Taylor’s College is thrilled to announce the shortlist of ten remarkable educators for the RISE Educator Award 2025. From 13 May to 23 May 2025, the public is invited to vote for their favourite teachers and honour their outstanding contributions in shaping the future of education and empowering students.

The ten finalists, each with a unique story of dedication and excellence, are now featured on the RISE Educator Award 2025 webpage for public voting:

?. Trailblazer in Special Education

Special education demands more than just compassion—it calls for innovation, resilience, and a deep belief in every child’s potential. These educators are redefining what it means to be inclusive by creating tailored learning environments and empowering students with special needs through life skills, music, and meaningful community engagement.

  • Tan Meng Wei is not just an educator; he’s a passionate advocate for students with special needs. His innovative spirit shines through every project he spearheads. During his time at SMK Pengkalan Aur, he has developed accessible multimedia rooms for students with mobility challenges and hyperactivity disorders, ensuring that every child can learn. Now at SMK Tat Beng, Perak, what truly sets Tan apart is his commitment to teaching life skills through his farming initiatives, where students learn to grow bananas, mushrooms, and decorative fish—skills they can carry with them throughout life. His students even sell their produce to local restaurants, empowering them with entrepreneurial skills. Tan’s approach isn’t just about academics; it’s about empowering his students to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

  • Stefanus Lucas is a change-maker in music education for students with disabilities. At SK Pendidikan Khas Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, he uses music to bridge the gap for students with visual and hearing impairments. With limited resources, he created a boy band and a specialised music room to provide his students with the opportunity to explore their talents. His dream is to form a student ensemble that combines both traditional and modern instruments, something never before done in Sabah. In addition to this, he is working on building a music room designed specifically for deaf students. Through his creativity and passion, Stefanus is giving students a chance to express themselves in ways that many thought impossible.

?. Community-Driven Impact

These teachers go beyond the classroom, bridging gaps in access, opportunity, and care. Whether it’s introducing co-curriculars in remote schools, supporting families in need, or championing causes close to their hearts, their dedication is transforming lives and building stronger, more connected communities.

  • Mohd Nur Hifzhan is more than just a teacher—currently serving at SK Sungai Passai, Sarawak, he is a dedicated mentor who inspires his students to dream big and aim high. During his time at SK Kuala Kenyana, a remote school only reachable by boat, he broadened his students’ horizons, opening their eyes to a world of possibilities far beyond their village. By introducing sports and public speaking as co-curricular activities, he took his students to international competitions, where they stood tall on global stages. But it’s not just about academics or accolades, he deeply cares for his students’ well-being. He frequently visits students’ longhouses, taking them on tours of the airport and beach which many of them had never experienced before. 

  • Izzat Fahim Bin Ibrahim has brought the spirit of sports to rural Kota Marudu, turning SK Tagibang Kota Marudu, Sabah, into a school of champions. A passionate sports advocate, he goes above and beyond to give his students the opportunity to excel in athletics. In one memorable feat, he took a 6-year-old preschooler on a motorbike through the forest to a singing contest, where the child went on to become the district champion and placed fourth in West Coast Sabah. Izzat also trains his students as early as 5:30am, a dedication that has led to wins at district and state levels, with one even representing Sabah nationally. Since the introduction of extracurricular activities, Izzat has seen a notable increase in student attendance and fewer dropouts into secondary school.

  • Sufina Halim's impact extends far beyond the classroom—she’s a mentor, changemaker, and community builder. At SMK Tunku Putra, Kedah she founded Project Cikgu, an initiative that helps families in need by providing food, school supplies, and emotional support. She personally checks in on students facing hardship, ensuring they stay in school and receive the support they need. She has also taken her passion for education into the wider community, teaching students the importance of environmental conservation through Geopark clean-up projects and eco-education. She is not only shaping the future of her students; she’s building a stronger, more sustainable future for the entire island of Langkawi.

  • Hallsen Justin’s dedication to his students at SK Timbua Ranau, Sabah goes far beyond the classroom. As a father to a child with thalassemia, he understands the emotional and physical toll this condition takes on families. This personal experience drives him to support children with thalassemia in ways few educators can. He began teaching students in hospital wards, balancing his school duties while raising awareness about thalassemia in schools and communities. He believes no child should be left behind because of illness. By focusing on these children’s academic success and well-being, he has created a supportive environment where students with chronic conditions can flourish, proving that with empathy and care, anything is possible. 

?. Sustainability Through Science

It takes vision and dedication to shape a new generation of thinkers and protect our planet. Educators are blending science with sustainability, transforming classrooms into innovation hubs where students tackle real-world challenges like waste management and environmental conservation.

  • Ainul Inayah Hamzah is a passionate Chemistry teacher whose commitment to sustainability has inspired her students to think beyond the classroom. At SM Teknik Tuanku Jaafar, Negeri Sembilan, she has encouraged her students to turn everyday waste such as used oil, durian skins, and tea bags, into eco-friendly soaps. This hands-on approach has not only taught her students the importance of chemistry but also empowered them to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Her students have gained international recognition, winning Gold at the World Youth STEM Invention Competition in Indonesia and securing awards across Asia. Ainul’s work isn’t just about science; it’s about instilling a sense of responsibility toward the planet, encouraging her students to think critically and creatively about their role in building a sustainable future.

?. Innovation in Teaching

Faced with limited resources, inspiring educators have created inventive, tech-savvy, and engaging learning experiences that spark curiosity and boost confidence. Their pioneering tools and digital approaches are changing how students learn, proving that creativity and commitment can redefine education anywhere.

  • While officially a teacher at SJKC Jerik, Pahang, Shyamala A/P Siva Sithambaram also serves as a 'borrowed' Tamil language teacher at SMK Jengka 2. Despite her primary role at SJKC Jerik, Shyamala has completely transformed the Tamil language learning experience at SMK Jengka 2. Through creativity, determination, and an innovative use of technology—including recycled mobile phones, AI tools, and digital platforms—she has made learning Tamil fun, engaging, and accessible for all. Her impact is clearly reflected in her students' achievements: one student clinched 1st place in a poem recital, while another earned 2nd place in the Thirukkural competition. Beyond the classroom, she also conducts special Tamil language classes for B40 students in Maran and Jerantut, helping over 25 students improve their language skills and confidence.

  • Dr. Mohd Zamri Bin Husaini has redefined what it means to teach in a resource-poor environment. For over seven years, he has developed more than eight innovative teaching tools that have turned learning into an exciting adventure for students at SK Kampung Tun Razak, Melaka. His inventions such as the Grammar Wheel, PrepoWheego, and Convert 3-Box Poly Game, have made even the most challenging subjects’ fun and easy to understand. What started as a tool to help students grasp difficult concepts like grammar and prepositions has turned into a whole new way of learning. Students who once struggled with learning are now confidently solving math problems and speaking English with ease.

  • For 16 years, Selvarani A/P Uthra Kummaran has been at the forefront of transforming Maths education in rural schools. Her innovative approach, which combines digital tools like Kahoot and Quizizz, has made even the most challenging Maths concepts engaging and interactive for her students at SJKT Ladang Banopdane, Perak. But it’s her YouTube channel that has truly set her apart. By creating fun and easy-to-follow educational videos, she has made learning Maths an exciting experience for her students. Her work has not only boosted academic performance but has brought the school and its community closer together. Through her Community Learning Hub, Selvarani has created a space for educators and students to access resources and learn together.

Upon conclusion of the voting period, the top five educators with the highest votes will move on to the finals, with public votes contributing 25% to the final decision. These stories will then be evaluated by a panel of judges, including Josephine Tan, Campus Director of Taylor’s College, Chan Soon Seng, Chief Executive Officer of Teach For Malaysia, and Cikgu Shawn Stanly Anthony Dass, winner of the RISE Educator Award 2024. The panel will assess the effort and impact of the teacher's contributions, contributing 75% to the final decision.

The winner of the RISE Educator Award 2025 will receive a grand prize of RM5,000 in cash, while their nominator will receive RM500. Additionally, RM50,000 will be allocated to the winner’s school to support further development initiatives.

In addition, four finalists will each receive RM1,000 in cash, RM10,000 in school sponsorship, and RM250 for their nominators.

Read their full stories and cast your vote for your favourite educator on the Taylor’s College webpage.

This article is provided by Taylor’s College.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.

Interested in having your press releases, exclusive interviews, or branded content articles on Malaysiakini? For more information, contact advertise@malaysiakini.com or advertise@fgmedia.my