Crestar Education Malaysia (CEM) brought together its leadership team, business partners and senior management from Singapore’s Crestar Education Group (CEG) and Kinderland International Education (KIE) for its Annual Business Meeting 2026 on 5 September in Selangor.
The meeting provided an opportunity to review business performance, align strategic priorities, share insights on developments in preschool marketing and recognise achievements across the Kinderland Malaysia network.
The team from CEM, along with senior management from Singapore’s CEG and KIE at the Annual Business Meeting 2026
Senior management representatives from Singapore included Mr Robert Leong, Group Chief Operating Officer of CEG, Mr Tay Kee Hong, Chief Financial Officer of CEG, Mr Alvin Tham, Chief Marketing Officer of KIE, and Dr Carol Loy, Senior Director and Head of Curriculum at KIE.
Their participation reflected the close collaboration between CEM and the wider Group in supporting the continued development of Kinderland Malaysia.
From left to right, Ms Sow San San, Head of Finance, CEM, Ms Janette De Silva, Advisor & Trainer, Kinderland Preschool @ Batu Pahat, Dr Carol Loy, KIE’s Senior Director and Head of Curriculum, Mr Alvin Tham, KIE’s Chief Marketing Officer and Mr Tay Kee Hong, CEG’s Chief Financial Officer
Ms Tay Mian Jee, General Manager of CEM, opened the meeting covering business performance, strategic priorities and opportunities for growth.
Ms Tay Mian Jee, General Manager of CEM shared the group’s business performance, strategic priorities and growth outlook.
The programme also featured a presentation by KIE’s CMO, Mr Tham on why marketing in early childhood education goes beyond advertising.
He explained how artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way parents research and evaluate preschools. Drawing on AI Optimisation (AIO), Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO), Mr Tham highlighted the importance of providing clear answers to parents’ questions and maintaining accurate, consistent information across digital channels and preschool centre listings.
Mr Tham also shared Kinderland Singapore’s recent achievements, including its recognition as a Superbrands Singapore 2026 brand and two Gold awards at the inaugural Little Steps Asia Education Awards 2026. These were the Experts’ Vote Local School Curriculum Award and the Readers’ Choice Community School Spirit Award.
Mr Alvin Tham, Chief Marketing Officer of KIE, shared insights on how AI is changing parents’ preschool research and highlighted Kinderland Singapore’s three brand accolades in 2026.
A key highlight of the meeting was the presentation of seven Quality Circle (QC) Awards, recognising Kinderland Malaysia centres for excellence in curriculum implementation, learning environments, parent engagement and centre management.
The awards recognised the following centres and achievements:
- Most Creative Learning Environment: Kinderland Mutiara Damansara
- Best Curriculum Implementation: Kinderland Puchong Utama
- Best Learning Documentation: Kinderland Batu Pahat
- Excellence in Parent & Community Engagement: Kinderland Seremban 2
- Sustained Commitment to Programme: Kinderland Brickfields
- Sustained Excellence in Curriculum Implementation: Kinderland Maisson Ara Damansara
- Excellence in Centre Management & Environment: Kinderland Seksyen 14 PJ
The recognition highlighted the dedication of centre leaders and their teams in maintaining quality standards, implementing effective teaching practices and creating enriching learning environments for children.
Kinderland Maisson Ara Damansara was one of the seven centres that received Quality Circle Awards.
Closing the meeting, Mr Leong, CEG’s Group CEO reinforced the importance of moving forward together and continuing to strengthen the quality of education and learning experiences provided across the network.
Mr Robert Leong, Group Chief Operating Officer of CEG, delivered the closing address, emphasising collaboration and continued improvement across the Kinderland Malaysia network.
The Annual Business Meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of CEM, CEG and their business partners in strengthening the Kinderland Malaysia network through collaboration, effective leadership and continuous improvement. These collective efforts will support the delivery of quality early childhood education and enriching learning experiences for children and families across Malaysia.