PUTRAJAYA: Crowds of students and parents filled the halls of the IOI Grand Exhibition and Convention Centre as the Star Education Fair 2026 kicked off on Saturday (May 16).
Among the early visitors was 18-year-old Sarah Khadeeja Hermi Edwar, who arrived with her family when the doors opened at 11am.
She said her mother discovered the fair online and encouraged her to attend.
Sarah Khadeeja, who is a Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) leaver, hopes to pursue Actuarial Science, with Universiti Malaya currently topping her list of preferred institutions.
“I first learned about Actuarial Science two years ago. Since then, I have done some research on it and found that it suits my interests and personality,” she said.
Similarly, fellow SPM leaver Tashwinder Singh, 18, shared his ambition of becoming an electrician.
“I am more of a technical person and I enjoy hands-on work. I have been interested in this field since I was young,” the first-time fair visitor said.
Another first-time visitor, Genevieve Elizabeth, 19, who is currently pursuing her A-levels, said she is considering majoring in law but is still exploring her options before making a final decision.
“I have heard a lot of good things about this education fair and I thought I would get some inspiration on how I can narrow down my choice of major,” she shared.
Organised by Star Media Group, the two-day fair, held at IOI Grand Exhibition and Convention Centre, Putrajaya, offers a variety of local and international study options, including technical and vocational education and training (TVET), as well as financial assistance such as study loans and scholarships.
Happening now and ending on Sunday (May 17), it features 85 exhibitors occupying 92 booths, with 54 occupied by technical, vocational education and training (TVET) providers from various ministries.
Among the ministries are the Rural and Regional Development Ministry, Education Ministry, Higher Education Ministry, Human Resources Ministry, Youth and Sports Ministry, Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, and Plantation and Commodities Ministry.
Visitors can also expect to see exhibitors from international institutions, such as the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi - Abu Dhabi; Moscow Aviation Institute (National Research University) - both first-time exhibitors - and University of Tsukuba Japan.
Also joining the fair for the first time are Albukhary International University and Metropolitan College.
Financial aid opportunities are also available at the fair, with support from the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) and the Employees Provident Fund's (EPF) for parents looking to fund their children’s education.
Participants stand a chance to win exciting prizes including an Apple iPad Air, Nintendo Switch, Redmi watch and Sony headphones during the Register & Win sessions.
There is also free coffee from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
Don’t miss the talks happening today by Human Resources Department Advanced Technologies College (ADTEC JTM), UiTM Institute of Graduate Studies, Malaysia Construction Academy, Port Dickson Vocational College, UniKL, National Youth High Skills Institute (IKTBN), Moscow Aviation Institute, EPF and Aswara.
There is also a talk by TVET influencers Abid and Amin.
The fair is open from 11am to 6pm. Admission is free, and door gifts await early visitors.
The Star Education Fair, now in its 39th year, is one of the country’s pioneer education exhibitions. For details on the fair, visit @stareducationfair on Instagram or email edufair@thestar.com.my.
