MICRO-CREDENTIALS are focused, fast and flexible learning programs that recognize a learner's competency in a specific area. They are more niche than traditional certified courses and can emphasize a needed skill for the targeted sector. They can also be used to advance and catalyze actionable solutions in food security and climate change resilience.
This was the consensus reached by the first international conference held by the Erasmus program Postgraduate Micro-Credentials in Food Security and Climate Change (PMC-FSCC) in Thailand on Feb. 10 to 12.
Kasetsart University as the PMC-FSCC project leader spearheaded the event in collaboration with Work Package 5 on Communication and Dissemination managed by Institut Pertanian Bogor University, Central Luzon State University, Universitas Brawijaya and Visayas State University. The Laguna-based Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) also co-organized the conference.
The event discussions explored strategies for integrating micro-credentials into academic curricula, with case studies from Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. The session on "Learning Instruments and Technology" focused on innovations in digital education and artificial intelligence-powered agronomic tools with associate professor Bundit Thipakorn from King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi discussing Thailand's digital badge development.
SEARCA Director Glenn Gregorio highlighted the synergy between micro-credentials and problem-based learning in equipping professionals with industry-relevant skills. Delfin Ganapin Jr., Outstanding SEARCA Scholarship alumnus, emphasized the urgency of interdisciplinary research, policy advocacy and innovative partnerships in addressing food security challenges. He stressed the importance of supporting systems thinking and strategic mapping to enhance the effectiveness of research and education, ensuring they remain purposeful and responsive to real-world needs.