In a second series of accreditation activities in Malaysia after the first round held last year, the Asia Pacific Accreditation and Certification Commission (APACC) conducted an on-site visit (OSV) to Polytechnic Kota Bharu (PKB), Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia. The visiting APACC team was led by the APACC President Dr. Mohammad Naim Yaakub. The team was composed of Dr. Romulita Alto, from the Philippines who acted as APACC Team Leader, with Team Member Dr. Paiboon Saiyawongs from Thailand together with Ms. Arlene Cruz, CPSC's APACC Staff for PKB, Malaysia. The PKB-OSV was organized from March 30-April 1, 2015 which was the last stop among the seven polytechnics lined up for the said series of APACC activity for the year.

The warm welcome accorded to the APACC team was led by the PKB Director Mejar (K) HJ. Noor Azahan Bin Othman. Prior to the on-site-visit proper he provided PKB's history and highlighted its accomplishments, innovations, research and development outputs and special projects vis-à-vis the polytechnic's goals during the opening ceremonies. PKB's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) expressed his appreciation to APACC for giving them the opportunity to prove their worth and be duly recognized in the international arena. He said that he always tells his faculty, staff and students that "if you do not aspire to be the best you are not doing justice to yourself".

The APACC President, in response, conveyed his warm wishes to the PKB team and acknowledged the institution's regard and appreciation towards the benefits of APACC. He further expounded on how could APACC significantly contributes to the quality aspirations of the institution and encouraged the team to continue laying down foundations for more quality achievements.
Dr. Mohammad Naim Yaakub, APACC President (first fr. L) and Dr. Romulita Alto, APACC Team Leader (3rd fr. L) talk to PKB students during the on-site-visit, looking on is PKB Director Mejar (K) HJ. Noor Azahan (2nd fr. L) and PKB faculty members.

Interviews, facilities inspections and validation of evidences presented were conducted to examine PKB’s compliance against APACC’s seven criteria namely: Criterion I. Governance and Management; Criterion II. Teaching and Learning; Criterion III. Faculty and Staff; Criterion IV. Research and Development; Criterion V. Extension, Consultancy and Linkages; Criterion VI. Resources; and Criterion VII. Support to Students.

Politeknik Kota Bharu started operations in 1985 and was the 4th polytechnic established in Kelantan, Malaysia. It boasts of its 43,723 graduates since 1987 until 2014. Currently PKB has 6,161 enrollees as of March 2015. PKB pledges to be responsive towards generating innovative human capital that is able to transform the national education system through the continuing efforts carried out by PKB’s dedicated faculty, staff and students.

Official results of the visit shall be announced accordingly.
Dr. Alto (left photo) and Dr. Paiboon Saiyawongs, APACC Team Member (right photo) conduct interviews with PKB staff and students during the visit.