Trainer Profile

Zainudin Kadir is a distinguished leader, award-winning trainer, and visionary entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in the training, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and corporate learning landscape across Malaysia and the ASEAN region.

He is the Founder and CEO of Thames Oxford Academy, an accredited TVET training centre under the Ministry of Human Resources and a registered training provider with HRD Corp. He also serves as the Founder and President of the Association of Food Handler Training School Operators and Trainers Malaysia, and as Secretary General of the Association of Appointed Personnel under the Department of Skills Development (JPK).

As an approved training provider under the Ministry of Human Resources and International Union of Professional Trainers (IUPT), Zainudin facilitates globally recognized training pathways for Malaysian professionals. He has personally trained and mentored over 1,500 trainers, creating one of the most vibrant and impactful trainer communities in the country.

Zainudin’s professional excellence is recognised through five prestigious national awards: the TVET Excellence Award and Trainer Excellence Award from HRD Corp, the Talent Empowerment Award by PERKESO under the Ministry of Human Resources, the Sustainability Leadership Award by Malaysia Green Project Management, and the Productivity Champion & Industry Productivity Specialist Award from the Malaysian Productivity Corporation (MPC) under the Retail and F&B Nexus.

He has played pivotal roles in multiple national strategic workforce initiatives, including Gerak Insan Gemilang (GIG), Penjana Kerjaya, Bina Kerjaya Malaysia Madani, and the ILO Future Makers Project.

His qualifications include Certificate IV in Training & Assessment (Australia), HRD Corp Train-The-Trainer, Certified Halal Executive, and Food Safety Trainer under the Ministry of Health Malaysia. He is also a Certified Training Specialist accredited by the Institute of Leadership & Management (UK).

Zainudin has been actively involved with the Department of Skills Development (JPK), where he continues to contribute to national standards and curriculum development. His formal appointments include serving as a Technical Committee Member for the Malaysian Skills Standard since 2015, a NOSS Panel Member, External Verifier for both the National Dual Training System (SLDN) and Malaysian Skills Certification, as well as an Assessor for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPEL). He also manages certified training centres approved by HRD Corp and the Ministry of Health.

Throughout his career, Zainudin has delivered training for numerous multinational corporations, government agencies, and educational institutions. His client portfolio includes McDonald’s Malaysia, Malaysian Airports Berhad, Sony Malaysia, Hitachi, UMW Toyota, Gamuda Land, Vale Mineral Malaysia, Antah Holding, Eastern Decorator, OldTown White Coffee, Sunshine Bread, Ayam Dindings, Texas Chicken, Tesco Malaysia, KFC Holdings, PLUS Malaysia Berhad, FELDA Global Ventures (FGV), and Malaysian Science University. He has also trained public sector clients such as the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Human Resources, National Audit Department, and Air Selangor.

Beyond corporate training, Zainudin actively champions social responsibility projects. He leads community impact initiatives that include organizing charity runs, raising funds and resources for orphanages and elderly care homes, and promoting inclusive TVET programmes for women, rural populations, and underserved communities.

His early career includes senior roles with Tesco Malaysia and KFC Holdings, where he successfully led nationwide training rollouts and National Dual Vocational Training Programmes.

Zainudin’s legacy is grounded in innovation, inclusivity, and strategic foresight—consistently elevating the national and international standards of TVET and professional training.