The Malaysia Education Star Awards (MESA) 2026 has returned for its third edition, bringing together educators, preschool operators, enrichment providers and industry partners who are committed to improving early childhood care and education (ECCE) in Malaysia.
Organised by Kiddy123, MESA 2026 was held at Sheraton Hotel Petaling Jaya on 2 October 2026. The event celebrated 42 winners from across Malaysia while highlighting the importance of quality, innovation and professional standards in early childhood education.
Since its launch in 2024, MESA has established itself as an award dedicated exclusively to Malaysia’s ECCE sector. It recognises childcare centres, kindergartens, enrichment programmes and children’s education service providers that play an important role in shaping the country’s youngest learners.
More than just an award, MESA aims to become a trusted benchmark for quality and excellence within Malaysia’s early education ecosystem.
Building Trust Through Quality
For parents, choosing the right preschool or childcare centre is an important decision. While factors such as location and fees remain relevant, parents are increasingly looking at the quality of educators, learning programmes and overall care provided to their children.
This is where MESA aims to make a difference.
Through its professional evaluation process, the awards provide education providers with recognition that can strengthen their credibility and distinguish them in an increasingly competitive market.
The evaluation process includes a multi-step screening system, with site visits conducted where required to validate the quality and excellence of participating organisations.
This approach allows MESA to go beyond simply celebrating popularity. Instead, it focuses on recognising providers that demonstrate strong standards, innovation and meaningful contributions to early childhood education.
Supporting Teachers for a Stronger Future
One of the key highlights of MESA 2026 was the industry forum titled “Invest in Teachers, Grow the Industry: Why Teachers’ Quality and Wellbeing Matter to the Future of Early Childhood Education.”
The forum featured Carolyn Choo, Head of Department – Education (Early Childhood) at SEGi University & Colleges and President of the ECCE Council Malaysia, alongside Elvis Gan, Vice Chairman of Persatuan Tadika Malaysia (PTM), and Adj. Prof. Norsheila Abdullah A.M.N, President of Persatuan Pengasuhan dan Perkembangan Awal Kanak-kanak Berdaftar Malaysia (PPBM).
The discussion highlighted an important reality: quality education begins with quality educators.
In her keynote address, Mrs. Lim Irene, Chief Assistant Director of the Private Education Division, Ministry of Education Malaysia, emphasised the importance of supporting teachers, particularly during the critical developmental years of young children.
Her message reinforced the idea that investing in educators can improve learning outcomes, strengthen parental confidence and contribute to the long-term development of Malaysia’s education sector.
42 Winners from Across Malaysia
MESA 2026 showcased the growing diversity and nationwide participation of Malaysia’s early childhood education community.
A total of 42 winners were recognised, representing states including Kedah, Penang, Perak, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Johor, Kelantan and Sabah.
The awards covered a wide range of categories, including Best in Early Childhood Education, Best Innovative Preschool Curriculum, Best Special Education Preschool, Best Early Childhood Music Programme and Best Islamic Learning Centre.
With more than 200 guests attending the event, the awards ceremony highlighted the dedication of educators and organisations working to create better learning experiences for children.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The celebration was also filled with performances showcasing the creativity and talents of young children.
Guests enjoyed a MaxJam Drum performance by Taska & Tadika Keluarga Harmoni dan Indah, presented as part of a CSR initiative by Kein Hing Industry Sdn Bhd under the First Tempo MM Programme.
This was followed by modern “Flashlight” and classical “Waltz Reverie” ballet performances by the City Ballet Academy award-winning Elite Programme Ensemble Team.
These performances added a meaningful dimension to the event by demonstrating how early education can nurture creativity, confidence and self-expression.
A Benchmark for the Future
According to Y.E. Cheong, Co-founder of Kiddy123, MESA was created to go beyond being a traditional directory by establishing a genuine seal of quality for early childhood education.
The growing participation of schools, educators, NGOs, education leaders and industry partners reflects the increasingly important role of ECCE in Malaysia.
With its focus on Illuminate, Innovate and Inspire, MESA 2026 aims to encourage education providers to continuously improve while giving parents greater confidence when choosing education and care providers for their children.
Supported by partners including WE.PLAY Playground, PlanToys Malaysia and SEGi University & Colleges, MESA 2026 concluded by reaffirming its commitment to stronger collaboration between the education and corporate sectors.
As Malaysia continues to recognise the importance of the early years in shaping lifelong learning, initiatives such as MESA can play an important role in encouraging higher standards, stronger educators and a more trusted early childhood education sector for the future.
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