Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Information Technology (UniKL MIIT) marked another achievement in digital talent development when its Cisco Networking Academy Instructor, Mr Ezra Ismail, received the Cisco Networking Academy Instructor Excellence: Above and Beyond Award at Cisco Connect 2026 Malaysia.
Held on 25 June 2026 at the Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Cisco Connect 2026 Malaysia gathered technology leaders, industry experts, Cisco partners, educators and emerging digital talents to explore the latest developments in networking, cybersecurity, cloud computing, artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
The award, presented by Mr Chee Kheong Lee, Country Manager of Cisco Malaysia, recognises Mr Ezra’s outstanding dedication and contribution to the Cisco Networking Academy programme, particularly in delivering impactful learning experiences and preparing students for the fast-changing technology sector.
More significantly, the recognition places Mr Ezra among the top 10 percent of Cisco Networking Academy instructors globally, based on learner success and course feedback.
The achievement reflects UniKL MIIT’s growing strength in industry-aligned technical education, student engagement and the development of future-ready digital talent.
The Cisco Networking Academy Instructor Excellence: Above and Beyond Award honours instructors who create a sustainable and positive impact in both the classroom and the wider community.
Recipients are selected based on leadership, innovation, student engagement and commitment to nurturing skilled graduates for the global digital economy.
For Mr Ezra, the recognition was made more meaningful by the opportunity to reconnect with many of his former students, who are now building careers at Cisco and various Cisco Partners.
“As an educator, there is no greater achievement than seeing your students grow into successful professionals. Cisco Connect 2026 reminded me why industry-academia collaboration is so important.
“I hope we can continue bringing more NetAcad students to programmes like this, giving them early exposure to emerging technologies and preparing them to become the next generation of engineers and technology leaders,” he said.
UniKL MIIT’s participation in Cisco Connect 2026 Malaysia also provided Cisco Networking Academy students with valuable exposure to real-world industry trends, emerging technologies and professional networks.
Through direct engagement with industry players, students gained practical insights into the demands of the digital workforce and the skills required to thrive in areas such as networking, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digital innovation.
The achievement reinforces UniKL MIIT’s role in strengthening industry-academia collaboration and supporting Malaysia’s digital transformation agenda through high-impact technical and vocational education and training.
It also supports UniKL’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
