UNITAR Received Academic & Innovation Excellence Award at META 2026

The award was received by Timothy Johnson, Chief Commercial Officer of UNITAR Education Group, at a ceremony held at Berjaya Times Square Hotel, Kuala Lumpur on 27 August 2026.

At the ceremony, Timothy Johnson said the recognition was particularly meaningful as UNITAR continues to look at how education can remain relevant to learners while responding to changes in industry and the workplace.

“Education cannot stand still when the world around our students is changing so quickly. For us, innovation is not simply about introducing new technology; it is about continually improving how people learn, widening access to education and ensuring that what students learn remains relevant to where the world of work is heading. This recognition belongs to our people across UNITAR who make that possible every day.”

The awards were evaluated by a panel comprising experienced education, training and media professionals. According to the organiser, nominees were assessed across areas including leadership, productivity, innovation, sustainability, programme excellence and service excellence.  

The 2026 ceremony was attended by Ir. Ts. Dr. Kamaruzaman Md Ali, Director General of the Department of Skills Development (JPK), Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA), as Guest of Honour.  

The recognition comes as UNITAR Education Group marks its 35th anniversary, adding to the Group’s record of recognition across higher education, skills development and lifelong learning.

It also marks the second consecutive year that UNITAR has been recognised at the Malaysia Education & TVET Awards. In 2025, UNITAR Education Group Academy was named Malaysia’s Best Professional Development Centre (Upskilling, Reskilling & Cross-Skilling), recognising its work in lifelong learning and preparing individuals for the future of work. This year’s Academic & Innovation Excellence Award extends that recognition to UNITAR Education Group and its broader contribution to education and innovation.

According to Timothy Johnson, the latest recognition is also a reminder that innovation in education ultimately must translate into outcomes for learners.

“Awards are an encouragement, but the real measure of our work is what education enables people to do next in their lives, whether that is entering higher education, developing new skills, progressing in their careers or creating a better future for themselves and their families. That is the work we have to keep building on and have been doing for three and a half decades.”

The Malaysia Education & TVET Awards 2026 were held under the theme “From the Industry, By the Industry, For the Industry,” bringing together education leaders, institutions, trainers and industry stakeholders from across the country.