Kota Damansara, 06 July 2022 – SEGi University & Colleges, one of the largest education providers in Malaysia, has been awarded the country’s first Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning for Award of Academic Qualifications (APEL.Q) for its Diploma In Early Childhood Education programme.
The APEL.Q certificate was presented by Malaysia’s Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad to SEGi University & Colleges Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Student Affairs and Dean, Faculty of Optometry & Vision Sciences Professor Dr Azrin Esmady Ariffin at the APEL Open Day and launching ceremony of APEL.Q event held in Kuala Lumpur Sentral.
“As the pioneer in offering Early Childhood Care & Education programmes, SEGi is delighted that the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) has approved SEGi University & Colleges to offer the Diploma in Early Childhood Education programme through APEL.Q. This means more ECCE practitioners can have greater access to a professional qualification,” said SEGi University & Colleges Managing Director Stella Lau.
The Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) is a systematic process introduced by MQA. It involves identifying, documenting and evaluating learning based on prior work and life experiences, such as knowledge, skills and attitudes, to determine an individual’s achievement level.
MQA introduced the APEL for Access (APEL.A) in 2011 to provide entry-level access to higher education for working adults. In 2016, MQA undertook the subsequent step to embark on APEL for Credit Award (APEL.C) to provide an avenue to assess relevant experiential learning of an individual in the form of credit. APEL.C aims to avoid duplication of knowledge and save time and cost for individuals to complete a study programme.
Meanwhile, APEL.Q promotes lifelong learning through facilitation of the recognition of prior experiential learning that takes place in the workplace, and other forms of knowledge, such as formal, non-formal, informal, continuing professional development education and training.
“APEL-Q provides a pathway for working professionals like Kindergarten teachers to convert their work experience into a recognised qualification through evaluations and assessments,” Lau explained.
Lau added that an individual with a minimum of 10 years of work experience in the field of early childhood education is qualified to apply for the Diploma via APEL.Q. With the diploma, the individual will be able to further pursue a degree.
The APEL.Q for the Diploma In Early Childhood Education programme is available at SEGi University Kota Damansara. In-service teachers who are ineligible for APEL.Q can also study DECE online flexibly at SEGi University. At the same time, SEGi offers the two-and-a-half-year Diploma in Early Childhood Education programme across five college campuses in Kota Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, Subang Jaya, Sarawak and Penang.
“Early Childhood practitioners in Malaysia need more than just fulfilling the mandatory diploma qualification required by the government to make a difference. Early childhood education shapes a child’s brain and learning capacity. It is the foundation for a child’s lifelong learning, behaviour and health.
“SEGi aims to shape students into excellent professionals with outstanding achievements in line with its brand promise ‘The Best In You, Made Possible’,” Lau said.