APU Dominates the 2024 Private Education Excellence Awards with Dual Wins

The Private Education Excellence Awards 2024 was a night to remember, celebrating the remarkable achievements of private educators across Malaysia. Among the many institutions that shined, the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) emerged as a standout, taking home two prestigious awards.

APU’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr Ho Chin Kuan (5th from the right), and Registrar, Dr Teh Choon Jin (6th from the left), celebrate the Awards with fellow Heads of Schools and Academic Leaders.

A Night of Recognition and Pride

Held on August 1st, 2024, at the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, the ceremony was a grand affair, bringing together some of the most influential figures in private education. APU’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Ho Chin Kuan, and Registrar, Dr. Teh Choon Jin, proudly shared the moment with fellow Heads of Schools and Academic Leaders. The group celebrated their success with visible pride and joy, embodying the spirit of excellence that APU is known for.

Outstanding Institutional Award for Computing and Technology Programmes

One of the highlights of the evening was APU receiving the Outstanding Institutional Award for Computing and Technology Programmes. This accolade is a testament to APU’s leadership in the digital tech space, further cementing its position as Malaysia’s Premier Digital Tech University. Known for its unique blend of technology, innovation, and creativity, APU has continuously pushed the boundaries of education, ensuring its students are well-equipped to face the challenges of the digital age.

Best University for Graduate Employability

Adding to the night’s success, APU was also recognized as the Best University for Graduate Employability. This award celebrates the university's impressive track record of transforming students into highly competent, employable professionals. APU's commitment to preparing students for the workforce is evident in its 100% employability rate, a feat that speaks volumes about the quality of education and training provided.

A group photo of all the winners of the Private Education Excellence Awards 2024.

Not only does APU stand out in Malaysia, but it also garners international recognition, being ranked No. 1 for international students in Malaysia and No. 16 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025. This global recognition is a clear indication of APU’s dedication to excellence and its ability to compete on the world stage.

A Moment of Gratitude and Reflection

During the ceremony, APU’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Ho Chin Kuan, took a moment to express his gratitude. “Thank you for yet another feather in our cap, which further testifies to the strength of our faculty members who continue transforming students into highly employable professionals by providing top-notch tech-related programmes as a Malaysia Digital Premier Digital Tech Institution (MD PDTI),” he shared with heartfelt sincerity.

In his speech, Prof Ho emphasized the importance of the event, not just as a celebration of achievements but as a reminder of the collective efforts of educators across the country. “The award ceremony is a reminder of our collective efforts, regardless of institutions, to ensure we give our best in shaping the minds and hearts of the future generation,” he remarked. His words resonated with many in the audience, highlighting the vital role educators play in helping individuals achieve their dreams and passions.

EDUCOOP: Honouring the Best in Private Education

The Private Education Excellence Awards, presented by the Private Education Co-Operative of Malaysia (EDUCOOP), are a unique initiative dedicated to recognizing the outstanding contributions of private educators from early childhood to higher education. Established in 2013, EDUCOOP has been at the forefront of fostering professional growth among academics and educators.

The 2024 edition of the awards marked the ninth year of this significant event, featuring two main recognition categories: Institutional Awards with nine categories and Outstanding Individual Awards with 25 categories. This comprehensive approach ensures that excellence in every aspect of education is celebrated and acknowledged.

APU's Continued Commitment to Excellence

APU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ts Dr Murali Raman, was appointed as a Board Member of EDUCOOP. 

In addition to the institutional awards, APU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ts Dr. Murali Raman, was appointed as a Board Member of EDUCOOP, further solidifying APU’s influence in the private education sector. Upon receiving the appointment, Prof Murali expressed his gratitude to EDUCOOP for the opportunity to serve and contribute to the sector, stating his eagerness to help drive further advancements in education.

A Bright Future Ahead

The Private Education Excellence Awards 2024 not only highlighted the exceptional achievements of APU but also underscored the collective efforts of educators in shaping the future. APU’s accolades are a testament to its unwavering dedication to excellence in education and its significant impact on students and the broader community.

As the event concluded, Heads of Schools and academicians from APU were seen ecstatically celebrating their well-deserved awards. The team’s hard work and dedication were evident, and the night served as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.

Among the key attendees from APU were Assoc Prof Dr. Devinder Kaur, Head of the School of Marketing & Management (SoMM); Assoc Prof Ir Dr. Siva Kumar Sivanesan, Head of the School of Engineering (SoE); Assoc Prof Ts Dr. Tan Chin Ike, Head of the School of Computing (SoC); Assoc Prof Dr. Rajasegeran Ramasamy, Head of the School of Mathematics, Actuarial and Quantitative Studies (SoMAQS); Assoc Prof Dr. Chong Lee Lee, Head of the School of Accounting & Finance (SoAF); and Assoc Prof Dr. Thang Ka Fei, Senior Head of the School of Technology (SoT). They were joined by Prof Dr. Mohammad Falahat Nejadmahani, Director of the Strategic Research Institute, and Mr. Reshiwaran Jegatheswaran, Cybersecurity Engineer at the Innovation & Enterprise division.

The evening was a celebration of not just individual achievements but the collective excellence that APU and its dedicated team bring to the education landscape in Malaysia.