German-Malaysian Institute named Malaysia Brand Experience of the Year - Education winner at Asian Experience Awards 2025

The institution earned the recognition with its strategic transformation in just a span of two years.

German-Malaysian Institute’s (GMI) major transformation triumphed at the Asian Experience Awards 2025, which underscored the institution’s role as a blueprint for sustainable growth and leadership in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). 

Under new leadership since mid-2023, GMI implemented a turnaround that delivered favourable financial and academic results. This transformation was guided by a 10-year strategic blueprint that was built with the purpose of business growth, academic excellence, succession planning, and ESG-SDG alignment. 

Within two years, the institution recorded a 207% profit increase and a 64% surge in student enrolment. It has also been officially elevated to University College status and will be known as GMI University College of Applied Sciences (GMI-UCAS). 

Financial recovery came swiftly for GMI as it recorded its highest pre-tax profit through income diversification, operational cost controls, and resource management. Revenue grew by 27% year-on-year, and this is credited to the strong demand for courses in Information Technology, Cyber Security, and Engineering Technology.

Furthermore, a strong digital outreach and alumni engagement strategy led to enrollment increasing from 2,600 in 2023 to 4,300 in 2024. This rise was further supported by the launch of a German Language Programme and the high demand for the Diploma Programme.

In October 2024, GMI marked its entry into higher education as Malaysia’s first University College focused on applied sciences. The institution is also set to offer its first bachelor’s programmes in September/October 2025.

Having strong industry collaboration, GMI created its Industry Advisory Council (IAC) to help align GMI’s curriculum with real-world needs. The institution also walked the talk on sustainability with its smart agriculture project under SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), which provided free produce to food-insecure students.

The Asian Experience Awards serves as a platform that honours ingenious initiatives of creative companies. It gives the rightful recognition to those that deliver meaningful brand experiences to their stakeholders.

The Asian Experience Awards is presented by Asian Business Review Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2026 awards programme and be acclaimed for providing meaningful brand experiences to stakeholders, please contact Marni Marco at [email protected].