Malaysia recognises SQA qualifications

Monday 22 July 2024

Pictured are staff from the MQA and SQA marking the agreement recognising SQA awards on the Malysian Qualifications Register.

Pictured are (L-R): Hasfarizal Kamaludin, Head of Public and International Affairs, MQA; Prof. Dato' Dr. Mohammad Shatar bin Sabran, MQA; Micheal Koetsier, International Regional Manager, SQA; Alyson Burns, International Regional Officer, SQA; Encik Mohamad Dzafir bin Mustafa, Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Quality Assurance), MQA

The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) today announces that ten of its industry-leading Advanced Diploma qualifications have been recognised by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency.

The qualifications – SQA Advanced Diplomas in subjects including Business, Software Development, Technical Support, Electronic Engineering, Hospitality Management, Supply Chain Management, and Travel and Tourism – have been granted equivalency at level 5 on the Malaysian Qualifications Register.

This enables Malaysian students to study these qualifications through SQA-approved centres.

Malaysian students will also now benefit from SQA’s Diploma to Degree programme. Students who complete a two-year SQA Advanced Diploma will then have the opportunity to articulate on to a related degree programme at one of SQA’s partner universities around the world.

Gillian Hepburn, Head of International at SQA, added: ‘We welcome the decision from our colleagues at the Malaysian Qualifications Agency. This demonstrates once more that SQA’s qualifications and associated services are well regarded internationally.’

Ms Hepburn adds: ‘Our international partners recognise the value on offer, and that provides us – and Scotland as an outward-looking nation – with the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the international community. This also supports the Scottish Government’s international strategy; promoting Scottish education, and Scotland worldwide.’

Micheal Koetsier, International Regional Manager at SQA, added: ‘For international learners, achieving a SQA Advanced Diploma is one of the best ways to develop skills and knowledge in a chosen sector. It gives them the flexibility to go straight into the workforce or continue in their current role and develop their career with enhanced skills and knowledge, or progress on to advanced entry into an affiliated university via our Diploma to Degree programme.’

Mr Koetsier continues: ‘These ten Advanced Diplomas give Malaysian students the opportunity to study the first two years of a degree programme at home, before completing a third year at one of SQA’s progression partner universities located in North America, Europe, and Asia. In many instances this will allow students who complete a SQA Advanced Diploma to achieve a fully recognised international degree within three years.’

British High Commissioner Ailsa Terry said, ‘This recognition of the Scottish qualifications by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency is an important development in our long-standing education relationship, validating its commitment to deliver high quality education.  Malaysia proudly maintains its regional leadership, representing 54% of all Southeast Asia enrolments in UK TNE and hosting numerous UK branch campuses and partnering programmes within local universities.  This will further open up exciting new opportunities for Malaysian students seeking high-quality, industry-relevant qualifications that will prepare them for successful careers.’

Full list of SQA Advanced Diplomas recognised by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency: