RPTM: USM Credentia Strengthens Flexible Learning Pathway, Micro-Credential Ecosystem

GEORGE TOWN, Jan 23 (Bernama) -- Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has established Credentia, a Flexible Education and Credentialing Unit, to complement its existing micro-credential ecosystem and accreditation mechanisms for flexible learning pathways.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Rahman Mohamed said the initiative aligns with the Malaysia Higher Education Blueprint (RPTM) 2026-2035, which positions lifelong learning as a core pillar of an inclusive, flexible and future-oriented higher education system.

“Credentia coordinates the awarding of the Malaysia Micro-Credential Statement (MMS) for credit transfer purposes and supports the systematic implementation of lifelong learning at the university level.

“The establishment of the unit reflects USM’s commitment to institutionalising flexible education as part of the national ecosystem rather than treating it as a standalone initiative,” he said in a statement.

Through Credentia, USM is also developing a Micro-Credential Credit Bank System (MCCBS) to administer and manage credits, enabling the accumulation, consolidation and transfer of micro-credentials towards higher qualifications, including stackable degrees.

Abdul Rahman said MCCBS is designed in line with the Academic Bank Credits (ABC) concept to be introduced by the Ministry of Higher Education as a national platform for the accumulation, storage and transfer of academic credits, which will support learning mobility, recognition of prior learning and more flexible education pathways.

He noted that MCCBS will enable future integration with national platforms and ensure alignment of USM’s structures, administration and policies with the RPTM 2026-2035 agenda.

The Credentia and MCCBS initiatives position USM as a strategic partner in advancing the national agenda to expand access to flexible and inclusive higher education, while strengthening synergies with ministerial initiatives under the blueprint.

Launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Jan 20 as part of the National Education Blueprint 2026-2035, the RPTM outlines a new direction for Malaysia’s higher education system, grounded in human values, wellbeing and sustainability to produce knowledgeable, ethical and globally competitive graduates.

It is underpinned by four core values: humanity-centred education, holistic wellbeing, shared prosperity and sustainability.

-- BERNAMA