42 early childhood education providers honoured at MESA 2026

KUALA LUMPUR: Forty-two early childhood education providers have been recognised at the Malaysia Education Star Awards (MESA) 2026 for excellence in early childhood care and education.

The winners were from Kedah, Penang, Perak, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Johor, Kelantan and Sabah.

Held on Oct 2, the third edition of MESA, organised by Kiddy123, attracted more than 200 educators, centre operators, education leaders and industry partners.

The awards recognise childcare centres, preschools, enrichment programmes and children's education service providers in 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.

MESA organisers said the awards served as an industry benchmark by validating quality standards, strengthening brand credibility and helping providers build trust with families.

The evaluation involved a multi-step screening process, including site visits where required, to validate nominees' standards and operations.

Education Ministry Private Education Division chief assistant director Lim Irene said supporting educators and their professional development was important in her keynote address.

"Teachers are the true backbone of early childhood education, holding the key to a child's most critical developmental years.

"When we empower our educators with the support they deserve, we don't just enrich early childhood development, we deepen parental confidence and set a new benchmark for excellence that elevates early education nationwide," she said.

Meanwhile, Kiddy123 co-founder Y.E. Cheong said MESA was created to establish a quality benchmark for the sector.

Cheong said parents were increasingly looking beyond price and location when choosing early education providers, placing greater emphasis on educatorsn and care.

"Through our 42 winners across Malaysia, we are proud to offer a trusted benchmark that honours these standards, inspiring leaders to continuously elevate the industry while showcasing their true impact to families," he said.