Cyberjaya, 9 June 2020 – Blockchain technology is set to drive the next revolution in the education sector, transforming the way academic credentials are stored, tracked and shared.

Blockchain, in the simplest terms, is an open, distributed digital ledger that records transactions efficiently in a verifiable and permanent way. The technology can also be described as a network of computers, each having an identical copy of the distributed database and changing its records by a common agreement based on complex mathematical algorithms.

It does not need any centralised server, which then enables shared responsibility of multiple parties that participate in the blockchain system. Unlike a regular database, blockchain has a non-destructive, immutable method to track data changes over time.

According to Zainal 'Abidin Mohd Jais, Head, Blockchain Technologies of Dagang Net Technologies Sdn Bhd, blockchain is set to revolutionise academic credentials as it allows individuals the capacity to possess and share their own official records.

“Blockchain can improve the current system which can take weeks or months for sharing or issuing official certificates. With the technology, it allows education providers, employers, students and others to issue official certificates that supply proof of graduation in a fast and efficient manner. Digital records registered on a blockchain are all cryptographically signed and tamper-proof which can eliminate forgery,” he said.

Dagang Net, a leading provider of eServices in trade facilitation, is using blockchain technology to create an innovative platform for employers, graduates, universities and training providers to authenticate academic and training certificates.

Called Dagang Net eScroll, this service has a unique signature and time-stamped certificate that can eliminate forgery unlike traditional paper-based documents. Every certificate will be tagged with a QR code linked to the blockchain - a secure, immutable and incorruptible database. Issuing institutions keep a register of certificates on the blockchain represented by the QR code. Authentication of certificates is done by simply scanning the QR code. Thus, the verification process is made simple and transparent.

Zainal said Dagang Net eScroll can create assurance for both graduates and future employers in verifying candidates’ credentials. Universities can also benefit from using this technology to protect their most precious produce namely graduates and add value to their reputation, he added.

Dagang Net eScroll is available through https://escroll.dagangnet.com/ and mobile application on Google Play Store.

Dagang Net has signed Memoranda of Agreement with several universities and training providers in Indonesia and Malaysia to implement Dagang Net eScroll. These early adopters include Universitas Mataram, Universitas Hamzanwadi, Universitas Muhammadiyah Mataram, Universitas Samawa, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Yarsi Mataram, Universitas Teknologi Sumbawa, Universitas 45 Mataram, Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Nusa Tenggara Barat, STKIP Taman Siswa Bima, IHM College, KnowledgeCom and World Skills Academy Sdn Bhd who will be issuing their graduation and training certificates embedded with Dagang Net eScroll.

In addition to universities, colleges and training providers, Zainal said Dagang Net is also looking into working together with the employer segment namely some of the bigger companies especially those that are looking to improve their recruitment processes to incorporate effective authentication of academic and training certificates of prospect employment candidates.