Two UUM academic programmes will undergo assessment for the re-certification of the ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) which will be held online for five days starting from 16 December.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dato' Dr. Ahmad Bashawir Abdul Ghani, two programmes namely Bachelor of Science in Economics with Honours from the School of Economics, Finance and Banking (SEFB) and the Bachelor of Development Management with Honours from the School of Government (SOG) will undergo the said assessment.

He said the assessment this time would be conducted differently compared to the previously conducted AUN-QA assessment given the unprecedented current situation due to COVID-19 pandemic which had disrupted most activities around the world.

“The evaluation officially begins today (last Wednesday) and will end on 22 December. Hence, the assessment which will be conducted online and remotely poses a challenge in the preparation process.

"However, I consider this as a valuable experience to be better prepared for any eventualities the future," he said at the Vice-Chancellor's Meeting Room.

He said the internet and network infrastructure and technical support for a smooth long-distance assessment had been carefully compiled.

According to him, for this long-distance assessment, a team that will be responsible for live streaming sessions, IT technical support, translators and the Zoom Management Team had been appointed.

In addition, he said the Institute of Quality Management (IPQ) as the evaluation secretariat had conducted a series of interview and live-streaming testing sessions to ensure that this long-distance assessment met the required specifications and can be carried out smoothly.

"I hope all the departments involved can provide full cooperation to ensure the assessment is successful and runs smoothly," he said.

Meanwhile, Chief and Lead Assessor, De La Salle University, The Philippines, Prof. Dr. Arnulfo P. Azcarraga acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic had changed the life of the world, for example AUN would also be conducting digital meetings and programmes.

“I really hope that the audit process during the five-day period runs smoothly.

"My heartfelt appreciation and gratitude go to the Vice-Chancellor, the academic and administrative staff at UUM for their cooperation in ensuring the smooth running of the audit process," he said.