APU Recognised as Malaysia’s Top University for AI at 2025 Education Awards

Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) has reaffirmed its leadership in private higher education and artificial intelligence (AI) by securing six awards at the Private Education Excellence Awards 2025. Among its achievements, APU received the event’s highest institutional honour: Malaysia’s Best University for AI Excellence, recognising its national leadership in AI education and innovation.

 A Defining Moment in Private Higher Education

This milestone marks the third consecutive year that APU has emerged as a top winner at the EDUCOOP Private Education Excellence Awards, held this year at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel on 9 July 2025. The ceremony was attended by APU's academic and managerial staff, alongside representatives from various private education institutions.

Excellence in AI Education through a Multi-Dimensional Framework

APU’s selection for the AI Excellence Award reflects its comprehensive, industry-aligned, and innovation-driven AI ecosystem. The university offers a dynamic curriculum co-developed with global tech leaders such as Microsoft, AWS, IBM, Cisco, Huawei, SAS, and TIBCO.

This curriculum covers core AI domains including machine learning, computer vision, robotics, and generative models, ensuring that APU students receive a future-proof AI education.

As a Premier Digital Tech Institution (PDTI) under the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), APU adopts a university-wide approach by embedding AI technologies across all academic disciplines—from undergraduate to postgraduate levels, ensuring every graduate is digitally competent and industry-ready.

Infrastructure That Mirrors Real-World AI Applications

APU students benefit from hands-on experiences delivered through state-of-the-art facilities such as:

• AI and cybersecurity laboratories
• Smart classrooms
• Virtual reality (VR) suites
• A dedicated Cyber Security Talent Zone

These infrastructures not only foster experiential learning but also bridge the gap between academic training and industry expectations.

High Graduate Employability and Industry Demand

APU consistently records a 100% graduate employment rate, supported by a strong emphasis on both technical and soft skills. Its graduates command competitive starting salaries and are regularly sought after by employers.

The university’s consistent recognition as an “Employer’s Choice of University” by Talentbank reflects the strength of its graduate talent pool and its alignment with market needs.

Comprehensive AI Research and Innovation Ecosystem

APU promotes a culture of innovation and research through dedicated centres such as:

• Centre for Research and Development in IoT (CREDIT)
• A.P.C.O.R.E for robotics
• Visionary AI Studio (VAS)
• XR Studio

These centres lead applied AI research, offering students opportunities to work on real-world projects with measurable impact.

Student Engagement Through AI-Focused Initiatives

The student-led AI Club at APU, recognised as a Premier Digital Tech Club by MDEC, is another cornerstone of the university’s AI ecosystem. The club actively organises:

• Certification programmes
• Hackathons
• Mentorship activities
• Career development workshops

These initiatives provide students with practical experience and exposure to leadership, collaboration, and innovation in AI.

International Recognition and Academic Partnerships

APU’s global academic stature is strengthened through:

• A dual-degree partnership with De Montfort University (UK)
• A QS Five-Star Plus rating
• QAA UK accreditation
• Recognition in AppliedHE ASEAN regional rankings

These credentials reinforce APU’s position as a top private university in Malaysia with global reach and academic credibility.

Individual Awards for Outstanding Academic Excellence

In addition to institutional recognition, five distinguished members of APU’s academic community were honoured:

• Professor Dr Mohammad Falahat – National Outstanding Researcher Award
• Ir Ts Dr Yvette Shaan-Li Susiapan – National Outstanding Educator Award (Honourable Mention)
• Ir Ts Dr Alexander Chee Hon Cheong – National Outstanding Innovator Award (Honourable Mention)
• Ir Eur Ing Ts Dr Harvin Kaur Gurchran Singh – National Outstanding Young Educator Award (Highly Commended)
• Professor Ts Dr Murali Raman – National Excellence in Education and Youth Empowerment Award (Special Recognition)

Each recipient was recognised for their contributions to academic excellence, student empowerment, and advancing innovation in higher education.

Caption: “Inspiring young minds has always been at the heart of my work,” said Prof Ts Dr Murali Raman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Development & Strategy, APU.

Reflections from APU Leadership

Receiving the top institutional award, Prof Dr Ho Chin Kuan, Vice-Chancellor of APU, stated:

“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. We strive to equip our students with technical knowledge and ethical grounding to shape the AI-driven future responsibly.”

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.