The University of Dubrovnik is setting new benchmarks in higher education through the MICRO4ASIA project, aimed at developing a micro-qualification system in Vietnam and Laos. These short, market-relevant educational programs offer a fast and flexible pathway to employment, enabling individuals to acquire essential skills without committing to years of study. In collaboration with European and Asian universities, UNIDU leads the transfer of knowledge and adapts educational models to meet the demands of a dynamic labor market, bridging the gap between academia and industry.
Higher education worldwide is facing challenges in adapting to the increasingly dynamic requirements of the job market. Traditional degree programs remain important, but for many learners, the need for flexible, targeted, and market-relevant qualifications is becoming more urgent. In Southeast Asia, where the shortage of skilled labor is becoming more pronounced, universities must respond with innovative solutions.
At the University of Dubrovnik (UNIDU), we see microcredentials as a powerful tool for transformation—one that bridges the gap between formal education and professional advancement. This belief is what drives our active participation in the MICRO4ASIA project, where we are working alongside universities in Laos and Vietnam to create a more agile and responsive education system.
‘Education must evolve alongside the job market. We are working to develop a system where learners can acquire and showcase industry-relevant skills without being locked into rigid, years-long programs,’ says Nebojša Stojčić, institutional project coordinator at UNIDU.
Why Microcredentials Matter
For a young professional in Hanoi or Vientiane, wanting to become a data analyst, software developer, or sustainability expert, the standard route involves a full degree program—a major time and financial commitment. But what if a focused program in programming, data visualization, or renewable energy, lasting just a few months, could help them secure a high-demand job?
Microcredentials offer exactly that—a pathway to acquiring practical, verifiable skills, recognized by employers, and often stackable towards higher qualifications. Yet, their adoption in Southeast Asia remains limited. Universities lack standardized quality assurance frameworks, and employers often struggle to assess the credibility of such qualifications. UNIDU is helping to change that.
UNIDU’s Role: Bringing European Expertise to Local Contexts
As a partner in MICRO4ASIA, UNIDU is contributing its experience in designing flexible learning models and integrating industry partnerships into education. The project brings together leading European institutions—including coordinator Masaryk University (Czech Republic), the Institut de Haute Formation aux Politiques Communautaires (Belgium), and the University of Siena (Italy)—to develop a structured framework for microcredentials in Vietnam and Laos.
However, adapting European models to the Southeast Asian context is not a simple copy-paste process. The education systems in the region place a strong emphasis on theoretical knowledge, whereas European universities have increasingly moved toward competency-based education and modular learning pathways.
‘The key is not just transferring a European model, but co-creating a system that fits the needs of learners, universities, and industries in Vietnam and Laos,’ Stojčić emphasizes.’ Our goal is to help universities build microcredentials that are locally relevant but internationally recognizable.’
To achieve this, MICRO4ASIA is leading the development of training programs for university educators in Southeast Asia, helping them design and implement microcredential programs that align with both local educational traditions and global standards. This includes:
– Workshops and training sessions for faculty members on designing microcredentials that fit industry needs.
– Guidelines for curriculum development that integrate skills-based learning and quality assurance measures.
– A digital toolkit that supports universities in implementing credit transfer systems and employer partnerships.
A Solution to Workforce Challenges
Southeast Asia is experiencing a severe skills gap, with 60 % of employers reporting difficulty in finding workers with the right competencies, according to the World Bank (2023). Meanwhile, countries with strong qualification frameworks see a 30 % increase in student mobility—highlighting the economic and social impact of better-recognized credentials.
By creating a structured and internationally compatible microcredential system, UNIDU and its partners are helping universities adapt to this new reality. More importantly, they are providing students with tools to take control of their learning and careers—whether they want to upskill, change professions, or access global job markets.
‘Microcredentials are not just an educational innovation—they are an economic necessity,’ Stojčić explains. ‘We see this as a step toward a more inclusive, skills-driven economy where learning never stops.’
Looking Ahead: Lasting Impact on Education in Asia
The MICRO4ASIA project is still in its early stages, but UNIDU’s commitment to fostering lifelong learning and strengthening university-industry collaboration is already shaping the future of education in the region.
For Vietnamese and Laotian universities, this project is an opportunity to modernize their academic offerings and expand access to education beyond traditional degree programs. For students and professionals, it represents a new way to learn, grow, and compete in a globalized job market.
At UNIDU, we believe that higher education must be a dynamic, lifelong journey, not just a fixed stage in life. MICRO4ASIA is a step toward making that vision a reality—where education is not confined to the classroom but is available to all, at any stage of their careers.
