AI, Automation Shape Global Accreditation

Artificial intelligence (AI), automation, micro-credentials and flexible learning are reshaping higher education, making quality assurance and international accreditation increasingly important. Education and accreditation experts from Bangladesh and Malaysia have stressed stronger global cooperation to address these changes and emerging challenges, including climate change.

The observations came at an international programme on quality assurance and accreditation in higher education held on Monday, September 14, 2026, at the International Hall of Daffodil International University (DIU) in Dhaka. The event was organised by the university’s Institutional Qualification Assurance Cell.

Dato’ Professor Dr Mohammad Shatar bin Sabran, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), delivered the keynote paper. Professor Dr Md Akhtar Hossain Khan, Chairman of the Bangladesh Accreditation Council (BAC), attended as the chief guest.

Dr Md Sabur Khan, Chairman of the Association of Private Universities of Bangladesh and Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Daffodil International University, chaired the event. Professor Dr Md Wakilur Rahman, Member of BAC, attended as the guest of honour.

Other speakers included MQA Director Abu Saman bin Taip; DIU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr M R Kabir; Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Masum Iqbal; and Professor Dr Mostafa Kamal, Director of the Institutional Qualification Assurance Cell.

In his keynote titled “Quality Assurance and the Future of Higher Education in a Global Era”, Dato’ Professor Dr Mohammad Shatar bin Sabran highlighted the evolving role of quality assurance in strengthening higher education systems worldwide.

He explained MQA’s functions, including maintaining the Malaysian Qualifications Register, developing qualification frameworks, providing accreditation, assuring the quality of higher education institutions and programmes, and facilitating recognition of qualifications.

He stressed that quality should be the highest priority for higher education institutions in the global era.

The keynote also covered the evolution of the Malaysian Qualifications Framework, the accreditation cycle, outcome-based education, continuous quality improvement, global rankings, international recognition, micro-credentials and flexible learning models.

He noted that higher education has entered a borderless and increasingly interconnected era where collaboration, trust and quality assurance are essential for institutional development.

Speaking as chief guest, Professor Dr Md Akhtar Hossain Khan said BAC has already started accreditation activities for higher education institutions in Bangladesh, with several academic programmes having received accreditation.

He said the importance of quality assurance and accreditation has increased because of contemporary challenges such as artificial intelligence, automation and climate change.

He called on universities to develop a strong quality culture and ensure continuous improvement. He clarified that BAC’s objective is not to put pressure on universities but to support them throughout the accreditation process.

He also highlighted the importance of international cooperation, capacity building in quality assurance and academic mobility.

Professor Akhtar Hossain Khan suggested that BAC and MQA could work together to build a stronger quality culture and institutional capacity. He stressed that quality assurance should not be viewed as the sole responsibility of an Institutional Qualification Assurance Cell. Deans, heads of departments, faculty members and other stakeholders must actively contribute to institutional quality improvement.

Dr Md Sabur Khan highlighted emerging educational trends, particularly micro-credential courses, in meeting changing industry and professional demands.

He also discussed DIU’s initiative to introduce the “Professor of Practice” position to strengthen industry engagement. He emphasised the university’s plan to establish an industrial zone to expand students’ opportunities for practical learning and improve employability.

Through the high-level discussion, Daffodil International University expressed its interest in strengthening international cooperation and its institutional quality culture while creating a platform for knowledge exchange between Bangladesh and Malaysia on higher education accreditation and quality assurance.

The organisers expect such discussions to deepen understanding of global accreditation practices and contribute to the continued development of quality assurance mechanisms in Bangladesh’s higher education sector.
//DBTech/Reporter/sub-Editor//