DATE:
May 20-24, 2024
Venue:
Virtual Room (Zoom)
Organizer:
Asia Pacific Accreditation and Certification Commission (APACC)

Background

Accreditation, as one of the three primary modes of quality assurance, is often considered a step towards establishing a culture of quality – sustained and maintained by defining objectives, developing capacity to achieve them and evaluating whether they are achieved or not. Being a gatekeeper of quality at its threshold, accreditation determines the adequacy of human, physical and information resources, reinforces results-based approach to evaluation, and provides a firm foundation for its institutions or programs.

The Asia Pacific Accreditation and Certification Commission (APACC) is an international accreditation and certification body established through the CPSC Seoul Declaration 2004, with the Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC) as the lead organization. It aims to provide international accreditation and certification services towards the quality management system of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.

As mandated, APACC shall recruit, train, retrain and develop a pool of accreditors on a full-time or on-call basis.

In 2019, APACC revised the self-study form and instrument to eliminate ambiguity and to highlight the process of PDCA (Plan Do Check Act) in all seven criteria. Also, APACC keeps on looking for ways to improve its processes, thus, review and revision of these processes are undertaken by the APACC Board whenever deemed imperative. Once updates and changes emerge, it is fitting to take action and make such changes known to concerned people.

It is in this light that this training program has been conceived.

Objectives

The objectives of the refresher training are to:

  • Discuss the updates on APACC instrument and processes;
  • Define the roles, responsibilities, and attributes expected of APACC Accreditors; and
  • Ensure the same level of understanding among Accreditors on the APACC criteria, indicators, and sub-indicators.

Program Contents

In order to achieve the above objectives, the following topics will be covered:

  • Overview and Rationale of Updates on APACC Instrument and Procedures
  • Desirable Characteristics of APACC Accreditors and Rules in Institutional Evaluation
  • Updates on APACC Criteria
    • Criterion I: Governance and Management
    • Criterion II: Teaching and Learning
    • Criterion III: Human Resources
    • Criterion IV: Research and Development
    • Criterion V: Image and Sustainability
    • Criterion VI: Other Resources
    • Criterion VII: Support to Students
  • Roles and Responsibilities of APACC Team before, during, and after institutional evaluation
  • Parts of Evaluation Report and Tips in Report Writing

Instructional Strategies

To facilitate productive and interactive learning, the following instructional strategies will be utilized to effectively train the participants:

  • Online lectures
  • Experience sharing
  • Online and offline tasks
  • Video presentations
  • Use of OnCOURSE learning management system

Participants' Profile

The training is for about twenty APACC accreditors from various member countries who have not undergone retraining on APACC instrument version 2019.

Program Management

Program Supervisor (CPSC) Prof. G. L. D. Wickramasinghe ([email protected]) is the first Sri Lankan and the 12th Director General of CPSC. He is also the concurrent President of Asia Pacific Accreditation and Certification Commission (APACC).

Prior to his appointment as the Director General, he was a professor at the Department of Textile and Clothing Technology, University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka since 2015. Here also held key administrative posts during his career: as a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Vocational Technology (2016-2019), former Chairman of the Centre for Open and Distance Learning (CODL) of the University of Moratuwa (2015-2016), and former head of the Department of Textile and Clothing Technology (2009-2012).

He also served as the Chairman of Alethea International School (2017-2021), an independent non-executive Director of Orit Apparels Lanka Ltd. (2014-2016), and Sri Lanka Institute of Textile and Apparel (2010-2015). He also served as the Director of Technical and Quality Assurance of Brandix Textiles Ltd (2013-2014). He also served as chairman and member of various public sector strategic and technical committees.

He also published over 60 research publications on topics related to textile engineering and educational management, of which over 30 are international refereed journal publications.

He was honored with 18 national and international awards including Emerald Literary Award (2018), President's Award for Scientific Publications (2017), and NRC Merit Award for Scientific Publication (2016, 2011). The World Education Congress also honored him with the award for Outstanding Contribution to Education in “Sri Lanka Education Leadership Awards” in 2018.

Prof. Wickramasinghe is a graduate of a Bachelor of Science in Textile Engineering from the University of Moratuwa in 1993 by which he obtained first class honors. He finished his PhD at the University of Manchester in 2003. He also obtained a PG Certificate in Learning and Teaching, the University of Arts London, UK in 2006 and an MBA in the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka in 2008.

Program Coordinator and Resource Person Dr. Kesavan Ulaganathen ([email protected]) is a faculty expert in the Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC). His academic expertise is on optical communication, industrial engineering and instrumentation, satellite communication, wireless communication, computer aided design for electronic design, semiconductor technology, digital communication, RF and Microwave technology.

He obtained his Ph.D. in Wireless Communication at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia in 2014, and his Master of Engineering degree in Electrical, Electronic and Telecommunication in 2005 in the same university. He has a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Electronics and Telecommunication) degree from the College University Institute of Tun Hussein Onn (KUITTHO), currently known as UTHM - Malaysia where he also obtained a post-graduate Diploma in Education in 1999. He also has a Certificate and Diploma in Electrical and Telecommunication Engineering from Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Polytechnic in Pahang, Malaysia.

He has an extensive teaching experience in higher technical education working as a lecturer at Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Polytechnic (POLISAS), Kuantan, Pahang from 1999-2003; and as lecturer and training officer at Sultan Azlan Shah Polytechnic (PSAS), Tanjung Malim, Perak from 2005-2008. He was appointed as Senior Lecturer at Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Polytechnic (POLISAS) from 2009-2016. He was posted as Head of Department for Mathematical, Science and Computer at Polytechnic Sandakan Sabah, at East Malaysia at Borneo Island from 2017-2021. His former position was as Principal Lecturer in Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Polytechnic (POLISAS), Kuantan, Pahang in Malaysia. He has been involved in Higher Education Curriculum Development programmes for electrical engineering courses, specifically in the optoelectronic field, in Polytechnics system in Malaysia. He has been involved in consultation works as well, one of his areas is on the 5G network for Malaysia.

He has over 25 research publications on electronic and telecommunications which were published in prestigious journals such as the Advanced Journal of Technical and Vocational Education, International Journal of Electronics, and Radioengineering. He is also a reviewer for some of journals articles published by IEEE, PIERS, HINDAWI and others for international publications and conferences.

Resource Person Engr. Dr. Mian Khuram Ahsan ([email protected]) is currently a Senior Faculty Specialist at the Colombo Plan Staff College. His specialization is on electrical engineering, works budget and execution, tendering, monitoring, and evaluation, database management, risk analysis, business development management, consultancy, and public administration management. Prior to CPSC, he was the Deputy Director of the National Vocational Training Commission (NAVTTC), under the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, Islamabad, Pakistan. As Deputy Director he handled varied administrative and management roles and responsibilities in the commission, which include strategic planning and facilitation of professional training for TVET institutions in the country.

His teaching experiences include being an Assistant Professor in Electrical Engineering at GCT Nowshera, Director for Coordination and IT and Principal Staff Officer at KP-TEVTA, Chief Research and Development (R&D) and Deputy Director for Training at TE and MT Directorate. He also served as Electrical Engineer in Hydro Tech (PVT) Ltd. In Malakand III, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan and as a Consultant of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pakistan.

Dr. Ahsan finished his Ph.D. in Power Electronics and Power Drives in 2019 in the School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Zhenjiang Jiangsu University in China, his Master of Project Management in 2014 in ABASYN University, Peshawar Pakistan and his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Degree in Peshawar College of Engineering at N.W.F.P. University of Engineering and Technology also in Peshawar Pakistan.

Resource Person Prof. Romulita C. Alto, EdD ([email protected]) has retired from government service in 2006, however, she continuously impart her knowledge in various capacities like currently, she is a CPSC Project-Based Faculty Consultant and Accreditor of APACC.

She has been associated with CPSC since 1992 in various capacities. From 1992-1994, she was a Research Associate. From 1997 to 2001, she was engaged as Governing Board engaged Core Faculty Consultant and Chairperson of Consultancy and Marketing Division and Research and Development Division. Dr. Alto is the lead author of CPSC’s best-selling book - the Research in TVET Made Easy and was the lead reviewer of the APACC documents in 2013 – 2014. She was able to handle several high-profile assignments and projects in ADB and JICA, being an educator and international consultant for more than 50 years.

Dr. Alto is the recipient of the Outstanding Public School Teacher of the City of Manila in 1971, the Most Outstanding Natural Science Teacher of the Year in 1972, and the Outstanding Faculty Member of the Technological University of the Philippines in 2005. Among the scholarship grants she enjoyed are the CDG-Gesellshaft scholarship at the Asian Institute of Technology in Thailand on Remote Sensing Technology and Environmental Resources Management, Asia Foundation Scholarship on the Teaching of CBA Chemistry, and Teaching of Chemistry at RECSAM in Penang Malaysia and a Shell Philippines Chemistry scholar at the University of the Philippines.Dr. Alto earned her Doctoral Degree in Educational Administration in 1984, Master’s Degree in Teaching Chemistry in 1970, Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics and Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 1961 all from the University of the Philippines.

Resource Person Dr. H. Chithral Ambawatte ([email protected]) is an APACC accreditor and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka.

Prior to this, he was a Senior Lecturer of the same university and a Governing Board-engaged Faculty Consultant of the Colombo Plan Staff College from October 1, 2017 to October 1, 2018. He also worked as a Director General of Department of Technical Education & Training [DTET], Ministry of Youth Affairs & Skills Development of Sri Lanka from August 2010 to November 2012. During that time he had been involved in the capacity of Program coordinator/ resource persons in numerous teachers’ training in technical education organized by DTET and CPSC.

He served as a Project Manager / Senior Mechanical Engineer from August 1997 to January 2003 in National Engineering Research & Development Centre of Sri Lanka [NERD Centre], Ministry of Science & Technology, and as a Visiting Lecturer from 1997 to 2004 at the Institute of Engineering Technology (IET) former Technical Training Institute (TTI), Katunayaka, Sri Lanka.

He completed his Bachelor’s degree in 1987 followed by obtaining his Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (1st Class Honors) in the year 1993 at Russian Peoples’ Friendship University, Moscow, Russia. In the year 1997 he took a post graduate diploma of a Researcher. He earned his Doctorate Degree in Technical Sciences in the year 1997 and subsequently acquired a Post-graduate Diploma in Diplomacy and International Affairs in the year 2016.

Resource Person Dr. Hazrat Hussain ([email protected]) is an APACC accreditor and a Principal of Government Technical Teachers Training College, Hayatabad Peshawar, Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Prior to this, he was a Faculty Consultant of the Colombo Plan Staff College from 2012 to 2015. He also worked as an Associate Professor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of Technical Education and Vocational Authority (TEVTA). During that time he had been involved in the capacity of Program coordinator/ resource persons in numerous teachers’ training in technical education organized by CPSC.

Resource Person Pn. Noor Aidi binti Nadzri ([email protected]) held various positions in the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE). She also served as the Director of Curriculum Division in the Department of Polytechnic and Community College (DPCCE) from 2017 to 2021, where she led overseeing curriculum development and evaluation for polytechnics and community colleges.

Noor Aidi Nadzri has played a pivotal role in the accreditation processes, particularly with the Asia Pacific Accreditation and Certification Commission (APACC). She was the former National Coordinator for Accreditation in Malaysia, leading efforts to achieve APACC Certification for three premier polytechnics. She also has experience serving APACC as lead and member accreditor in various institutional evaluations across Asia Pacific in the past decade.

Her educational journey includes a Diploma in Education from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia in 1987, a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from California State University Long Beach, USA in 1986, and an M.Sc. in Technical Vocational Education from Universiti Putra Malaysia in 2008. With a strong foundation in education and engineering, Noor Aidi Nadzri has gone on to make significant contributions to the TVET sector.

Resource Person Prof. Chuluuntsetseg Dagvadorj ([email protected]) is an APACC accreditor and held various position in TVET sector in Mongolia.

Prof. Chuluuntsetseg Dagvadorj is a highly qualified professional with extensive experience in consultancy, project management, and international standards compliance. With a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics and a Bachelor's degree in Russian language and literature teaching and methodology, she brings a unique blend of linguistic expertise and managerial skills to her roles. Currently serving as a Senior Consultant for ISO 21001:2018, she has a proven track record of delivering high-quality consultancy services and facilitating ISO certification processes for both public and private organizations in Mongolia.

Prof. Chuluuntsetseg is known for her meticulous attention to detail, effective communication skills, and commitment to excellence in all her endeavors. She earned a master’s degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand, in the year 1999, and Bachelor of Arts in Russian language and literature teaching and methodology, Institute of Russian Language Teachers, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia in June 1983.

Resource Person Mrs. Adrienne Abril-Nonan ([email protected]) held various positions in APACC and CPSC from 2007 – 2023. As the APACC/Projects and Consultancy Division Officer (2011 – 2012 & 2016 – 2023), she managed the administrative functions of APACC including planning and implementation of institutional evaluations, board meetings, accreditors’ training and retraining, and meetings of the Association of APACC Accreditees (AAA). She acted as resource speaker in APACC orientations and accreditors’ training and coordinated study tour programs on behalf of CPSC. She was involved in about 30 APAC institutional evaluations as documentation officer in India, Malaysia, Mongolia, and the Philippines from 2009-2021. She contributed greatly to the review and revision of the APACC Manual and other documents over the years. Mrs. Nonan studied BS Food Technology at the University of the Philippines – Diliman from 2000-2005.

Program Schedule