Asia Pacific University secures six accolades at national education awards, reaffirming its leadership in AI education and private higher learning.
Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) has once again emerged as a trailblazer in higher education, clinching six prestigious honours at the Private Education Excellence Awards 2025.
Most notably, APU was conferred the Malaysia’s Best University for AI Excellence Award, the event’s highest institutional recognition, reaffirming its status as a national leader in artificial intelligence education and innovation.
This milestone marks the third consecutive year APU has dominated the EDUCOOP Private Education Excellence Awards, highlighting its continued commitment to quality, innovation, and industry relevance across academic disciplines.
The award ceremony was held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel on 9 July 2025, attended by APU's academic and managerial staff, along with representatives from various educational institutions.
Excellence in AI Education through a Multi-Dimensional Framework
APU’s selection for the AI Excellence Award was driven by its comprehensive and integrated approach to AI education, blending curriculum innovation, industry engagement, student outcomes, and global recognition.
At the heart of this achievement lies an industry-aligned and dynamic curriculum, co-developed with leading technology companies including Microsoft, AWS, IBM, Cisco, Huawei, SAS, and TIBCO. The curriculum incorporates the latest developments in machine learning, robotics, computer vision, and generative models, ensuring that students receive a future-proof education.
As a Premier Digital Tech Institution (PDTI) under the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), APU adopts a revolutionary approach by integrating AI technologies across all academic disciplines. From undergraduate to postgraduate levels, courses are infused with cutting-edge digital content, ensuring that every graduate emerges as a tech-savvy professional equipped for the demands of the digital economy.
APU further strengthens its AI education offering through hands-on learning experiences facilitated by state-of-the-art infrastructure, including AI and cybersecurity laboratories, smart classrooms, VR suites, and a Cyber Security Talent Zone. These facilities mirror real-world environments and prepare students with practical skills required by industry.
The university’s graduate employability outcomes are among the highest in the nation. APU consistently records a 100% employment rate for its graduates, who also command competitive starting salaries. Its regular recognition as an “Employer’s Choice of University” by Talentbank stands as testament to the strength of its graduate talent pool and the university’s emphasis on both technical competencies and soft skills.
Comprehensive AI Ecosystem on Campus
APU’s campus ecosystem fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration through dedicated AI research and development hubs, including the Centre for Research and Development in IoT (CREDIT), A.P.C.O.R.E for robotics, the Visionary AI Studio (VAS), and the XR Studio. These centres lead applied research in AI and provide students with opportunities to work on projects with real-world impact.
The university’s AI-enhanced teaching methodologies, research excellence, and industry-aligned projects have contributed significantly to producing graduates who are not only academically capable but also industry-ready.
Strategic partnerships with numerous local and international organisations further support this ecosystem. APU’s student-led AI Club, recognised as a Premier Digital Tech Club by MDEC, provides a platform for students to engage in certifications, hackathons, mentorship programmes, and career development events—nurturing leadership, creativity, and practical experience in AI.
The university’s credentials are also internationally endorsed through its dual-degree partnership with De Montfort University (UK), its QS Five-Star Plus rating, QAA UK accreditation, and its top-tier position in regional rankings such as AppliedHE ASEAN.
Leadership Reflections on a Defining Moment
Representing the university on stage to receive the top award, Professor Dr Ho Chin Kuan, Vice-Chancellor of APU, remarked: “This award is a recognition of APU’s accomplishments in AI, and also a validation of our commitment to academic excellence, innovation and industry partnership.”
“At APU, we strive to equip our students not just with technical knowledge, but with the critical thinking and ethical grounding needed to shape the AI-driven future responsibly. We are proud to receive this honour and will continue to lead by example in Malaysia and beyond,” continued Prof Ho.
Recognising Outstanding Individuals Behind the Success
In addition to the institutional honour, five members of APU’s academic team were individually recognised at the national level:
- Professor Dr Mohammad Falahat, Director, Strategic Research Institute – National Outstanding Researcher Award
- Ir Ts Dr Yvette Shaan-Li Susiapan, Senior Lecturer, School of Engineering – National Outstanding Educator Award (Honourable Mention)
- Ir Ts Dr Alexander Chee Hon Cheong, Assistant Professor, School of Engineering – National Outstanding Innovator Award (Honourable Mention)
- Ir Eur Ing Ts Dr Harvin Kaur Gurchran Singh, Assistant Professor, School of Engineering – National Outstanding Young Educator Award (Merit Highly Commended)
- Professor Ts Dr Murali Raman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Development & Strategy – National Excellence in Education and Youth Empowerment Award (Special Recognition)
Professor Dr Mohammad Falahat shared, “This recognition is a testament to years of perseverance, collaborative research, and a deep commitment to academic inquiry that addresses real-world challenges.”
For Dr Yvette Shaan-Li Susiapan, the award was a meaningful milestone: “Being recognised at a national level is a powerful affirmation that every student we reach, every lesson we deliver, has a lasting impact.”
Dr Alexander Chee Hon Cheong remarked, “This award encourages me to keep pushing the boundaries of innovation, and to transform engineering ideas into meaningful outcomes for society.”
Dr Harvin Kaur Gurchran Singh added, “It is an honour that reflects our shared responsibility to design engaging, future-ready learning environments. This award motivates me to keep empowering students with the skills they need to thrive.”
Professor Ts Dr Murali Raman reflected on the significance of the award: “Inspiring young minds has always been at the heart of my work. I am grateful to APU’s leadership and my family for encouraging me to make a difference through education and community engagement.”
A Defining Chapter in Private Education
Organised by Koperasi Pendidikan Swasta Malaysia Berhad in partnership with Emerald Publishing, the EDUCOOP Private Education Excellence Awards celebrate outstanding contributions from educators and institutions across the private education spectrum—from early childhood through to higher education.
Established in 2013, EDUCOOP is dedicated to advancing educational quality, professional development, and national unity through education.
Certificates of recognition were awarded to the winners, underscoring the importance of high-quality private education in shaping Malaysia’s future talent pipeline.
Driving the Future of Education, Innovation and Impact
The Private Education Excellence Awards 2025 have once again highlighted the essential role private institutions play in advancing Malaysia’s education landscape. APU’s success—both at the institutional and individual level—reflects a deep-rooted culture of excellence, innovation, and integrity.
As Malaysia continues its journey towards digital transformation, APU stands ready to lead, inspire and nurture the next generation of AI leaders and change-makers—at home and on the global stage.
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