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RISE Educator Award 2026
Behind every student who dares to dream is a teacher who believed in them first. The RISE Educator Award by Taylor’s College is a teacher recognition award in Malaysia that honours those shaping the future we share through lasting impact across classrooms and communities.
Since 2021, we have celebrated teachers who quietly and relentlessly change how students see themselves and what they can become.
18 Teachers Celebrated
Recognising exceptional teachers who inspire positive change
1,000+ Students Benefited
Empowering young minds from all walks of life
16 Schools Awarded RM200,000
Driving innovation, better facilities, and teacher development
1,000+ Inspiring Stories
Impactful tales from students, parents, and educators
Know a teacher whose impact deserves to be seen? Nominate them today and help take their vision further.
Here’s what to expect throughout the award journey:
Nomination Period
15 May - 30 June 2026
Voting Period
3 - 14 August 2026
Announcement of Winner
August 2026
TEACHERS WHO CHANGED FUTURES
Every year, we document the stories of the RISE Educator Award winners, learning more about their teaching journeys, schools, communities, and the people around them. These stories offer a closer look at the challenges, approaches, and impact behind their work as educators.
Cikgu Stefanus
Cikgu Shawn
Dr Velerie
Cikgu Kumaresan
Cikgu Hazeem
Cikgu Nazmi
RISE Educator Award 2025:
Redefining Music Through Inclusion
When Cikgu Stefanus Lucas began teaching students with hearing impairments and learning disabilities, he realised that there were no existing methods or spaces to teach music in a way that was accessible to them. Despite being told that deaf students did not need music because they could not hear, he chose to challenge that belief.
Through experimentation, patience, and an inclusive approach to learning, he introduced musical instruments and created opportunities for students to experience music differently. Over time, he saw how music helped students build confidence, communication skills, and stronger relationships with one another.
Today, his inclusive music classroom reflects his belief to focus on ability, not disability — proving that students can achieve far more when given the opportunity and support to try.
RISE Educator Award 2024:
Transforming Learning Through Dedication
Cikgu Shawn Stanly Anthony Dass is honoured for improving literacy and student engagement in a rural school.
When he began teaching, many of his students struggled to read. Believing that teaching is a responsibility of the heart, he introduced interactive approaches that made learning more meaningful and enjoyable.
Over time, his students became more confident, active in class, and willing to challenge themselves. Many have since excelled in competitions, proving how impactful teaching can be in unlocking potential and shaping a child’s life.
RISE Educator Award 2023:
Creating Spaces for Every Child to Thrive
Dr Velerie Wheelervon Primus's journey into special education became deeply personal when his own child was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This experience strengthened his commitment to creating more supportive and inclusive learning environments for children with diverse learning needs.
Through sensory-based learning spaces and innovative teaching approaches, he introduced facilities such as multisensory rooms to help students develop communication, coordination, and confidence in learning.
Over time, his work has helped many students become more engaged, independent, and expressive, reflecting how patience, empathy, and inclusive education can make a meaningful difference in a child’s development.
RISE Educator of the Year 2023:
Opening Pathways to Employment and Independence
While teaching at a vocational special education school, Cikgu Kumaresan Muniandy saw that many students were often overlooked by the workforce due to a lack of practical exposure.
To bridge this gap, he introduced initiatives that recreate real-life environments in the classroom, such as Projek Kedai Dobi. Steadily, he built the skills and self-belief his students needed to navigate the world.
His students went on to secure employment and live more independently, demonstrating how experience-based learning can break down barriers and ensure every child has a place in the future we share.
RISE Educator Award 2022:
Bridging the Digital Gap Through Innovation
Cikgu Hazeem Azemi is recognised for championing digital inclusion for Orang Asli and special needs students.
During the pandemic, he introduced digital tools such as streaming and interactive content to reconnect with his students, while battling the risk of them falling behind in a digital environment.
Through collaboration with fellow educators, he helped develop a multimedia learning environment in school. His innovative spirit has proven that technology, when paired with heart, can improve access to education for all.
RISE Educator Award 2021:
Unlocking Potential Beyond the Classroom
We celebrated Cikgu Nazmi Rosli as the 2021 RISE Educator Award winner for his creative approach to rural education in Sarawak.
During his teaching, he witnessed students facing limited exposure and low expectations. Believing every child has potential, he introduced immersive, experience-based teaching by recreating real-world scenarios in the classroom.
Students who once doubted themselves began to engage, question, and grow. Teachers like him are exactly who the RISE Educator Award, a teacher recognition award in Malaysia, was created to find and spotlight.
The next inspiring teacher could be someone you know.
Your nomination not only celebrates their impact, but also helps support their school and the students they continue to inspire.
School Sponsorship (for facilities or infrastructure)
RM50,000
Winner
RM5,000
Nominator
RM500
The following prizes will be awarded to 4 shortlisted finalists.
Recipient
Prize
School Sponsorship (for facilities or infrastructure)
RM10,000
Finalist
RM1,000
Nominator
RM250
how the award works
Nomination Process
Voting Process
Selection of Winner
Step 1: Share Their Story
Fill in the form and describe, in 100–500 words, why your teacher deserves this recognition. Share specific examples that highlight their dedication, creativity, leadership, and the difference they have made in students’ lives. Be clear, sincere, and authentic.
Step 2: Review & Submit
Review your entry and make sure all details are accurate. Once you're satisfied, hit submit.
1. Who can nominate a teacher and who is eligible for nomination?
1. Who can nominate a teacher and who is eligible for nomination?
The RISE Educator Award is open to Malaysian citizens who are:
Parents of students in Malaysian preschools, primary schools, or secondary schools
Students who are currently studying in a Malaysian preschool, primary school, or secondary school
Fellow peers, such as colleagues, principals, headmasters, or headmistresses
Members of the public
Eligible teachers must be from national, private and international preschools, primary schools, secondary schools, or education centres serving refugee and stateless children in Malaysia who demonstrate meaningful dedication and impact within their school community.
2. How many nominations can I submit?
2. How many nominations can I submit?
You can submit one nomination for one teacher only. Please review your entry carefully before submitting, as changes cannot be made after submission.
Know other deserving teachers? Invite your family or friends to nominate them, too.
3. How do I nominate a teacher?
3. How do I nominate a teacher?
Submit a 100–500-word entry describing the impact the teacher has made on students, along with supporting photos. You can use this simple guide:
The Problem – What issue or need did the teacher address?
The Initiative – What did the teacher do to make a difference in the community?
The Achievement – What changed or improved?
What's Next – How will this continue to benefit students or the community?
Nominations are open from 15 May to 30 June 2026.
4. Do I need to submit the story in English?
4. Do I need to submit the story in English?
Submissions may be written in any language. However, we encourage the use of Bahasa Melayu or English to facilitate the sharing of stories on our official platforms if your nomination is selected.
If necessary, the organisers may contact the nominator to seek further clarification to ensure the meaning and context are accurately understood.
5. What kind of impact are you looking for?
5. What kind of impact are you looking for?
We are looking for teachers who go beyond teaching—supporting students, innovating learning, and making a difference in their communities.
Step 1: Shortlisted Entries
If your nomination has been chosen as one of the 5 shortlisted entries, Taylor's College will send you a link to the voting platform featuring your nominee's story.
Step 2: Cast Your Vote
Show your support and vote for the most inspiring story on the RISE Educator page! Public votes, together with the judges’ assessment, determine the final winner.
From all nominations received, five impactful educators will be shortlisted by a selection committee made up of experienced professionals and subject matter experts. Their stories will then be featured on the RISE Educator Award page.
2. How does public voting work?
2. How does public voting work?
Public voting allows students, parents, educators, and members of the public to vote for the most inspiring educator stories on the RISE Educator Award page.
Public voting contributes 25% to the final score, while the judges’ evaluation accounts for the remaining 75% to determine the winner. Final decisions by the judging panel are final.
Finalists, nominators, and schools will receive prizes and sponsorships. Please refer to the Prize & Support section for more details.
3. How can I vote for a finalist?
3. How can I vote for a finalist?
Vote by visiting the RISE Educator Award page, where the finalists' stories are posted, and follow the instructions provided.
Voting is open from 3 August to 14 August 2026. Be sure to vote before the deadline!
4. Can I vote more than once or change my vote?
4. Can I vote more than once or change my vote?
You are allowed to vote once per entry only. Please review your selection carefully before submitting, as votes cannot be changed once submitted.
Multiple votes from the same user for the same entry will be counted as one vote.
Public Voting
Public votes contribute to the overall evaluation, together with the judges’ assessment, to determine the final winner.
Judging Panel
A panel of esteemed judges will review the finalist entries and determine the final recipient of the RISE Educator Award based on key criteria.
Judges assess each finalist based on the impact of their contributions, including how they have supported students, improved learning experiences, and made a meaningful difference to their school or community.
2. Who are the judges for the RISE Educator Award?
2. Who are the judges for the RISE Educator Award?
The judging panel for the RISE Educator Award consists of prominent individuals from the education sector and the community. This includes Josephine Tan, Campus Director of Taylor’s College, and Cikgu Stefanus Lucas, Special Education Music Teacher of SK Pendidikan Khas Kota Kinabalu and recipient of the RISE Educator Award 2025.
These individuals bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the judging process, ensuring that the award is given to the most deserving teacher.
3. What happens if my nominee win?
3. What happens if my nominee win?
If your nominee wins, you’ll receive RM500 as a token of appreciation, while they will be rewarded with RM5,000 for their incredible contribution. Additionally, their school will win RM50,000 for facilities or infrastructure. Don’t miss this chance to make a difference!
4. When will the winner be announced?
4. When will the winner be announced?
The winner will be announced in August 2026 following the voting phase. Stay updated via our page and social media channels at Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.
Need more details? Explore the full Terms & Conditions for important information about the nomination, voting, and selection process.
