Manama, Apr. 16 (BNA): The Education and Training Quality Authority (BQA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ), aimed at strengthening cooperation in the areas of academic and vocational programme reviews and supporting qualifications frameworks.

Dr. Maryam Hasan Mustafa, Chief Executive of BQA, highlighted the continued advancement of Bahrain’s education sector, supported by the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the continuous follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

She noted that the Kingdom remains committed to ensuring the quality of academic and vocational programmes and qualifications, and to fostering competitiveness among higher education and training institutions in delivering programmes that meet the highest quality standards and respond to labour market demands.

The MoU outlines strategic cooperation between BQA and HKCAAVQ, including the exchange of expertise, information sharing, and alignment of quality assurance practices.

Dr. Maryam noted that the agreement marks a key step in enhancing institutional performance and aligning academic and vocational qualifications with international benchmarks, thereby supporting improved learning outcomes and institutional excellence.

H. B. Chao, Executive Director of HKCAAVQ, emphasised that the agreement represents a milestone in bilateral collaboration, paving the way for strengthened quality assurance systems and supporting the mutual recognition of qualifications.

He emphasised that the partnership will contribute to expanding global recognition of qualifications, benefitting higher education and vocational sectors in both jurisdictions.

The MoU will facilitate cooperation on the development of flexible learning pathways and recognition of prior learning, further broadening educational and training opportunities for learners. It also supports international recognition of Bahrain’s National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and contributes to enhancing the Kingdom’s competitiveness in the global education and training landscape.

ZH