The Asia Pacific Language Centre (APLC) of Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) was named Malaysia’s Best Centre of Excellence in Language Education at the Malaysia Education & TVET Awards 2026, marking its second consecutive national award and highlighting APLC’s evolution from a small unit established in 2008 into a five-star accredited centre offering comprehensive language programmes, IELTS and Linguaskill testing, corporate training and TESOL to students from over 130 nationalities.

In a resounding validation of its two-decade journey towards academic distinction, the Asia Pacific Language Centre (APLC), which serves as the dedicated language education arm of Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), was officially crowned Malaysia’s Best Centre of Excellence in Language Education at the prestigious Malaysia Education & TVET Awards 2026. 

The landmark accolade was presented by Yang Berbahagia Ir Ts Dr Kamaruzaman Haji Md. Ali, Director General of the Department of Skills Development (JPK) under the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA). 

The award was received on behalf of the university by Dr Teh Choon Jin, APU Registrar and Senior Director of Administration & Human Resources, alongside Ms Sharen Kaur, Senior Manager of APLC, who leads the centre’s academic direction, programme development, operations, and strategic growth. 

The grand ceremony, held on 27 August 2026 at the Berjaya Times Square Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, marked APLC’s second major national triumph in two years. 

Having previously secured the title of Malaysia’s Best Language Centre (English Language) at the same awards in 2024, APLC’s progression from a standalone language unit to a recognised national centre of excellence underscores the exponential scale, capability, and academic breadth developed over its history. 

Established in 2008 as the English Language Centre (ELC), APLC began with a modest operation, a small academic team, and a single focus: preparing APU’s incoming international students for university studies through its Intensive English Programme (IEP). 

Nearly two decades later, that small beginning had grown into a far broader language education operation, supported by more than 30 active, highly qualified educators and serving a university community representing over 130 nationalities. 

In recent years, APLC was no longer defined by the teaching of English alone. The IEP remained a cornerstone of its work, but the Centre expanded into English, Korean, and Japanese language programmes, authorised IELTS and Cambridge Linguaskill testing centres, corporate English training, and executive communication development. 

Its newly launched Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) programme took this growth further, positioning APLC not only to teach languages but also to train those who would teach them. 

2024 marked a turning point for APLC, with partnerships spanning universities and institutions including UNITEN, UKM, IMU, UUCKL, UPSI, the English Language Teaching Centre (ELTC) — an agency under Malaysia’s Ministry of Education (MoE) focused on English language teacher development — and the British Council. 

Two international MoUs with institutions in India further expanded APLC’s reach into academic collaboration and teacher training. 

APLC’s sustained ascent was rooted in a culture of rigorous quality assurance. The Centre maintained a prestigious Five-Star Language Centre rating awarded by the MoE in Kuala Lumpur, alongside consecutive successful evaluations under the Standard Quality for Private Education Institutions (SKIPS) in 2015 and 2022.

Uncompromising standards & quality benchmark 

Reflecting on the milestone, Dr Teh Choon Jin highlighted how the accolade aligns with APU’s strategic vision for holistic, world-class education. 

“Securing this award for a second consecutive year reflects the operational excellence embedded across APU’s APLC academic foundation. 

“Our language education model goes beyond meeting global standards by empowering students from over 130 nations to communicate with clarity, confidence, and cultural nuance,” he said. 

“As a vital bridge connecting student potential to international career success, APU’s APLC remains dedicated to driving Malaysia’s growth as a premier destination for higher learning.” 

Since joining APLC in 2009, Ms Sharen Kaur, has been closely involved in the Centre’s journey and its continued development. 

“Over the years, I have seen APLC grow from a small academic team developing teaching materials and schemes of work from the ground up into the stronger organisation we are today. 

“I take great pride in how far we have come together and in the dedicated team that continues to drive APLC forward. For me, every milestone brings two questions: ‘What is next and how can we do it even better?,” she said. 

She believed their greatest achievement was not simply how far APLC had come, but how far they could push the boundaries of what a language centre could become. 

As APU continues to expand its global footprint, APLC’s transformation stands out as a flagship success story. 

From its origin in 2008 to taking centre stage in 2026 as a national Centre of Excellence, APLC exemplifies how specialised language education can enrich cross-cultural understanding, empower diverse student communities, and enhance Malaysia’s standing in global higher education.