Enhancement of AUN-QA System Implementation in ASEAN Universities

The first workshop on “Enhancement of AUN-QA System Implementation” for CLM countries was organised by ASEAN University Network, Yangon, Myanmar from 28 – 31 August 2012. The 4-day workshop in Myanmar aims to (i) enhance and strengthen the knowledge on QA system implementation and management particularly based on AUN-QA system, (ii) build up qualified University QA personnel team in CLM countries, (iii) establish QA system to leverage the quality of education management in CLM countries, and (iv) provide counties with options for harmonising university QA system to ensure applicability across Southeast Asia.

The workshop was facilitated by Mr Johnson Ong and facilitators from the National University of Singapore. The workshop was attended by 30 participants from University of Yangon, Yangon Institute of Economics, Myanmar Maritime University, Myanmar Mercantile Marine College, Civil Aviation Training Institute, Mandalay University,  and Cooperative University. 

The workshop was graced by Dr. Myo Myint, Deputy Minister for Education, Myanmar at the opening ceremony on 28 Aug 2012.

The workshop covered internal quality assurance for programme development encompassing   curriculum development and mapping, learning outcomes, learning activities, learning assessments, and constructive alignment. PDCA approach to SAR writing, leading effective team and change management were covered in the second part of the workshop.

Data Collection and SAR Development Process

The “Data Collection and SAR Development Process” workshop was organised by Vietnam National University - Ho Chi Minh City. The 1-day workshop was held on 23 Aug 2012 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

The 1-day course aims to introduce self-assessment development process, planning for assessment, making of a good SAR, and change management. The workshop was facilitated by Mr. Johnson Ong and attended by more than 45 participants from various universities. 

Process and Tools in Internal Quality Assurance

The “Process and Tools in Internal Quality Assurance” workshop was organised by Vietnam National University - Ho Chi Minh City. The 1-day workshop was held on 22 Aug 2012 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

The 1-day course aims to introduce QA framework, best practices in TQM, roles of QA officer, strategic planning process and tools, and data collection, analysis and presentation. The workshop was facilitated by Mr. Johnson Ong and attended by more than 45 participants from various universities. 

Quality Control Circles (QCCs)

QCC is a group of employees from the same workplace or across departments meeting regularly to discuss work-related issues and to offer suggestions and ideas for improvement to management.There are many QCC success stories that demonstrate the achievement of greater operational efficiency, reduced absenteeism, improved employee health and safety, and an overall better working climate. Johnson facilitated the QCC member and leadership workshop in a Japanese MNC in Singapore in June and July 2012.

Lean Six Sigma

Process variations and wastes are the culprits of organisation's fat. Applying Six Sigma and Lean Thinking helps organisations to stay fit and lean. Thereby, increasing productivity and cost competitiveness. Mr Johnson Ong facilitating a Lean Six Sigma workshop from 6 - 8 June 2012.

Rediscovery and Renewal Process to Happiness

The article on "The Happiness DNA" was published in the Today's Manager, Jun - Jul 2012 issue.

The first step towards happiness is to define what happiness is. Lord Richard Layard, the founder of Action for Happiness, defines happiness as "Feeling good about our lives and wanting to go on feeling that way. Unhappiness means feeling bad and wanting things to change". 

Rediscovery and renewal go through a continuous process of creating self-awareness, finding one’s life purpose, making changes, acting upon them, reflecting the lessons learned, and taking conscious effort to progress in fulfilling one’s life purpose. Read the full article below.

2nd East African Quality Assurance Forum

The QA Coordinators' Training on Curriculum Development and the 2nd East African Assurance Forum were held from 14 to 18 May 2012 in Entebbe, Uganda. The event was jointly organised by the Inter-University Council for East African (IUCEA), the German Rectors' Conference (HRK) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). Mr. Johnson Ong was appointed as one of the key facilitators at the event and he presented the following topics:

• Change Management for Innovative Curriculum Development
• The Role of QA Forum in Curriculum Innovation for Change Management in Higher Education Institutions - Asian Perspective
• Change Management in Higher Education Institutions
• Exploring the Possibility of an East African/IUCEA QA Seal - Asian Perspective