MESA 2026 Highlights Teacher Quality & Excellence In Malaysia’s Early Childhood Sector | KiddyNews
by on 01/10/2026 ...
Malaysia’s early childhood education sector is placing greater focus on quality, teacher wellbeing and professional standards, as the Malaysia Education Star Awards (MESA) 2026 brought together educators and industry leaders from across the country.
Organised by Kiddy123, the third edition of MESA was held on 1 October 2026 at Sheraton Hotel Petaling Jaya, with more than 200 attendees gathering to recognise achievements across the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) sector.
Launched in 2024, MESA is dedicated to recognising childcare centres, kindergartens, enrichment programmes and children’s education service providers.
This year, 42 winners from Kedah, Penang, Perak, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Johor, Kelantan and Sabah were recognised across 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.
Teacher Quality and Wellbeing Take Centre Stage
Teacher quality and wellbeing were among the key issues highlighted through an 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, President of the ECCE Council Malaysia; Adj. Prof. Norsheila Abdullah A.M.N, President of Persatuan Pengasuhan dan Perkembangan Awal Kanak-kanak Berdaftar Malaysia (PPBM); and Elvis Gan, Vice Chairman of Persatuan Tadika Malaysia (PTM).
The discussion highlighted the importance of supporting educators as a key part of maintaining quality in early childhood education.
Mrs Lim Irene, Chief Assistant Director of the Private Education Division at the Ministry of Education Malaysia, also emphasised the role of teachers in her keynote address.
“Teachers are the true backbone of early childhood education,” she said, highlighting the importance of their professional growth, wellbeing and recognition in supporting children’s development and strengthening parental confidence.
Recognising Quality Across Malaysia
MESA 2026 followed a multi-step evaluation process, including site visits where required, to assess nominees and validate their practices.
Kiddy123 said the process is intended to provide an independent professional benchmark for the early childhood sector while recognising providers that demonstrate quality, innovation and commitment to children.
The nationwide participation also brought together providers serving different communities and educational needs, reflecting the breadth of Malaysia’s early childhood education landscape.
Kiddy123 co-founder Y.E. Cheong said parents are increasingly looking beyond factors such as price and location when choosing early education providers.
“Parents are looking beyond price or location and focusing on the people actually guiding their children,” he said, highlighting the importance of educators, genuine care and meaningful connections with children and families.
Celebrating Children and the Sector
The event also featured performances celebrating children’s creativity, including a MaxJam Drum performance by Taska & Tadika Keluarga Harmoni dan Indah and ballet performances by the City Ballet Academy Elite Programme Ensemble Team.
With representatives from the Ministry of Education, education leaders, centre operators, educators and industry partners in attendance, MESA 2026 highlighted the shared role of the sector in strengthening early childhood education in Malaysia.
Supported by WE.PLAY Playground, PlanToys Malaysia and SEGi University & Colleges, the awards concluded with a continued emphasis on collaboration, quality and professional recognition across the ECCE sector.
