Having professional credentials earned abroad assessed in Malaysia can be a challenging and, at times, discouraging experience. I have experienced this personally.
In my case, the difficulty was not an explicit statement that my certifications were unrecognised. Rather, being among relatively few people holding them seemed to become an obstacle. It left me wondering whether the number of local holders was receiving more attention than the certification’s content, assessment standards and relevance to professional practice.
This concern extends to CPD points I earned abroad. I would welcome a clearer process for assessing whether these points can be transferred or credited locally, taking into account the learning content, duration, supporting evidence and relevance to professional practice, subject to the receiving body’s requirements.
My experience also includes numerous competency-based training programmes based on C & G and TVET/MLVK frameworks. Some authorities have accepted these as evidence of my competence, which makes the uncertainty elsewhere harder to understand. I appreciate that different bodies have different requirements, but clearer explanations of how such training is assessed would help experienced practitioners understand what further evidence, if any, is needed.
My son encountered a similar difficulty when seeking recognition for his overseas studies. The limited number of graduates from the same institution appeared to complicate the process. TARC, however, accepted him without hesitation. I remain grateful for that fair treatment he received, regardless of his racial background.
My wife has also faced similar challenges in having her professional credentials acknowledged.
There is a certain irony in having bodies overseas recognise my credentials and experience, while still having to explain their value at home. When I accepted work with foreign organisations, some questioned my patriotism. Apparently, having my expertise recognised abroad was easier than having my decision to use it understood at home.
I believe serving an overseas organisation and Malaysia are entirely compatible. Professional recognition across borders can bring knowledge, experience and opportunities back to our own country.
I respect the responsibility of accreditation and professional bodies to uphold standards. Overseas credentials should undergo proper scrutiny, with clear criteria, an explanation of any gaps and a practical route to address them.
Experiences like these can influence where people choose to build their careers. If we hope to retain talent and welcome returning Malaysians, the pathways for assessing their competence deserve attention too.
I appreciate the entities that have considered my credentials and professional development fairly. My hope is for greater clarity and consistency, so that certifications, CPD, experience and demonstrated ability receive fair consideration