Multinational University Adopts the GAC for Prospective Student Program

A deteriorating worldwide job market and economy have increased the need for accessible and flexible education options. A university in the most densely populated place on earth has responded with a solution that includes ACT’s Global Assessment Certificate (GAC) program.

Asia e University (AeU)—a dual-mode multinational university based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia—has incorporated the GAC into a pre-university foundation program designed to equip prospective students with the skills they need to enroll in AeU. Dual-mode means that programs are offered through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and at on-site learning centers.

Students listen to an instructor at one of Asia e University’s learning centers in Malaysia.

All of the university’s academic programs—from vocational degrees to doctorates—are delivered in English on its own campus and in other countries across the region. GAC classes will begin in June.

“Asia e University strives for academic and credit mobility, and the GAC’s flexibility is an ideal choice as the curriculum for the foundation program,” said Professor Dato’ Dr Ansary Ahmed, president/CEO of AeU.

Created by the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), AeU collaborates with higher education institutions and training centers in the 31 ACD countries to offer academic programs and training. AeU is rolling out its programs in phases, starting with India, which launched in January.

Instruction is provided through e-learning—also known as e-education—which includes technology-enhanced learning experiences, such as Web-based communication, interactive television broadcasting, video, multimedia CD-ROM, and video conferencing. AeU’s programs combine independent study, online discussion, and face-to-face interaction and tutorials. In the 120 total learning hours, it is estimated that students will allocate 78 hours to independent study, 30 hours to online discussion, and 12 hours to face-to-face interaction and tutorials at learning centers.

Students at Asia e University in Malaysia review a program on the computer.

The university offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a wide variety of academic areas though the School of Management, the School of Education and Cognitive Specialization Science, the School of Information and Communication Technology, and the School of Professional and Executive Development.

With a population of 4 billion people—60 percent of the world’s population—Asia is a strong market for the types of programs AeU offers. Large percentages of the Asian population need some form of training and re-skilling to keep pace with workplace demands, said Ahmed.

“The higher education market can no longer cater solely to 18- to 22-year-old students,” he said. “Older adult students are demanding tailor-made education programs to help them stay current in their professional careers and also to enhance their personal learning. AeU will be able to serve this market sector with its flexible e-learning approach.”