Welcome to the Postgraduate Micro-Credentials for Food Security and Climate Change (PMC FSCC), an innovative initiative funded by ERASMUS+, spearheaded by Kasetsart University in collaboration with nine esteemed partners in Southeast Asia and two beneficiaries in Europe. This pioneering project represents a concerted effort to address the pressing challenges of food security and climate change through tailored short-term courses delivered via micro-credentials.
Within this ambitious endeavour, a consortium of leading universities harnesses the latest advancements in digital technologies to develop online modules that not only educate but empower individuals to make a substantive impact on global issues. Building upon the successful establishment of the Joint Master of Science program in Food Security and Climate Change (MS FSCC), this initiative underscores a renewed commitment to accessibility and innovation.
The PMC FSCC is not merely a pedagogical exercise; it embodies a steadfast dedication to creating lasting change. Through rigorous needs assessment studies and consultative workshops involving stakeholders from diverse sectors such as agri-business, government, and non-governmental organizations, the project ensures the relevance and responsiveness of its offerings to real-world demands.
As experts diligently craft cutting-edge online content, parallel efforts are underway to establish university policies that support the recognition and accreditation of micro-credentials. A comprehensive system for assessment and quality assurance is meticulously devised to uphold the integrity and efficacy of the program.
Crucially, the PMC FSCC is designed for enduring impact. Its micro-credentials will seamlessly integrate into the regular curricula after the project’s conclusion by UC SEARCA (Southeast Asian University Consortium for Graduate Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources. It is a collaborative platform comprising universities and institutions across Southeast Asia dedicated to advancing graduate education, research, and capacity building in agriculture and natural resources management. SEARCA (Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture) serves as the secretariat for UC SEARCA, facilitating coordination and collaboration among member institutions to address regional challenges and promote sustainable development in the agriculture sector.
The esteemed institutions span across Southeast Asia and beyond. These institutions encompass Kasetsart University (KU) in Thailand, Maejo University (MJU) also located in Thailand, and the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO), with its headquarters in Thailand as well. Joining them are Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB Agricultural University / IPB University), Gadjah Mada University (UGM) and Universitas Brawijaya (UB) in Indonesia. Further enriching the consortium are the University of the Philippines System (UPLB), Central Luzon State University (CLSU), and Visayas State University (VSU) in the Philippines. Additionally, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM in Malaysia, Georg-August-Universitat Gottingen Stiftung Offentlichen Rechts (UGOE) in Germany, and Universitaet Fur Bodenkultur Wien (BOKU) in Austria contribute to the collaborative efforts towards educational advancement and regional cooperation.