SEGi University & Colleges, a leading group of higher education institutions in Malaysia, has officially launched the SEGi APEL Centre. The Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) Centre is a new initiative to cater specifically to the academic needs of working adults who want to further their education. SEGi aims to provide affordable, quality education for eager minds and natural talents.
Stella Lau, Managing Director of SEGi University & College, expressed her pride in the new initiative.
“I am proud to share that we offer all three APELs via the newly launched SEGi APEL Centre,” Lau said.
Stella also acknowledged that the job market has become more competitive due to globalisation and digitalisation, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic’s economic recovery phase.
Lau cited the Department of Statistics Malaysia’s recent report that the country’s unemployment rate increased from 4.8% in 2021 to 5.4% in 2022. Although it has decreased slightly to 4.9% in the first quarter of 2023, many working adults struggle to keep their jobs. SEGi has discovered that many working adults have given up on furthering their studies due to a lack of time and insufficient prior qualifications.
APEL is an alternative means to obtain higher education qualifications. It recognises prior learning and working experiences, bridging the experience-qualifications gap in the job market. APEL comes in three formats, each packed with flexibility, convenience, and other benefits, so adult learners do not need to start their studies from scratch.
APEL.A provides access for those who did not meet the traditional entry requirement to a programme. It reduces redundancy in their learning process to obtain a Master’s degree of their choice, in addition to saving costs.
APEL.C suits busy working adults who cannot commit to a full-fledged degree programme, enabling them to use prior work experience to enter a specific course or module relevant to their career. APEL.Q enables kindergarten teachers to convert their work experience into a Diploma in Early Childhood Education or a Degree in Education.
SEGi’s APEL has inspired the expansion of its Adult Learning Programme covering various fields of study, including Business, Engineering, IT, Hospitality and Education. Adult learners will have the opportunity to be mentored by academics who are industry experts. “You can fully optimise your learning experience, #ReachHigher in your KPIs, deliverables, and business objectives,” Lau said.
The SEGi APEL Centre offers adult learners the opportunity to gain higher education qualifications at a fraction of the cost and time required for traditional degree programmes. It also recognises and values their prior learning and working experiences, allowing them to utilise their skills and knowledge to further their careers.
“We believe that the SEGi APEL Centre is a game-changer in the higher education landscape. It is a reflection of our commitment to providing innovative, flexible, and accessible education to everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances,” Lau added.
SEGi University & Colleges is committed to making higher education accessible and affordable for all. With the launch of the SEGi APEL Centre, working adults can now take advantage of the opportunity to further their education and advance their careers.