In a historic feat, Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), a leading tech university in Malaysia, has become the FIRST and ONLY Malaysian university to receive accreditation from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) in the United Kingdom. This accreditation underscores APU’s commitment to excellence, rigorous quality assurance processes, and student-centred education.

The official announcement was made on May 10, 2024, via the QAA website. According to QAA’s news webpage, "Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation in Malaysia has successfully completed its International Quality Review (IQR) and has been awarded global quality accreditation by QAA."

This recognition is the result of a rigorous review process carried out by independent QAA reviewers. APU will now be recognised on an equal basis with UK universities as a result of this QAA Accreditation.

Renowned for its adeptness in quality assurance, QAA employs rigorous evaluation criteria rooted in the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG).

This comprehensive assessment encompasses 10 pivotal areas, ranging from programme design, teaching & learning, student support, research, facilities, resources and governance to ongoing quality assurance. The accreditation process involved almost a year of intense preparation and documentation, followed by a comprehensive physical audit which was held at APU in March 2024.

“In making their conclusions, the review team confirmed that the University meets all 10 of the internal quality assurance standards in the ESG," stated QAA.

Expressing immense pride in this achievement, Vice-Chancellor APU, Professor Dr Ho Chin Kuan, stated, "The QAA International Quality Review has been a transformative journey towards global recognition and excellence for APU. The review process has not only reinforced our existing quality standards but has also empowered us to proactively address challenges and adapt to the evolving needs of our students and stakeholders worldwide."

This accreditation by QAA aligns APU's standards with 98% of UK universities from the membership body of QAA, underscoring APU's commitment to delivering top-tier education and solidifying its international stature by highlighting its relentless pursuit of academic quality and innovation.

Datuk Parmjit Singh, the Co-Founder and CEO of APU, emphasised the significance of this milestone within Malaysian and global contexts, stating, "QAA's recognition places APU at the forefront of international higher education, opening doors to enhanced collaboration and opportunities for our students and faculty.”

APU comprises 14 academic schools, including 11 discipline-based schools and three programme-based schools, with a strong focus on digital technology education. Locally, APU is recognised as a Premier Digital Tech Institution (PDTI) by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and boasts a proven track record of producing skilled graduates for burgeoning tech sectors.

The strategic positioning of its campus within Technology Park Malaysia underscores APU’s commitment to innovation, fostering collaboration with industry partners and paving the way for cutting-edge research and industry-relevant programmes.

With a diverse student population from over 130 countries, APU reflects a global outlook. Datuk Parmjit emphasised, “Our diverse student body enriches the learning experience, preparing graduates for success in an interconnected world.”

In a congratulatory note, Chris Bland, QAA’s Head of Accreditation and Consultancy, expressed delight, stating, “QAA is delighted to congratulate Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation on its successful completion of International Quality Review. We've enjoyed working with our colleagues in Malaysia, and we very much look forward to collaborating with them in the future.”

APU's remarkable feat with UK QAA accreditation reaffirms its status as a trailblazer in higher education, poised to mould future leaders and innovators in the digital age. As APU continues its mission of excellence, the journey towards international recognition stands as a testament to its steadfast commitment to nurturing talent and driving innovation.