The World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) Asia-Pacific Region and General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) marked a historic milestone with the graduation of the first cohort of the Certificate in Scout Management (CSM), the world’s first academically accredited management programme designed specifically for adult leaders in Scouting.
Held at the FGS Auditorium of KDU, the awarding ceremony recognised 11 graduates from the programme’s inaugural cohort, representing National Scout Organizations in Malaysia, Nepal, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Thailand. The graduates successfully completed ten online modules focused on leadership, governance and organisational management.
Developed jointly by WOSM Asia-Pacific and KDU, the Certificate in Scout Management bridges Scouting values with internationally recognised academic standards, equipping adult leaders with practical management competencies to strengthen the governance and sustainability of National Scout Organizations.
The programme builds on more than five decades of the Asia-Pacific Region’s Basic Management Course (BMC), transforming its long-established leadership curriculum into a formally accredited qualification that supports lifelong learning and professional development for Scout leaders.
The ceremony brought together Scout leaders from across the region, KDU officials, faculty members and Regional Scout Committee members. Speakers highlighted the enduring partnership between KDU and the World Scout Bureau, the evolution of the programme, and the growing importance of investing in capable and ethical adult leadership to deliver quality Scouting experiences for young people.
Chair of the Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Committee, Dato’ Dr Mohd Zin Bidin, underscored the importance of strengthening adult leadership, noting that well-equipped leaders are fundamental to building resilient and future-ready National Scout Organizations.
Following the successful launch of the inaugural cohort, WOSM Asia-Pacific and KDU will continue enhancing the curriculum and Learning Management System while preparing future intakes.
Both institutions are also exploring advanced academic pathways, including higher-level qualifications, to further strengthen leadership development across the Scout Movement in the Asia-Pacific Region.
