Securing the prestigious Gold Premier Award from the Malaysian Occupational Safety and Health Practitioners’ Association (MOSHPA) on its first-ever assessment, APU demonstrates how strong leadership, smart campus management and a people-first culture contribute to safer, healthier and more sustainable learning and working environments.

A commitment to safeguarding its campus community has earned Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) the prestigious Gold Premier Award in the “OSH Management in Technology & Innovation” category at the 2026 International Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Excellence Awards, organised by the Malaysian Occupational Safety and Health Practitioners’ Association (MOSHPA). 

The achievement marks a significant institutional milestone, as APU successfully completed the rigorous OSH audit process on its very first attempt, securing the Gold Premier distinction in its debut participation. 

More than an award, the recognition affirms APU’s commitment to embedding workplace safety, health and well-being into its institutional leadership, operational practices and long-term sustainability agenda. 

A Golden Debut for Institutional Excellence 

The 2026 International OSH Excellence Awards celebrated organisations demonstrating outstanding OSH management across diverse industries, with distinctions spanning Gold, Platinum and Diamond categories, including Premier and Superior honours. 

APU’s award trophy and parchment were presented to Professor Ir EUR ING Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam, Chief Innovation, Enterprise & Sustainability Officer, and Mr Mohd Helmy Norman, Chief Financial Officer, during the Asia Pacific Occupational Safety and Health Organisation (APOSHO) Gala Dinner and MOSHPA International OSH Excellence Awards Night 2026. 

Held on 31 October 2026 at Bangi Avenue Convention Centre (BACC), Kajang, Selangor, the ceremony saw APU receiving the honour from Ir Ahmad Jailani Mansor, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), and Datuk Dr Kanagaraja Raman, President of MOSHPA. 

Among the distinguished attendees were APOSHO Secretary-General Ir Prof Vincent Ho; MOSHPA Secretary-General Mr She Kok Keong; Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) Prevention, Medical and Rehabilitation Division Head Dr Azlan Darus; and Skill Development Fund Corporation (PTPK) Board Member Mr Mohd Fakhrulrazi Mohd Moktar.

Beyond Compliance: Building Safety into APU’s DNA 

Reflecting on the assessment, Prof Vinesh highlighted the extensive preparations required to demonstrate APU’s commitment to systematic OSH management.

“The most demanding aspects involved preparing comprehensive documentation and ensuring that our campus was audit-ready. These included reviewing OSH policies, annual performance reports, on-site monitoring checklists and OSH Task Force meeting records,” he explained.

Prof Vinesh emphasised that APU’s success stemmed from its broader Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and sustainability commitments, which underpin its ambition to develop an environmentally responsible, safe and sustainable Smart Campus.

“Occupational safety and health are embedded in APU’s DNA. This recognition reinforces our responsibility to maintain a safe, healthy and well-managed campus, where the well-being of our staff and students remains a fundamental priority,” he said.

Teamwork Behind the Gold

As the driving force behind APU’s OSH initiatives, Prof Vinesh spearheaded policy development, standard operating procedures, internal audits and the OSH Task Force.

He credited the achievement to collective efforts across the university, particularly six key contributors whose responsibilities encompass essential aspects of campus safety and operations.

They are Colonel Selva Singam, Manager of Facilities, Safety & Welfare; Mr Balram Tikaram Kami, Manager of Corporate Services; Mr Amandeep Singh, Senior Mechanical & Electrical Engineer; Ms Juliana Abdullah, Human Resources Manager; Mr Rasodin Ramuddin Hamzah, Manager of Technology & Infrastructure; and Mr Anthonysamy, Senior Manager of Operations.

Their combined contributions span campus safety assurance, food and beverage vendor oversight, waste management, facilities maintenance, fire and life safety, workforce well-being, security systems and general campus administration.

Together, these coordinated efforts demonstrate how OSH responsibilities extend across institutional functions rather than remaining confined to a single department. 

Leadership Makes the Difference

Congratulating APU, APOSHO Secretary-General Ir Prof Vincent Ho described the achievement as a compelling example of how technological innovation and effective safety governance can work together.

“APU’s Gold Premier Award demonstrates that occupational safety and health should be embedded in institutional leadership and daily operations, rather than viewed merely as a compliance requirement,” he remarked.

Recalling his first campus visit, Ir Prof Vincent expressed admiration for APU’s cleanliness and maintenance standards, which he associated with the principles of the Broken Windows Theory.

“Equally encouraging was CEO Datuk Parmjit Singh’s personal commitment and prompt response to our OSH recommendations. Such direct executive ownership demonstrates that APU regards safety as a core institutional value, not an administrative formality,” he observed.

He added that combining committed leadership, technological innovation and intelligent risk controls could establish a practical benchmark for other higher education institutions.

A People-First Commitment for the Future

Expressing pride in APU’s milestone, CEO and Co-Founder Datuk Parmjit Singh reaffirmed that institutional excellence must begin with the people it serves.

“An outstanding university is defined not only by academic achievements and technological capabilities, but also by how responsibly it safeguards its people. Our students and staff deserve an environment where they can learn, work, innovate and thrive with confidence.

“Winning the Gold Premier Award on our first attempt is a tremendous honour and a reflection of the dedication of our entire team. More importantly, it strengthens our resolve to make safety, health and well-being an enduring part of APU’s culture. As we advance our Smart Campus vision, we will continue investing in an environment where innovation and human well-being progress hand in hand,” he concluded.