access on-demand webinars. ![Nav_Icon_3](https://blog.openlearning.com/hubfs/Images/Nav_Icon_3.svg) ![external-link-alt-regular](https://blog.openlearning.com/hubfs/Images/external-link-alt-regular.svg) - [Lifelong Learners](https://blog.openlearning.com/learners?hsLang=en) - [Product Updates](https://blog.openlearning.com/tag/updates) - [Subscribe](https://blog.openlearning.com/#hs_cos_wrapper_module_1623683371629468) [Try it for free](https://solutions.openlearning.com/contact/sales?hsLang=en) ![search icon](https://blog.openlearning.com/hubfs/Images/search-regular-icon.svg) [Try it for free](https://solutions.openlearning.com/contact/sales?hsLang=en) # Highlights: The OpenLearning Micro-credential Symposium 2021 Malaysia By [OpenLearning](https://blog.openlearning.com/author/openlearning) min read Share ### Contents - 1. OpenLearning Micro-credential Symposium 2021 | Malaysia - 2. Micro-credentials: The Way Forward for Upskilling and Lifelong Learning - 3. Showcasing Examples from Industry and Academia - 4. Getting Started: Designing and Delivering Micro-credentials 997 Rapid and fundamental changes to the economy are disrupting labour markets worldwide, and with that, comes the increased demand for new types of skills—and for ways to learn them. Last year alone, [180 million lifelong learners enrolled in online courses](https://www.classcentral.com/report/mooc-stats-2020/) to learn new skills. Employers are also beginning to hire based on competencies, in addition to—or instead of—conventional degrees. For the workforce, there is a need for more flexible, targeted options for learning and upskilling. Micro-credentials are filling a gap in the market by providing an upskilling solution through localised, industry-relevant and bite-sized learning pathways.    ## OpenLearning Micro-credential Symposium 2021 | Malaysia At the OpenLearning Micro-credential Symposium and Micro-credential Week 2021 for Malaysia, we had the opportunity to learn from Malaysian education institutions, training providers and policymakers who are leading the way in delivering micro-credentials. The week-long virtual conference featured over 15 panel discussions, workshop sessions, and partner showcases surrounding the theme of “Micro-credentials: Driving Innovation, Delivering Outcomes”.  The Symposium was officiated by Prof. Ir. Dr. Khairul Salleh Mohamed Sahari, Deputy CEO (Quality Assurance) at the Malaysian Qualifications Agency, who reaffirmed the importance of micro-credentials for Malaysians. > “At MQA, we believe that micro-credentials are the way forward for Malaysian skills development and have been getting a positive response from professional bodies, industry, and academia alike. Following on from the latest Guidelines to Good Practices released in August 2020, we are drafting the GGP:APEL2022—for which OpenLearning is a partner and stakeholder.” > > Prof. Ir. Dr. Khairul Salleh Mohamed Sahari > Deputy CEO | Malaysian Qualifications Agency   ## Micro-credentials: The Way Forward for Upskilling and Lifelong Learning During the Symposium, we discussed the challenges, opportunities and interoperability in implementing micro-credentials, with its increasing global relevance a recurring theme.  ![Micro-credential Week Quotes - Interoperability](https://blog.openlearning.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Micro-credential%20Week%20Quotes%20-%20Interoperability.png?width=690&name=Micro-credential%20Week%20Quotes%20-%20Interoperability.png)   ## Showcasing Examples from Industry and Academia Several higher education institutions have launched and scaled accredited micro-credential programs in specialised skill areas, such as: - Continuing Professional Development for Malaysian teachers by [Universiti Sains Malaysia](https://learning4life.usm.my/),  - Workplace Communication by [UOW Malaysia KDU](https://openlearning.uowmkdu.edu.my/courses/discussion-at-work-made-easy/?cl=1),  - AUTOCAD Engineering Drawing by [Universiti Teknologi Malaysia](https://utmlead.utm.my/micro-credential/), and  - Business Management and Engineering by [Multimedia University](https://www.openlearning.com/mmumc/). ![Micro-credential Week Quotes - Higher Ed](https://blog.openlearning.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Micro-credential%20Week%20Quotes%20-%20Higher%20Ed.png?width=690&name=Micro-credential%20Week%20Quotes%20-%20Higher%20Ed.png)   A common focus among presenters from the higher education sector was the ability for learners to take up specific micro-credentials in the skills or competencies they require, and to then ‘stack’ them up in leading towards a larger qualification pathway such as a master’s degree.  For example, [SACAP Global](https://youtu.be/RJHtI_J0Blg) offers credit-bearing micro-credentials that lead to their existing programs on psychology, communication, business management and human resources programmes, while [Multimedia University](https://youtu.be/34JY-ovPX4E) uses a pay-as-you-learn model for learners to complete micro-credentials at their own pace towards an MBA or Masters of Engineering: ![Micro-credential Pathways - Micro-credential Week Quotes](https://blog.openlearning.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Micro-credential%20Pathways%20-%20Micro-credential%20Week%20Quotes.png?width=1200&name=Micro-credential%20Pathways%20-%20Micro-credential%20Week%20Quotes.png)   Malaysian trainers have also begun to develop their own micro-credential courses for the training industry.  ![Micro-credential Week Quotes - Industry and Training](https://blog.openlearning.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Micro-credential%20Week%20Quotes%20-%20Industry%20and%20Training.png?width=690&name=Micro-credential%20Week%20Quotes%20-%20Industry%20and%20Training.png)   One such training provider is the [Selangor Human Resource Development Centre](http://www.shrdc.org.my/), who are launching a series of micro-credentials for Smart Factory competency-based training. Their unique hybrid approach uses Remote Online Training labs for practical assessments, in addition to online learning materials. ![SHRDC Example - Micro-credential Week Quotes](https://blog.openlearning.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SHRDC%20Example%20-%20Micro-credential%20Week%20Quotes.png?width=1200&name=SHRDC%20Example%20-%20Micro-credential%20Week%20Quotes.png)   Meanwhile, [SMC Trainers Malaysia](https://smctrainers.com/) showcased the development of their Train The Trainer (TTT) micro-credentials for upskilling Malaysian trainers. The program, which is recognised by HRD Corp, an agency under the purview of the Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia will also be offered as an OpenCred as outlined in the [OpenCreds for Malaysia framework](https://solutions.openlearning.com/opencreds/opencreds-microcredentials-for-malaysia?hsLang=en).  ![SMC Example - Micro-credential Week Quotes](https://blog.openlearning.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SMC%20Example%20-%20Micro-credential%20Week%20Quotes.png?width=1200&name=SMC%20Example%20-%20Micro-credential%20Week%20Quotes.png)   Innovative approaches in building industry-academia partnerships for developing cross-sector micro-credentials were also highlighted by our partners:  - [The South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP) Global](https://www.openlearning.com/sacap/) collaborates with highly trained industry experts to develop and assess micro-credentials in the fields of applied psychology and human resource management.  - [DeakinCo.](https://www.openlearning.com/deakinco/) works with organisations to map and understand employee skills data. The university then develops micro-credentials tailored for different markets across the region. - [CS101](https://www.cs101.com/), which is a new computer science micro-credential program developed in partnership with Microsoft, Alibaba Cloud, Canva, Chronosphere and OpenLearning.   ## Getting Started: Designing and Delivering Micro-credentials As an extension of our support for education and training providers looking to build market-leading micro-credentials, the Symposium included 4 workshops to help those interested in getting started. These include workshops on how to collect, assess, and certify evidence of learning in a micro-credential course. Watch the recordings here: - [#TanyaOL: Outcome Based Assessments for Micro-credentials](https://youtu.be/GrssO5Wj-t8)  - [Designing Activities with Unique Learning Artefacts](https://youtu.be/xiVb3Fy_OZo) - [Setting Up Credentials for your OpenCreds](https://youtu.be/04HyD0248kw) - [OpenCreds Course Quality and Criteria](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiKe8sB2Y9k&t=1921s) A workshop on ‘[OpenCreds Course Quality and Criteria](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiKe8sB2Y9k&t=1921s)’ provided a step-by-step guide for beginners for developing an OpenCred micro-credential on OpenLearning aligned to the [Malaysian Qualifications Agency’s (MQA) Guidelines to Good Practices: Micro-credentials](https://blog.openlearning.com/what-the-new-micro-credential-guidelines-mean-for-malaysians?hsLang=en).  ![Criteria for OpenCreds - Micro-credential Week Quotes](https://blog.openlearning.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Criteria%20for%20OpenCreds%20-%20Micro-credential%20Week%20Quotes.png?width=1200&name=Criteria%20for%20OpenCreds%20-%20Micro-credential%20Week%20Quotes.png)   \[[Read more about micro-credentials on the OpenLearning Blog](https://blog.openlearning.com/what-the-new-micro-credential-guidelines-mean-for-malaysians?hsLang=en).\] One unique feature of a micro-credential course is the ability to issue digital credentials upon course completion. Digital credentials typically have their own unique URL and are a shareable, verifiable, stackable alternative to conventional certificates or e-certificates.  Accredible is OpenLearning’s partner in equipping OpenCreds courses with a digital credentialing system. A [walkthrough of the Accredible-OpenLearning integration](https://youtu.be/9MgY_SVGWuo) was given during the symposium to highlight the opportunities for education and training providers to offer recognition for their micro-credential courses. ![Digital Credentials - Micro-credential Week Quotes](https://blog.openlearning.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Digital%20Credentials%20-%20Micro-credential%20Week%20Quotes.png?width=1200&name=Digital%20Credentials%20-%20Micro-credential%20Week%20Quotes.png)   Participants were encouraged to access OpenLearning resources and support for micro-credentials, such as the [OpenCreds for Malaysia framework](https://solutions.openlearning.com/opencreds/opencreds-microcredentials-for-malaysia?hsLang=en). The framework guides education and training providers in delivering cross-sector micro-credentials that are aligned to the Malaysian Qualifications Agency’s (MQA) Guidelines to Good Practices: Micro-credentials. ![OpenCreds Framework Malaysia Mockup](https://blog.openlearning.com/hs-fs/hubfs/OpenCreds%20Framework%20Malaysia%20Mockup.png?width=744&name=OpenCreds%20Framework%20Malaysia%20Mockup.png) [![Download the Framework](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/696603/1cbf9915-c2ce-4de1-864b-0ca3f3676c7f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/696603/1cbf9915-c2ce-4de1-864b-0ca3f3676c7f)   OpenLearning also hosts online courses, on-demand training, virtual events and webinars which explore the latest strategies, best practices and knowledge-sharing.  Interested parties may [apply for the OpenCreds for Malaysia Investment Fund](https://share.hsforms.com/1vXEgrVp_Tr6zY6L_cphczgexi3)—a RM600,000 support fund for providers to build and launch market-leading micro-credentials. To download the OpenCreds for Malaysia framework, and to access all session recordings and resources from the OpenLearning Micro-credential Symposium 2021, head to the [Micro-credential Symposium Resource Hub](https://solutions.openlearning.com/opencreds/symposium-my?hsLang=en).   [![Visit the Symposium Resource Hub](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/696603/1333021a-b2fc-427f-a166-e695adf6ff9a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/696603/1333021a-b2fc-427f-a166-e695adf6ff9a) Topics: [Updates](https://blog.openlearning.com/tag/updates) Liked this post? Don’t forget to share it! ### Recommended Resources May 22, 2026 ### [The Mind Control Matrix:
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