APU Named Malaysia’s First “Future-Ready University” at LIFE AT WORK Awards 2025

The Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) has been crowned the inaugural winner of the “Future-Ready University” award at the prestigious LIFE AT WORK Awards (LAWA) 2025, cementing its position as a national leader in shaping employable, adaptable and industry-ready graduates.

This newly introduced category honours higher education institutions that play a pivotal role as changemakers in the talent development ecosystem. APU’s win underscores the university’s long-standing commitment to nurturing graduates equipped for a fast-evolving global workforce.

A Night of Prestige and Recognition

The awards ceremony, held at the Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur on 30 October 2025, brought together prominent figures from business, academia, multinational corporations and government agencies.

APU’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr Gurpardeep Singh, and Senior Manager of Special Projects, Mr Vijay Reddy, took the stage to accept the honour on behalf of the university. The award was presented by YB Steven Sim Chee Keong, Minister of Human Resources, in front of a distinguished audience gathered to celebrate excellence in talent leadership.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of LAWA, a platform that has become the benchmark for progressive talent practices in Malaysia. Curated by Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp), the programme aligns with the Malaysian Ministry of Human Resources’ mission to drive national talent strategy and position Malaysia as a dynamic global talent hub.

A Decade of Recognising Visionary Employers

Since 2013, LAWA has recognised organisations that go beyond traditional workplace expectations. The awards honour employers committed to:

• championing inclusivity
• embracing sustainability
• prioritising employee wellbeing
• fostering innovation that transforms industries and communities

In introducing the Future-Ready University category, TalentCorp acknowledges the evolving role of universities as collaborators and accelerators in the nation’s talent pipeline.

A Rigorous Evaluation Process

Winning the award required more than prestige; it demanded proof.

A stringent evaluation process was executed by a panel comprising industry leaders and government officials. It began with a detailed submission of APU’s evidence-based strategies and measurable outcomes. From there, only three private universities were shortlisted for an intensive 10-minute pitching session, after which APU emerged as the clear winner.

“During the process, we at APU had to demonstrate our strategy to prepare future-ready students—improving graduates’ outcomes such as employability, adaptability and industry readiness. We also presented how our programmes and industry partnerships align with evolving market trends, ensuring our students remain relevant in the future workforce,” explained Mr Vijay.

A Vision Rooted in Three Decades of Educational Excellence
APU’s triumph is a powerful affirmation of a vision that began over 32 years ago with the establishment of the Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology (APIIT). Since then, the institution has continuously evolved, staying ahead of industry shifts while maintaining a consistent educational ethos focused on future-proofing its graduates.

“Winning the 'Future-Ready University' award is an affirmation of our vision—to transform students into competent, highly employable and future-proof professionals.”

This recognition validates the university’s approach of integrating technology, innovation, industry engagement and a strong student-centred learning experience.

Strengthening Stakeholder Confidence

APU’s leadership believes the award reinforces the university’s trusted reputation among key stakeholders.

“For us, this award solidifies our credibility with stakeholders—students, employers, industry partners, regulators and accreditation bodies. It affirms APU’s positioning as an institution where future-proofing matters, where industry alignment matters, and where student experience is central,” said Mr Gurpardeep Singh, reflecting on the significance of the win.

A Future Built on Industry Alignment and Talent Empowerment

APU’s recognition as Malaysia’s first Future-Ready University signals the nation’s growing reliance on institutions capable of equipping graduates for tomorrow’s challenges.

The win not only celebrates past achievements but also sets the benchmark for future innovation in talent development.

As Malaysia deepens its commitment to nurturing a world-class workforce, APU stands firmly at the forefront—proving that preparing students for the future is not merely an aspiration, but a measurable and impactful reality.