Post-Script #6: The Strategic Pathway To Academic Recognition

by Dr. Raja Zulkarnain

 

 

“The Post-Script Project revisits selected key moments and stories—from personal experiences to features in newspapers and magazines—that shaped my journey with the oud (gambus) from 2003 to 2024. Each reflection offers fresh insights, connecting past experiences to the present while exploring the oud’s cultural and personal significance.”

In this Post-Script #6, we revisit the article from Berita Harian (April 1, 2014), which highlighted the pioneering implementation of APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning) in Malaysia. The article captured a historic moment—one where I, alongside other trailblazers, received the APEL certification from the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), presented by the Minister of Higher Education. It was a pivotal recognition of professional experience as a legitimate qualification for academic advancement. But what the article didn’t capture was the long-term strategy behind my participation in this initiative.

The pursuit of knowledge is not just an academic exercise; it is a political act—one that challenges the status quo and reshapes the narratives that define our culture. In 2003, when I was first appointed as a lecturer at the Akademi Seni Kebangsaan (now ASWARA) and simultaneously serving as a part-time lecturer at UiTM, I was already aware of the systemic barriers that stood in my way. At that time, I held only a Higher National Diploma from the Musicians Institute in Acton, London. While my practical expertise was undeniable, the absence of a formal bachelor’s degree placed a ceiling on my academic progression.

 

This was a structural flaw in the system—one that disregarded lived experience in favor of rigid, outdated benchmarks. But I refused to be confined by these limitations. I knew that in order to elevate the status of gambus in Malaysia and shape public perception on its significance, I had to ascend to the highest echelons of academia. That meant obtaining a master’s degree, followed by a PhD. But how could I achieve this when my commitments as an educator and performer left no room for a conventional three-year undergraduate program?

 

Enter APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning)—a game-changer in Malaysia’s higher education landscape. I was among the pioneering candidates of this revolutionary program, which allowed seasoned professionals to convert years of practical experience into formal academic qualifications. This was more than just a personal breakthrough; it was a political statement. It proved that expertise is not solely forged in classrooms but also in the real-world trenches of industry and practice.

 

When I received my APEL certification from the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), presented by the Minister of Higher Education, it was more than a piece of paper—it was the key to unlocking the next stage of my mission. With this certification, I gained direct entry into the Master’s program at the University of Malaya, bypassing the traditional undergraduate degree requirement.

 

With strategic intent, I structured my master’s research around the taqsim and maqamat as they relate to gambus playing styles in Johor. This was not merely an academic pursuit; it was part of a calculated plan to cement the gambus within the broader ethnomusicological discourse. The objective was clear: to elevate the instrument beyond its niche, to position it as an integral part of Malaysia’s musical and cultural heritage.

 

As expected, the pieces fell into place exactly as planned. The APEL initiative allowed me to bypass systemic roadblocks and focus on the real mission—establishing gambus as a subject worthy of serious academic and cultural discourse. This was not just about my personal journey; it was about institutional change. It was about proving that traditional knowledge, cultural mastery, and lived experience deserve as much recognition as Western-style academic credentials.

 

Today, as I continue my work in gambus research, performance, and education, I look back at the APEL certification not just as a stepping stone, but as a political victory—one that has opened doors for others who, like me, refuse to be bound by outdated academic gatekeeping. The gambus will have its rightful place, and I will ensure that no bureaucratic barrier stands in its way. -drrz

Reference:

Suhaila Shahrul Annuar. (2014, April 1). Pengalaman kerja bantu lanjut pelajaran. Berita Harian, Nasional, p. 15.

 

Read related article here:

https://oudtaqsim.blogspot.com/2024/12/from-struggles-to-success-my-path.html