APU Strengthens Its Legacy of Quality Education with New ISO 21001:2018 Certification
The certification demonstrates the university’s commitment to delivering quality learning and support services to students.
Published 04 Dec 2025
Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) recently achieved a major milestone by earning the ISO 21001:2018 certification, an international standard that recognises an educational organisation’s ability to consistently deliver quality learning and support services.
The university was honoured at the SIRIM Industry Night 2025 on 19 November 2025, where APU received a Certificate of Recognition presented by Datuk Omar Shariff Mydeen, Director of SIRIM.
APU has a long-standing relationship with SIRIM. It began in 1994, back when the institution was known as APIIT. At that time, it became the first private education institution in the country to earn the ISO 9002:1994 certification. Since then, SIRIM has conducted annual audits of APU’s systems, ensuring the university maintains strong governance and quality practices aligned with global benchmarks.
The ISO 21001:2018 achievement reflects the dedication of APU’s Quality Management Team, led by Ts Nur Zahdi and supported by academic and operational staff who served as internal auditors. Key contributors included Mr Mohd Fauzi Zanil from the School of Engineering, Mr Vijayaraj C. Vijayasingam from the School of Technology, and Ms Nor Munira Sundri from the Quality Management division. Together, they collaborated with stakeholders to ensure APU’s systems met the rigorous global standards required for ISO 21001:2018 certification.
Most notably, APU also contributed to the development of two new national standards announced by SIRIM, which are the AI Management System Certification (ISO/IEC 42001) and the Innovation Management System Certification (MS ISO 56001). APU played a vital role in shaping these frameworks, with Professor Ir EUR ING Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam serving on the Technical Committees, while Mr Zailan Arabee Abdul Salam from the School of Computing contributed his expertise in artificial intelligence.
These efforts further position APU as a model for academic excellence in Malaysia. By helping to set national benchmarks and demonstrating a strong commitment to innovation and quality, the university continues to distinguish itself among higher education providers.
Reflecting on the recognition, APU’s CEO, Datuk Parmjit Singh, expressed his enthusiasm for what the milestone represents. “This achievement is a powerful testament to APU’s unwavering commitment to delivering education at the highest quality standards,” he said.
“The ISO 21001 standard confirms that our systems are globally benchmarked and that our practices are centred on the success and holistic development of our students. As we continue to move forward, APU remains steadfast in nurturing the next generation of talent for Malaysia, empowering them with the knowledge, values and resilience to shape the nation’s future.”
Overall, SIRIM’s 50th anniversary not only highlighted APU’s legacy but also showcased its significant contribution as a long-standing strategic partner. Their shared dedication to quality, innovation and national development continues to strengthen Malaysia’s position in the global education and technology landscape.
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Amelia Ho
Always wandering, always wondering.
