Who's Who in the Malaysian Education Industry
Datuk Parmjit Singh
CEO
Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)
Datuk Parmjit Singh is the CEO of APIIT Education Group, which comprises the Asia Pacific Institute of Technology & Innovation (APIIT) and the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU). His pioneering spirit led him to conceptualize the establishment of the first technology-focused institute in Malaysia - APIIT, in 1993. Under his visionary leadership, the APIIT Education Group has evolved into Malaysia's leading education enterprise and a globally-recognized brand, with a portfolio of 100+ academic programmes and more than 13,000 students. APU's global footprint extends to over 130 countries attracting more than 6,000 international students.
Datuk Parmjit Singh has been involved in the private higher education & technology sectors for the past 40 years. He has served and continues to serve the nation in various capacities as Chairman, Advisor, Board and Council Member on several key National Bodies and Government Agencies, which include -
- President, Malaysian Association of Private Colleges & Universities (MAPCU)
- President, Malaysian Service Providers Confederation (MSPC)
- Member, Advisory Council, Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia
- Member, High-Level Task Force, National Employment Council
- Member, Industry-Talent Advisory Council (InTAC), TalentCorp Malaysia
His contributions to the IT Industry have been recognised as far back as 1990 when he was awarded the "1990 IT Personality of the Year".
In 2010, Parmjit was conferred the Pingat Jasa Negara (National Service Award) which carries the title 'Datuk' by Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
In 2022, Datuk Parmjit received double honours, emerging tops in the EY Master Entrepreneur of the Year 2021 category and being selected as the overall Malaysian EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2021.
His entrepreneurial acumen set the scene for the development of home-grown innovations such as the first transfer programmes, twinning degree programmes; the first modular post-graduate degrees, 3+0 degrees and the establishment of offshore campuses.
Consequently, industry and brand recognition have come through numerous awards such as the MITI Export Excellence Award; MDEC Premier Digital Tech University, QS Asia No.1 for Multi-cultural learning experience, 100% Employability track record (MOHE), multiple Enterprise 50 Awards and recognition as the first Malaysian private institution certified to ISO standards.
Under Datuk Parmjit's stewardship, the APU team continues to innovate and grow its national and global footprint by offering industry-relevant courses via traditional, hybrid and online modes, with technology playing an important role. During the global pandemic days, he has rallied and inspired the entire APU community to pivot seamlessly to the new normal and emerge stronger than ever post-pandemic.
