RISE Educator Conference 2026

12 September 2026

8:00AM - 4:00PM

Taylor's Lakeside Campus, Subang Jaya, Selangor

Impactful Teaching, Purposeful Learning in an AI-Driven World

Teaching has always required adaptability. Today, it calls for the confidence to lead students in a world being reshaped by AI, while never losing sight of what great teaching has always been: human, purposeful, and deeply impactful.

This invitation-only event brings together secondary school teachers, counsellors, and leaders across Malaysia for a day of practical learning and genuine connection.

As places are limited, register before 31 August 2026 to secure your spot.

AT A GLANCE

PANEL DISCUSSION

PURPOSE-LED EDUCATORS MASTERCLASS TRACKS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Innovative Teaching

Discover practical approaches and emerging tools that make learning engaging and effective for the modern classroom.

Fostering Student Resilience

Build your toolkit for supporting students through academic, social, and personal challenges.

Teacher Wellbeing

Explore strategies to protect your own wellbeing and sustain your passion for teaching.

Building Community

Connect face-to-face with fellow educators to exchange ideas and build connections that continue beyond the conference.

SHOW ALL

8:30 AM - 8:50 AM

Registration and Welcome Remarks

9:20 AM - 10:05 AM

Keynote Address by Tan Sri Dato' Dr Johari bin Abdul

10:05 AM - 10:35 AM

RISE Educator Award Ceremony 2026

10:50 AM - 11:50 AM

Panel Discussion: Human-Centered Education in a Technology-Enabled World

11:50 AM - 12:30 PM

Visit RISE Experience Arena

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

Lunch for Masterclass Participants

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Purpose-Led Educators Masterclass Tracks

Human-Centered Education in a Technology-Enabled World

As technology becomes more embedded in how students learn, communicate, and prepare for the future, educators face an important question: what should technology enhance, and what should remain fundamentally human?

This panel brings together educators and industry leaders to explore how schools can embrace technological change while preserving relationships, empathy, critical thinking, and mentorship that shape meaningful learning. The conversation will also consider how educators can support student wellbeing, balance digital fluency with human skills, and prepare young people to navigate a future where the jobs and challenges ahead may look very different from those of today.

Featured Panellists

Dr Christina Chin (Moderator)

Deputy Executive Editor, Star Media Group

Dr Christina Chin is a Khazanah-Wolfson Press Fellow at the University of Cambridge and a China-ASEAN Center of Advanced Studies Fellow. She started her journalism career with the Star Media Group after a stint in the advertising industry.

Having reported on a myriad of topics ranging from politics, public health and community issues, to breaking news and exclusive stories, the law graduate who holds a Master of Arts (Communication) degree and Doctor of Philosophy (Social and Behavioural Science) degree helms the Education Desk, which encompasses the Star Newspaper-in Education initiative and BRATs Young Journalist Programme, and oversees the R.AGE youth vertical.

During her post-graduate studies, Dr Chin conducted guest lectures at Universiti Malaya and communication workshops for the Education Ministries of Malaysia and the Republic of Maldives. She was also a panel discussion moderator at the Batt Asia 2024 and 2025 Leadership Summits, and was a presenter at the recent Malaysian Press Institute industry dialogue. Having been in the media industry for over two decades, the International Press Institute member is a recipient of more than 30 journalism awards.

Melissa Tanya Gomes

Chief Executive Officer of Edvolution

Melissa Tanya Gomes is a dedicated advocate for educational reform and a transformative leader in the Malaysian public education landscape. With over 14 years of expertise spanning management consulting and the education sector, Melissa co-founded Edvolution with a singular mission: to empower educators and school leaders to drive systemic, people-centred change.

Throughout her career, Melissa has been instrumental in shaping educational policy, having served as a key contributor to the review of the Malaysia Education Blueprint and as a member of the Jawatankuasa Dasar Kajian Pendidikan Negara. Her work is defined by a commitment to data-driven, sustainable interventions that bridge the gap in educational equity.

Recognised as one of Tatler Asia's Most Influential leaders in education, Melissa continues to foster collective leadership, bringing together diverse stakeholders to ensure quality, inclusive education for every student in the nation.

James Abela

Director of Digital Learning and Entrepreneurship, Garden International School

James Abela, Director of Digital Learning and Entrepreneurship at Garden International School, combines his extensive industry experience with a passion for education.

Since 2012, he has been instrumental in shaping the UK computing curriculum. He is the author of Vibe Coding: From Idea to App at the Speed of Flow, Creating SwiftUI Apps in Playgrounds, Parenting and Teaching in the Age of AI, The Gamified Classroom and the Oxford University Press IB Diploma Computer Science book.

As the founder of the Southeast Asia Computer Science Teachers Association (SEACSTA), James has become a key figure in computer science education. His accolades include being named 21st Century Teacher of the Year in 2014, an Apple Distinguished Educator (Class Cork 2013), Google Innovator (London 2012), and a finalist for the Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Award in 2023.

James also runs workshops and writes curriculum resources, inspiring students to pursue their passions and attend world-renowned universities such as Harvard, Cambridge, Imperial and Carnegie Mellon

Every educator’s journey is different. Tailor your learning by selecting the track that best aligns with your role, interests, and aspirations. Each track includes two consecutive masterclasses designed to deliver actionable insights you can bring straight back to your school community.

This is for school leaders looking to cultivate a culture of purpose and resilience. This track provides the strategic tools needed to build future-ready schools, inspire teaching teams, and drive lasting, meaningful impact within your educational community.

From Vision to Impact: Building a Purpose-Driven School Culture

_{How do you turn a school's vision into something students and teachers actually feel?}

In this masterclass, Lim Tou Boon, Founder of Edvolution, draws on over 30 years of leadership in tertiary and international education to explore how schools can align purpose with measurable student outcomes and use AI-driven insights to support informed decision-making.

Having advised educational institutions across the region and served on the boards of Seri Jubli International School, Stellar International School, and Wisdom Nest School Cambodia, he brings practical strategies for building a purpose-driven school culture that creates lasting impact.

Leading Change in a Rapidly Evolving Education Landscape

_{How can you navigate changing priorities without losing sight of academic excellence?}

In this masterclass, Janice Chong, Programme Director at Edvolution, explores how you can navigate competing priorities, from integrating AI and responding to changing parent expectations to supporting teacher retention, while continuing to uphold academic excellence.

With over 10 years of experience in teacher and school leadership development, Janice has worked with Malaysia's Ministry of Education, SEAMEO, and HundrED across national, private, and international school systems. She brings these perspectives into practical discussions on leading change while keeping your teachers, students, and school's priorities in focus.

This is for educators committed to deeper, more lasting learning. Explore modern methodologies to deepen engagement, elevate critical thinking, and confidently bring AI tools into your daily teaching.

Beyond Content: Strategies for Deep & Lasting Learning

_{When does learning go beyond knowing the content to thinking critically and applying it?}

In this masterclass, Gavin Lee from Taylor's College's School of Diploma Studies explores how you can move beyond rote learning through inquiry, critical thinking, and real-world application, helping students engage more deeply with what they learn.

As an educator, PhD researcher in consumer behaviour, and certified EdTech expert, Gavin brings experience in experiential and personalised learning. He will explore how these approaches, alongside AI-supported lesson planning, can help you design learning that encourages students to think, make connections, and apply knowledge beyond the classroom.

AI in the Classroom: Enhancing Great Teaching

_{Where can AI support your teaching while keeping you at the centre of the learning experience?}

In this masterclass, Dr Vinothini Vasodavan from Taylor's University's School of Education explores practical and ethical ways you can integrate AI into your teaching while keeping your role at the centre of the learning experience.

As a Senior Lecturer and Hub Leader for Educational Empowerment & Innovation, Dr Vinothini's work spans human-centred educational technology, HyFlex learning, and digital pedagogy. Drawing on this experience, she will explore how AI tools and teaching frameworks can support student engagement, feedback, and lesson delivery, while helping you make considered choices about where technology adds value to learning.

This is for educators who champion students and teacher well-being. This track offers real-world strategies to address emotional resilience, protect teacher energy, and build compassionate learning environments.

Building Resilient Students in High-Pressure Environments

_{What can you do when academic pressure begins to affect your students' wellbeing?}

In this masterclass, Dr Neerushah from Taylor's University's School of Liberal Arts and Sciences explores coping strategies and emotional regulation to help you support students facing academic stress. The session also looks at how AI and data insights can help identify wellbeing risks earlier and inform more personalised support and guided interventions.

An educator and certified counsellor with a PhD in Guidance and Counselling, Dr Neerushah has conducted training on resilience, self-efficacy and wellbeing for students, teachers and community educators. She brings this experience into practical discussions on recognising students' needs and supporting them through high-pressure environments.

An educator and certified counsellor, Dr Neerushah holds a PhD in Guidance and Counselling. She has conducted training on resilience, self-efficacy, and well-being for students, teachers, refugee educators, and community leaders, and publishes extensively on ethics, higher education, and counsellor education.

Teacher Wellbeing: Preventing Burnout, Sustaining Passion

_{When your workload keeps growing, how can you protect your wellbeing without losing your passion for teaching?}

In this masterclass, Rajalakshmi from Taylor's University's School of Liberal Arts and Sciences explores realistic ways to manage heavy workloads, set healthier boundaries and sustain your wellbeing as an educator. You'll also consider where AI can reduce repetitive administrative work and create more space for the parts of teaching that require your time and attention.

A psychologist and Founder of RiZe Academy, Rajalakshmi brings over 16 years of experience in education and 18 years in training, with expertise spanning Positive Psychology and Educational Psychology. Drawing on this background, she will share approaches to help you manage the demands of teaching while supporting your wellbeing over the longer term.

Who can attend the conference?

The conference is open to teachers, school leaders, counsellors, and education professionals from across Malaysia. Whether you're looking to enhance your teaching practice, support student wellbeing, or exchange ideas with fellow educators, there’s something here for you.

How do I register for the event?

Complete the online registration form on this page to reserve your place. As conference and masterclass track spots are limited, we recommend registering early to secure your preferred track.

Is there a registration fee?

The conference is completely free to attend.

Will I receive a certificate of participation?

You'll receive a Certificate of Participation after attending the conference, recognising your commitment to continuous professional learning.

When do I choose my track?

You'll choose your preferred track when you register. Each track includes two consecutive masterclasses that you’ll attend during the conference. Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so register early to secure the track you want.

Can I attend more than one track?

Each participant attends one track, which includes two masterclasses. Since all tracks run at the same time, it’s not possible to attend sessions from multiple tracks.

Will meals and refreshments be provided?

Breakfast and lunch will be provided during the conference, so you can stay refreshed and focused throughout the day.

Where can I park on the day of the conference?

Parking is available at SYOPZ Mall, Block A, Block B, and Zone H. EV charging is also provided at Block A. The campus is easily accessible by bus, MRT/BRT, Grab, and taxi.

CONTACT US

For inquiries, please reach out to the event organiser at joanna.sk@taylors.edu.my or +60142199170.

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