Practical learning

Malaysian Business, Apr 16, 2004

LEARNING takes place in all areas of life, not just in the classroom. Now

you can earn your university-level qualifications through the workplace

with Work Based Learning (WBL) Studies. WBL is tailored to help

individuals build academic qualifications based on practical experience

and on-the-job learning. It uses innovative methods to develop knowledge

and skills through the design and implementation of real-life work- based

projects.

KDU Management Development Centre Sdn Bhd (KMDC) recently signed a

Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Middlesex University, United Kingdom,

to deliver this unique educational programme in Malaysia.

The programme is run through Middlesex's National Centre for Work Based

Learning Partnerships (NCWBLP), one of the foremost providers of higher

education programmes in the UK tailored to professional and personal

interests. It offers WBL from certificate to Masters level; it has also

been offering validation for Doctorate level since 1998 for its UK- based

students.

`We have helped more than 1,800 people in business and the community

gain academic credit for their experience,' says Professor Micheal

Driscoll, vice chancellor of Middlesex University. `WBL provides obvious

advantage to organisations, and in times of change, reliable

qualifications for individuals and employees are vital. This unique

educational function has attracted international attention - NCWBLP has

national and international centres in Greece, Australia, Nicosia, Ireland,

Hong Kong and now in Malaysia.'

The MoA was signed by Driscoll and Dr Teo Chiang Quan, group managing

director and group chief executive officer of Paramount Corporation Bhd,

the parent company of KMDC. `KMDC has a track record in helping

organisations in Malaysia improve and enhance their in-house training

systems, and Middlesex University offers the accreditation so that the

learning from training courses is formally recognised,' says Driscoll of

the strategic tie-up.

KMDC at KL Sentral has executive-learning facilities of world- class

standards. It is equipped with 1.5Mbps Internet connection for practical

online learning. The network at the centre comprises both the conventional

wired perspectives as well as the new WIFI-based network, allowing for

flexible wireless connectivity. There are also two state-of-the- art

multimedia labs, with at least 30 IBM NetVista flat-screen desktop

personal computers each, for personal video conferencing and individual

learning needs.

`At KMDC, we constantly strive to better understand what drives

individuals and organisations to succeed and advance to leadership

positions; our learning model engages learning members in a

transformational experience that goes beyond merely acquiring knowledge,'

says KMDC's Executive Director Cheng Mien Wee. `Our WBL partnership with

Middlesex University provides a meaningful pathway for organisations and

their employees to enhance their effectiveness and productivity by giving

these employees the opportunity for them to pursue relevant academic study

grounded within a work context.'

For more information, contact our Kuala Lumpur centre at 03-2273 8286 or

the Penang centre at 04-2287098 or email start@kmdc.com.my.