On August 4, 2025, the International Centre for Higher Education Innovation under the auspices of UNESCO (UNESCO-ICHEI), together with the Indonesia Cyber Education Institute (ICE-I), host of the International Institute of Online Education (IIOE) Indonesia National Centre, officially launched the "Capacity Building Programme for Lecturers in Digital Transformation" during the International Seminar on Strengthening the Micro-Credential Ecosystem in Indonesia. The programme aims to empower educators with digital skills through micro-certification training and support them in conducting effective teaching practices in the evolving digital environment.

Drawing on the IIOE Higher Education Teaching Personnel Digital Competency Reference Framework, the programme was developed by the IIOE Indonesia National Centre in coordination with eight Indonesian higher education institutions. It focuses on digital competencies, such as designing and producing micro-courses, organising and implementing online collaborative learning, and guiding personalised learning with data insight. These courses follow the development trend of digital technology and will become an important resource to support educators in enhancing their digital competencies and innovating their teaching models.

Micro-Certification Courses of the Capacity Building Programme for Lecturers in Digital Transformation

Dr. Mohamad Yunus, Rector of Universitas Terbuka and Head of Consortium ICE-I, emphasised that since its establishment, ICE-I has been committed to building and strengthening Indonesia's micro-credential ecosystem, a key priority in the ongoing digital transformation of higher education. Looking ahead, ICE-I will continue to foster a high-quality micro-credential system through technological innovation, industry-academia collaboration, and international partnerships with organisations such as UNESCO-ICHEI.

Dr. Mohamad Yunus, Rector of Universitas Terbuka and Head of Consortium ICE-I, delivering remarks

Prof. Togar Mangihut Simatupang, Secretary General of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology of Indonesia, stated that the micro-certification programme has become a key strategy to respond to the evolving demands of the global labor market. The micro-certification system offers individuals flexible, modular, and competency-based learning pathways, encouraging learners to expand their knowledge and enhance their skills in order to remain competitive in a rapidly changing employment market. The Ministry will provide full support to the development and refinement of Indonesia's micro-certification system through policy backing, industry-academia collaboration, and international cooperation, thereby promoting lifelong learning awareness and capacity across the country.

Prof. Togar Mangihut Simatupang, Secretary General of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology of Indonesia, delivering remarks

Mr. CAO Zian, Chief of the Global Partnership and Programme Office (GPPO) at UNESCO-ICHEI, noted that the six micro-certification courses under the Capacity Building Programme for Lecturers in Digital Transformation will equip faculty members with the essential competencies to meet the challenges of the digital education era. In its pilot phase, the programme engaged seven partner universities in Indonesia and attracted over 400 participating educators, nearly 200 of whom have already received micro-certificates jointly issued by ICE-I and UNESCO-ICHEI. Moving forward, the programme aims to expand its reach and empower more higher education faculty members with digital teaching capabilities. Ms. SU Rui, Chief of the Knowledge Production and Communications Centre (KPCC) at UNESCO-ICHEI, introduced the IIOE micro-certification course catalogue and its competency-based learning pathways. She called for joint efforts among stakeholders to co-develop micro-certification courses that align with industry demands.

Mr. CAO Zian, Chief of GPPO at UNESCO-ICHEI	Ms. SU Rui, Chief of KPCC at UNESCO-ICHEI

About the Indonesia Cyber Education Institute (ICE Institute)

The Indonesia Cyber Education Institute (ICE Institute) is a quality online learning platform, founded by the Indonesian government in July 2021. It represents an important strategic measure of the government to improve the equity, quality, and relevance of higher education. The ICE Institute offers a diverse selection of educational resources from about 40 leading national and international universities, including more than 2,000 courses and various other learning opportunities. It also provides micro-credential programs that are beneficial for reskilling or upskilling the workforce in the business and industrial sectors. The learning materials are easily and openly accessible to everyone, significantly contributing to the improvement of human resources in Indonesia.