CLOSING THE TALENT GAP: A PROPOSED MICRO-CREDENTIAL MODEL IN MALAYSIAN FORMAL EDUCATION
Year 2024,
Volume: 25 Issue: 4, 67 - 80, 01.10.2024
Koon Tatt Tan
,
Josephine Ie Lyn Chan
,
Prakash V. Arumugam
,
Heng Wei Lee
Abstract
The global talent gap is a consequence of skills mismatch among job seekers. Although micro-credentials appeared to be a potential solution to narrow the talent gap, it is unclear how they can be effectively implemented in a structured academic pathway. The purpose of this study is to explore the potential of a proposed micro-credential model for formal education via the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning Micro-credentials (APEL.M), to support the talent gap challenges faced by companies in Malaysia. The study used a qualitative case study method with data collected mainly from a focus group discussion among relevant faculty heads, administrators, and senior management team members. The findings indicated that despite potential challenges and issues towards implementing the new micro-credential model, the proposed model is significant for policymakers, higher education providers, and industry stakeholders interested in addressing the talent gap and creating alternative pathways to formal academic qualifications.
References
- Alias, A. K. (2020, November 26). Developing Micro-Credentials for Universiti Sains Malaysia. https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/696603/OpenCreds%20-%20Malaysia/Openlearning_Symposium%20Deck%20-%20Prof%20Karim.pdf.
- Agrawal, S., De Smet, A., Poplawski, P., & Reich, A. (2020). Beyond hiring: How companies are reskilling to address talent gaps. McKinsey & Company. https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/beyond-hiring-how-companies-are-reskilling-to-address-talent-gaps#/.
- Brown, M., & Mhichil, M. N. G. (2021). Unboxing micro-credentials: An inside, upside and downside View. https://www.dcu.ie/sites/default/files/inline-files/unboxing-micro-credentials-2021.pdf.
- Brown, M., Mhichil, M. N. G., Beirne, E., & Lochlainn, C. M. (2021). The global micro-credentials landscape: Charting a new credential ecology of lifelong learning. Journal of Learning for Development, 8(2), 228-254.
- Che Ahmat, N. H., Bashir, M. A. A., Razali, A. R., & Kasolang, S. (2021). Micro-credentials in higher education institutions: Challenges and opportunities. Asian Journal of University Education, 17(3), 281-290. https://doi.org/10.24191/ajue.v17i3.14505.
Year 2024,
Volume: 25 Issue: 4, 67 - 80, 01.10.2024
Koon Tatt Tan
,
Josephine Ie Lyn Chan
,
Prakash V. Arumugam
,
Heng Wei Lee
References
- Alias, A. K. (2020, November 26). Developing Micro-Credentials for Universiti Sains Malaysia. https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/696603/OpenCreds%20-%20Malaysia/Openlearning_Symposium%20Deck%20-%20Prof%20Karim.pdf.
- Agrawal, S., De Smet, A., Poplawski, P., & Reich, A. (2020). Beyond hiring: How companies are reskilling to address talent gaps. McKinsey & Company. https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/beyond-hiring-how-companies-are-reskilling-to-address-talent-gaps#/.
- Brown, M., & Mhichil, M. N. G. (2021). Unboxing micro-credentials: An inside, upside and downside View. https://www.dcu.ie/sites/default/files/inline-files/unboxing-micro-credentials-2021.pdf.
- Brown, M., Mhichil, M. N. G., Beirne, E., & Lochlainn, C. M. (2021). The global micro-credentials landscape: Charting a new credential ecology of lifelong learning. Journal of Learning for Development, 8(2), 228-254.
- Che Ahmat, N. H., Bashir, M. A. A., Razali, A. R., & Kasolang, S. (2021). Micro-credentials in higher education institutions: Challenges and opportunities. Asian Journal of University Education, 17(3), 281-290. https://doi.org/10.24191/ajue.v17i3.14505.