Kuala lumpur: Asia e University (AeU) has become the first university in Malaysia and globally to offer its Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) scholars and alumni the opportunity to earn the prestigious Fellow Chartered Management Institute (FCMI) recognition through the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning for Qualifications (APEL.Q) pathway.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this initiative is made possible through AeU's collaboration with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) from the United Kingdom, aimed at recognizing leadership excellence and professional achievement among experienced business professionals.
AeU founder president Prof Datuk Dr Ansary Ahmed stated that the collaboration marks a significant milestone in AeU's mission to champion lifelong learning and elevate professional recognition for working adults. He emphasized, "As a university built for lifelong learners, our DNA has always been about giving working adults a second chance at quality higher education. The DBA via APEL.Q attracts experienced professionals with over 25 years of work experience, more than double the requirement for the FCMI fellowship, making this partnership a natural fit."
Ansary noted that the collaboration not only enhances the prestige of AeU's DBA program but also provides scholars and alumni with an internationally recognized credential that reflects their leadership and managerial achievements. He added, "The moment we announced this pathway, nearly all our DBA scholars were eager to pursue it. For many, especially entrepreneurs and senior professionals, the FCMI post-nominal is a mark of honor that validates their lifelong journey of leadership."
According to Ansary, AeU also plans to expand the partnership with CMI to include the APEL.Q master's and bachelor's degree programs, as many of those learners also exceed the fellowship's professional experience requirements.
Meanwhile, in the same interview, CMI chief executive officer Ann Francke described the fellowship as an accolade that reflects the highest standards of global leadership and ethical practice. She stated, "These are practitioners living the values of best practice in management and leadership every day. They have long and distinguished careers and yet they continue their learning journey, and CMI holds them to account. The FCMI title is not just a recognition, it signifies a commitment to lifelong learning, ethical leadership and inclusivity, reflecting their dedication to continuous excellence."
Francke also highlighted that the AeU-CMI partnership represents a unique and innovative program recognized in the UK as an example of global best practice in professional development. She remarked, "These are not newly minted students, they are experienced professionals striving to grow further. It's the first of its kind to be done on this scale, and we believe it deserves recognition globally."
She mentioned that AeU's FCMI recipients will also have opportunities to engage with the CMI Global Leadership Network, contributing to thought leadership, sharing research and experiences, as well as inspiring others within the CMI global community.
The ceremony also witnessed the conferment of the FCMI award to Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad and Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh, along with 42 other distinguished recipients in recognition of their leadership excellence and professional achievements.