USM PENANG, 12 January 2026 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is advancing its academic transformation agenda with the approval by the University Management Committee (JKPU) to establish the Flexible Education and Credentialing Unit, also known as Credentia.

The setting up of Credentia is a strategic move by USM to strengthen the university micro-credential (MC) ecosystem through the preparation of the credentialing mechanism and the management of the micro-requirement record system in a form that is structured, centralised, and offering ease of verification.

This initiative will enhance the management of micro‑requirements, aligning them with the evolving demands of higher education, which is increasingly focused on flexibility and meeting industry needs.

As the official entity of the University, Credentia will be responsible in awarding the Malaysia Micro-Credential Statement (MMS) to all currently-acknowledged Standalone Micro-Credential (SAMC) and Accredited Programme Micro-Credential (APMC).

Credentia will be coordinated by the USM School of Distance Education (PPPJJ) Deputy Dean, Technology and Learning Support, Dr. Chua Hang Kuen, and will be operating under the supervision of the office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic and International, Professor Dato’ Gs. Dr. Narimah Samat.

The management structure reflects the strategic importance of Credentia in providing support to the academic agenda, learning innovation, and the internationalisation of USM.

Among the main functions of Credentia are the official release of MMS, comprehensive maintenance of the micro-credential records, and the preparation of verification services for the respective internal and external parties, including higher education institutions and potential employers.

All these functions would be supported by the Micro-Credential Credit Bank System (MCCBS), a digital, centralised repository that would ensure integrity, accessibility, and interoperability of the micro-requirement records.

Credentia was established to be aligned with the appointment of USM by the Ministry of Higher Education as the Pioneering Public University for the development of flexible academic pathways (stackable degree).

With this approach, USM will develop modular, progressive, and flexible learning pathways that support lifelong learning, facilitate credit transfers, and recognize prior learning experiences, whether gained within or beyond the university.

USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed said, Credentia was established to strengthen the USM micro-credential ecosystem through quality credentialing, traceability of qualifications, and clear added values to the learners and the industry.

“This initiative would broaden the access to flexible education that is competitive and relevant to current demands,” he added.

In parallel with this development, Credentia is expected to forge strategic collaborations with international micro‑credential platforms to widen the scope of accreditation and enhance the global mobility of programme participants.

Overall, the setting up of Credentia would enhance the position of USM in leading the micro-credential innovation and education at the national and international levels, and at the same time providing support to the sustainable development of the institution via quality-based academic and digital transformation.

Original Text: Dr. Chua Hang Kuen, School of Distance Education, USM/ Translation: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin