MESA 2026 Elevates Quality Standards and Driving Excellence across Malaysia’s Early Childhood Education Sector  

Petaling Jaya, 2 October 2026 – The Malaysia Education Star Awards (MESA) 2026, organised by Kiddy123 and held at Sheraton Hotel Petaling Jaya, brought together the nation’s most dedicated educators, innovative preschools, and committed business partners in a shared mission to advance early childhood education.

Now in its third year, MESA is the only award in Malaysia dedicated exclusively to the early childhood care and education sector, shining a spotlight on childcare, kindergartens, enrichment programmes, and children’s education service providers that directly shape Malaysia’s youngest learners. Launched in 2024, MESA focuses on the foundation years that define lifelong learning, making its recognition both unique and impactful. Beyond an accolade, MESA has become a benchmark for quality, innovation, and trust in Malaysia’s education ecosystem. For Kiddy123, the nation’s leading platform for connecting high-quality providers with discerning parents, MESA represents more than celebration. It is a catalyst for positive change that uplifts the industry, inspires confidence among parents, and facilitates growth for institutions.

The event was elevated by the presence of esteemed Guest of Honour, Mrs. Lim Irene, Chief Assistant Director, Private Education Division, Ministry of Education Malaysia; Ms. Carolyn Choo, Head of Department – Education (Early Childhood), Faculty of Education, Languages, Psychology & Music, SEGi University & Colleges, and President of the ECCE Council Malaysia (Early Childhood Care and Education Council); Adj. Prof. Norsheila Abdullah A.M.N, President of Persatuan Pengasuhan dan Perkembangan Awal Kanak-kanak Berdaftar Malaysia (PPBM); and Mr. Elvis Gan, Vice Chairman of Persatuan Tadika Malaysia (PTM), and Chief Executive Officer of Bayu Mewah Cooperation Sdn Bhd (Tadika & TASKA Bayu Mewah), whose attendance highlighted the strategic importance of the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) sector.

Highlighting the central role of educators, the event featured a dedicated industry forum titled “Invest in Teachers, Grow the Industry: Why Teachers’ Quality and Wellbeing Matter to the Future of Early Childhood Education” with Ms. Carolyn Choo, Mr. Elvis Gan, and Adj. Prof. Norsheila Abdullah A.M.N featured as panelists.

The 2026 edition highlighted nationwide participation, celebrating a total of 42 winners coming from across Kedah, Penang, Perak, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Johor, Kelantan, and Sabah. This representation underscored MESA’s growing footprint and central role in uniting the national early childhood education community.

The afternoon was attended by the Ministry of Education, education leaders, centre operators, educators and industry partners, reflecting the importance of early childhood education not only as a social imperative but also as a driver of long-term economic growth. With its emphasis on collaboration, quality, and strategic recognition, MESA positions itself as a trusted industry benchmark.

Supported by partners such as WE.PLAY Playground, PlanToys Malaysia and SEGi University & Colleges, MESA 2026 concluded on a high note, reaffirming its commitment to driving corporate-educational synergy while building a competitive, future-ready, and parent-trusted early childhood education sector in Malaysia.