A Brief History of NAPEI
Established on September 15, 1987, NAPEI represents all levels of private educational institutions and education related organisations in Malaysia. The founding members of NAPEI sought to unite private educational institutions. With an initial registration of 11 members, NAPEI currently has a membership of about 60, with a number of members with branch campuses and centres across Malaysia. NAPEI continues to represent the cause of local private education with various ministries.
It seeks to :
- Enhance and maintain the quality of education in the private sector.
- Be the unifying representative body for all registered private educational and education - related organisations in the country.
- Be a national body of liaison with government and statutory bodies.
- Provide research facilities, training, management and development programmes for members of the Association.
- Provide educational information to members and other interested organisations and individuals.
- Assist institutions in raising their professional competency in the administration and operation of their institutions.
- Maintain a register of all private educational institutions in Malaysia.
- Enhance Malaysia as a centre of educational excellence.
NAPEI National Council 2025-2028
Message from the President
A Welcome to our Website from Datuk Lau Wai Cheng, President, NAPEI
Welcome to NAPEI — where private education in Malaysia is not only growing but transforming.
This is a time of great change and even greater opportunity. Malaysia is fast becoming a preferred destination for international students, and private education providers are playing a vital role in that rise. Through initiatives like EduPLUS and MM2H, we are connecting education with culture, travel, and long-term engagement. International schools are flourishing, and our members are building the pathways that bring students, families, and educators together.
At the same time, major changes are taking place within our national education framework — from the upcoming rollout of a unified K–12 syllabus to the reform of the Tadika curriculum. NAPEI is fully engaged, supporting training and transition at every level.
We are also leading conversations on micro-credentials, skills portability, and digital innovation, all of which are reshaping how qualifications are recognised and how learning continues across a lifetime.
From our roots in 1987, we have grown into a respected national body with members across the full spectrum of education — early childhood centres, international schools, colleges, universities, training institutes, and more.
As President, I am proud that NAPEI remains a strong and respected voice in policy dialogue. We work actively with MOHE, MOE, MOTAC, MATRADE, HRDC, EMGS, and other key ministries to ensure that the perspectives of private institutions are not just heard — but acted upon.
Thank you for visiting our website. Whether you are a parent, student, educator, policymaker, or partner, I invite you to be part of this evolving journey. Together, we will shape the future of private education in Malaysia.