1. Name of the Cooperation Area: Asia e-University
2. Prime/ Co-Prime Mover Countries: Malaysia
3. Date of first activity organized:
Malaysia as the prime mover of e-Education hosted the first ACD Workshop on e-Education on 29th to 30th April 2004 in Kuala Lumpur.
4. Progress since ACD 5 (May 2006):
On the 20th December 2006 the Malaysian Government gave formal approval to the establishment of Asia e-University. The Malaysian Cabinet agreed that the University should be established under the Section 2 of the Private University Act 1996 (555) and that it is to be led by the private sector. The Malaysian government however will give the necessary assistance including initial financial assistance to ensure the successful establishment of the university. The government will also provide a temporary campus at the current site of University of Malaya’s City Campus, Jalan Tun Ismail, Kuala Lumpur. The Ministry of Higher Education has identified and invited Asia E-Learning Sdn. Bhd. as the promoter that will be responsible for the establishment of the Asia e-University on behalf of the government of Malaysia and participating countries of ACD.
5. Difficulties encountered/ Issues of concern:
(if applicable)
The development of AeU will be in three major phases. Phase one (1) will span between the year 2007 to 2008, it will include the establishment of AeU headquarters and Kuala Lumpur campus in Malaysia. Thereafter, AeU branch campuses and learning centres will be established in the Asean region and Middle East. The 2nd phase of AeU development (2009 – 2010) will see AeU branches and the activities extended to ACD member countries like China, Cambodia, India, and Pakistan. The 3rd phase of the establishment of AeU will extend beyond year 2011 where AeU services will reach ACD countries not included in the earlier phases of development.
In those phases, AeU will adopt implementation strategies that include the following activities:
Attractive marketing of AeU brand as an International University of choice in Asia.
Leverages on OUM and international partner resources.
International Academic Faculty.
Positioning AeU as an Asian collaborative venture for higher Education with International recognition.
Developing International networks with HE Institutions and private providers involved in e-education.
Academic degree programmes conducted in dual mode in new areas with dual certification. i.e. academic plus industry.
Integration of industry practices into curriculum with active participation from International corporations. i.e. industrial attachments.
Establishment of Branch Campuses in best markets.
6. Future activities:
The first AeU academic programme is expected to be offered in September 2008. A roundtable to prepare the Guidelines of Recognition and Accreditation of AeU courses and degree will be held at a later date after the ACD meeting. The roundtable meeting is expected to discuss the major issues on the Guidelines of Recognition and Accreditation of AeU courses and degrees within the ACD countries.
7. Issue(s) requiring Ministers’ decision or endorsement:
Malaysia will seek consensus from the Seoul ACD Ministerial meeting in June 2007 on the idea of a Guidelines of Recognition and Accreditation. The details of the guideline will be deliberated further at the ACD - AeU roundtable to be held at a later date in Sept 2007. The Guidelines for Recognition of Asia e-University programmes or degrees should include the followings:
That Asia e-University course design and content should satisfy the requirements set out in the Prime mover of e-Education i.e. Malaysian Qualifications Framework for the award level.
That Asia e-University course design and content should be comparable in requirements and learning outcomes to a course at the same level in similar field at the Prime mover of e-Education. I.e. Malaysian university. However, some variations in content and/or delivery may be needed between different ACD member jurisdictions where areas of professional difference apply.
That Asia e-University delivery arrangement, including matters of institutional governance, facilities, staffing and student services are appropriate to higher education.
That Asia e-University can successfully deliver the course at the level proposed.
That Asia e-University will provide receiver ACD member National Accreditation Authority with a copy of the original submission considered by the National Accreditation Authority provider ACD member where the course is accredited.
That Asia e-University has appropriate financial and other arrangements to permit the successful delivery of the course.
The receiver country may seek confirmation from the provider National Accreditation Board, on the status or recognition and accreditation of particular Asia e-University cross-border courses.
The receiver country to provide information to the Asia e-University on the regulatory framework in the receiver country.
Both provider and receiver countries cooperating in the regulation and quality assurance of cross border education, for instance, participating in the assessment and audit activities of Asia e-University.
The receiver country may also choose to rely on the provider ACD National Accreditation Authority, to undertake the quality assurance activity (i.e. through overseas audits) or rely on the guarantee provided by the National Accreditation Authority, of the provider ACD member country quality of education that it delivers.
In cases where there are differences between the two ACD member jurisdictions in the requirements for professional practice, including legislation and the registration of graduates of a course, the local investigation would also consider these to ensure that the course met the needs of the receiver jurisdiction.
The period of accreditation in each receiver jurisdiction should be such that it has the same end date as in the provider authority.
Where any of the authorities in a case of multi-jurisdiction accreditation does not grant accreditation of an Asia e-University course, it should be resolved at the ACD annual meeting. Asia e-University shall be granted full access to the due process of appeal as practiced by that authority.
8. Contact person (name/position/ organization):
Prof. Dato’ Dr. Ansary Ahmed
President/ CEO
Jalan Tun Ismail
50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: 603 2773 2002, 603 2773 2011
Fax: 603 2697 8812
Email: [email protected] |
