(Module Theme: Understanding Standards, Qualifications, Certification & Global Alignment)

The MQF is the national framework that defines learning levels, qualification standards, and learning outcomes across all sectors of Malaysian education, including TVET.

Key Elements Explained:

• Eight levels of qualification (Levels 1–8), covering Skills Certificates up to Doctoral programmes.

• Clear descriptors for knowledge, practical skills, social skills, communication, leadership, and digital competencies.

• Outcome-based education (OBE) as a foundation for all TVET programme designs.

• Mapping between academic and skills pathways, ensuring permeability and mobility for learners.

Why MQF Matters for TVET:

• Ensures national consistency in training quality.

• Supports international recognition and mobility.

• Provides standardisation for curriculum design, assessment, and certification.

Malaysia’s TVET qualifications fall under Skills Sector (Malaysian Skills Certification) and TVET-academic pathways.

Main TVET Qualification Levels:

• Skills Certificate Level 1–3 – Operational and hands-on competencies.

• Diploma Kemahiran Malaysia – Supervisory and advanced practical skills.

• Advanced Diploma (DLKM) – Higher-level specialised competencies.

• Polytechnic/Community College Diplomas – Academic-TVET pathway.

• Bachelor of Technology / Bachelor of Vocational Education – Professional-level TVET pathways.

Significance:

• Provides multiple entry and exit points (flexible progression).

• Recognises different learning environments (industry, institutions, workplace).

• Malaysia adopts a structured system for recognising competencies through:

  A. Malaysian Skills Certification (Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia – SKM)

  • Based on National Occupational Skills Standards (NOSS).

  • Uses the Competency-Based Training (CBT) approach.

  B. Recognition of Prior Achievement (RPA/SRA)

  For workers or learners who already possess experience in the field.

  C. Industry Collaboration & Recognition

  • Cross-recognition with industry professional bodies.

  • Certification linked directly to job requirements and labour market demand.

  Importance:

  • Enhances employability.

  • Strengthens industry confidence.

  • Provides recognition for informal and non-formal learning.

APEL allows individuals to enter programmes or receive credit transfer based on prior work experience or informal learning.

Types of APEL:

• APEL A: Admission into a programme.

• APEL C: Credit transfer based on experiential learning.

• APEL Q: Qualification awarding based on extensive experience.

Functions of APEL in TVET:

• Opens pathways for working adults to upgrade qualifications.

• Supports lifelong learning initiatives.

• Encourages recognition of workplace learning as formal achievement.

A. National Agenda:

• IR 4.0 & Digital Transformation: Incorporating robotics, automation, AI, and data analytics into training.

• National TVET Blueprint: Unified governance, stronger industry partnerships, and standardisation.

• Green Technology & Sustainability: Preparing learners for green-skilled jobs.

• Future Workforce Transformation: Skills for 21st century work environments.

B. Global TVET Alignment:

• Benchmarking with Germany (Dual System), South Korea, Australia, and Finland.

• Aligning local qualifications to global competency standards.

• Enhancing international employability and mobility of Malaysian TVET graduates.

C. Regional & International Bodies:

• UNESCO-UNEVOC

• ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework (AQRF)

• WorldSkills & industry competency models

These guide the evolution of Malaysia’s TVET ecosystem to stay globally competitive.

Summary of Weeks 3–4 Learning Focus

Students will:

✔ Understand how TVET is structured nationally

(via MQF, qualification levels, certification systems)

✔ Analyse the mechanisms ensuring quality and recognition

(such as APEL, skills certificates, and NOSS)

✔ Evaluate Malaysia’s readiness for future global trends

(IR4.0, sustainability, international benchmarking)

✔ Relate the framework to real-world training institutions & industry needs