USM PENANG, 3 February 2026 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) through the School of Distance Education (PPPJJ) successfully organised the MICROCASA International Conference 2026 themed “Shaping the Future of Learning: Microcredentialing for Sustainable Skills and Employability in Southeast Asia”, held from 3–4 February 2026 at the University Conference Hall, USM Main Campus.

The two‑day international conference brought together academics from Malaysia and abroad, industry partners, and strategic collaborators from Southeast Asia and Europe to discuss the role of micro‑credentials in enhancing sustainable skills and graduate employability within the increasingly dynamic higher education landscape.

Representing the USM Vice‑Chancellor, Deputy Vice‑Chancellor Academic and International, Professor Dato’ Gs. Dr. Narimah Samat, in her speech, emphasised USM’s continuous commitment to expanding access to education through flexible and innovative learning approaches, aligned with current industry and societal needs.

She noted that the conference was particularly significant as it coincided with the 55th anniversary of USM’s Distance Learning Programme (RPJJ), reflecting the university’s long history of pioneering distance education and lifelong learning.

The conference also featured a special video address by the European Union Ambassador to Malaysia, His Excellency Rafael Daerr, who expressed the EU’s support for the development of a trusted and recognised micro‑credential ecosystem across borders, in line with international collaboration in higher education.

Throughout the event, participants engaged in five keynote sessions, regional policy panel discussions, and dialogues on governance, recognition, legal frameworks, and the sustainability of micro‑credentials.

Distinguished international academics from Germany, Spain, Italy, and Malaysia were among the speakers.

The MICROCASA International Conference 2026 is part of the MICROCASA project, co‑funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ Programme, aimed at strengthening collaboration between higher education institutions in Europe and Southeast Asia in the areas of micro‑credentials, lifelong learning, and graduate employability.

The conference is expected to serve as a strategic platform for knowledge exchange, sharing of best practices, and building new collaborative networks towards developing a sustainable, credible, and regionally relevant micro‑credential ecosystem.

Among those present were MICROCASA Consortium Coordinator, Professor Dr. Armin Weinberger; Deputy Dean (Academic, Career and International) of USM’s School of Distance Education (PPPJJ), Dr. Nik Norliati Fitri Md Nor, representing the Dean of PPPJJ; and Chairperson of the MICROCASA International Conference 2026, Dr. Radziah Adam.

Original Text: Mohd Azrul Mohd Azhar/Translation: Tan Ewe Hoe/Photo: Muhamad Faris Darwisy Mohammad Rafiq