Universities urged to expand elderly care training programmes

The Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) has urged universities to broaden their offerings in elderly care education, positioning such programmes as a practical solution to rising caregiving needs across the country.

MQA Chief Executive Officer Shatar Sabran said expanding short-term elderly care courses would equip Malaysians with the skills needed to provide quality care for aging parents while simultaneously creating opportunities for part-time employment in the caregiving sector.

The push reflects demographic trends in Malaysia, where an aging population has increased pressure on families and healthcare systems to meet growing care requirements. Short-term, focused training programmes could provide flexible pathways for individuals seeking to enter the caregiving profession or enhance their ability to support elderly relatives at home.

By developing accredited courses at the tertiary level, universities could standardise caregiving practices and professional standards while making training more accessible to working-age adults seeking flexible, marketable skills. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to professionalise the care sector and address potential caregiver shortages.