“Who’s Behind 42?” Matthijs van Leuven, CIO at Sunway Education Group.

This month, we sat down with Matthijs van Leeuwen, Chief Innovation Officer at Sunway Group and CEO of Sunway iLabs, the visionary behind 42 in Malaysia. With a career spanning Europe and Southeast Asia, Matthijs has turned a passion for innovation into impactful work in sustainability, education, and health. He shares how 42’s bold, peer-learning model fits perfectly with Sunway’s mission — and why they launched three campuses to open world-class tech education to all.

Could you please briefly introduce yourself and tell us more about your educational and professional background?
I’m Matthijs van Leeuwen, currently serving as Chief Innovation Officer at Sunway Group and CEO of Sunway iLabs. My journey began in Europe, in the Netherlands and the UK, where I studied biomedical science and business. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, always logging for the next big idea that could have a positive impact on the world. I launched my first biotech company during the final year of my Master’s at Cambridge.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work across Europe and Southeast Asia, gaining experience in both the startup and corporate worlds. My passion lies in transforming ideas into tangible, meaningful innovations, particularly in the fields of sustainability, education, and health. At Sunway, I’m able to do just that: drive purposeful innovation and build future-ready ecosystems that can make a difference.

Can you tell us more about Sunway Education Group and what you do there?
Sunway is one of Malaysia’s leading conglomerates, with a strong focus on property, healthcare, education, and sustainable development. I lead Sunway iLabs, a dynamic innovation ecosystem co-developed by Sunway Group and Sunway University. We focus on three core pillars: education and talent development, venture building, and venture capital. From nurturing budding entrepreneurs and investing in AI-driven solutions to launching cutting-edge educational programmes, we aim to build smart, sustainable cities and improve lives across the region.

How did you first come across 42? What did you think was particularly interesting about it?
We first encountered 42 during our global search for innovative education models that could address the digital talent shortage in a scalable and inclusive manner. Its radically different approach stood out immediately: no tuition fees, no formal teachers, and no traditional classrooms, yet it consistently produces highly competent, job-ready tech talent. The
model’s emphasis on peer-learning, project-based progression, and real-world problem- solving strongly aligned with our vision for developing future-ready skills.
What was particularly compelling to us was how 42 could complement Sunway University’s own approach to quality education. Sunway University is already deeply connected to industry, with a strong focus on sustainable development, innovation, digital literacy, and research. We saw 42 as a way to further enrich this ecosystem, offering an alternative, hands-on pathway that operates alongside more structured academic programmes. Together, they make a dynamic and comprehensive platform for developing top-tier talent across multiple dimensions.

What were the motivations behind Sunway Education Group’s decision to set up 42 campuses in Malaysia?
Malaysia, and Southeast Asia more generally, face a significant digital talent shortage. Traditional education systems alone are struggling to keep pace with the demands of an increasingly tech-driven economy. At Sunway, we are deeply committed to building inclusive, future-ready education models to help bridge this gap. 42 offers a powerful solution: it is accessible, scalable, and produces talent that is not only technically strong, but also collaborative and resilient. Our decision to establish 42 Kuala Lumpur, our first 42 campus, was strongly supported by the leadership of Sunway Education Group, who recognised the value of 42’s innovative, peer-learning and project-based model. They understood how 42’s approach could both complement and enhance Sunway’s broader education strategy. By sponsoring and hosting 42, our aim was to build an alternative education pathway that democratises access to world-class digital skills and aligns with our mission of driving impact through innovation and sustainability in Malaysia.
Following the launch of 42 Kuala Lumpur, we have since expanded the model to campuses in Iskandar Puteri (South) and Penang (North), making sure that more communities across the country have equitable access to quality digital education.

Photos from the premises of 42 KL

In your opinion, what sets 42 apart from other coding schools?
42 stands out for its accessibility, self-directed learning model, and gamified curriculum. There’s no top-down instruction, which empowers students to take ownership of their learning and collaborate with peers to solve complex, real-world problems. “It’s not just about acquiring technical skills, it’s about cultivating creativity, resilience, and adaptability. These are exactly the qualities we look for in innovators and entrepreneurs, and 42 cultivates them in a uniquely scalable way”.

What are your hopes for the future of 42 in Malaysia?
We hope the three 42 campuses we’ve built, will become magnets for diverse talent from all walks of life, offering a space where individuals can thrive regardless of their background or prior education. Our vision is to create a dynamic tech ecosystem where graduates of 42 Malaysia go on to build impactful startups, drive innovation within corporations, or help tackle national challenges in areas such as health, climate, and education.
We also see 42 Malaysia becoming a key hub in the ASEAN region, promoting cross-border collaboration and knowledge exchange.

A peak inside 42 KL

And for the future of education?
The future of education must be learner-driven, interdisciplinary, and aligned with real-world challenges. I envision a system that values curiosity, creativity, and competence over conventional credentials. We need models that are inclusive, scalable, and deeply embedded in technology and sustainability. Institutions like 42 are paving the way,
demonstrating that excellence can be achieved beyond traditional classrooms. As we look ahead, education must evolve not only to prepare students for jobs, but to empower them to create the jobs of the future.

A quick word to conclude our interview?
We’re proud to be part of this global movement to rethink education and empower the next generation of tech leaders. At Sunway, we believe innovation must be inclusive, and that talent exists everywhere, what’s often missing is opportunity. Through 42 Malaysia, we aim to bridge that gap and build a future where anyone with passion and perseverance can
shape a better world.