The RISE Educator Award 2025 received over 1,000 nominations nationwide and more than 65,000 public votes — a reflection of the deep appreciation for educators making a difference in classrooms and communities across Malaysia. Stefanus Lucas from SK Pendidikan Khas (P) Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, who has dedicated his career to breaking barriers in music education for students with special needs, is a true trailblazer in inclusive music education. Working with students who are visually and hearing impaired, Stefanus harnessed the power of music to break barriers. With limited resources, he established a specialised music room and formed a student boy band, giving his students a stage to shine and a medium to express themselves confidently. His long-term vision includes forming Sabah’s first student ensemble that combines traditional and modern instruments, as well as building a dedicated music space tailored for deaf learners. Stefanus’s work embodies creativity, empathy, and the belief that every child deserves a chance to be heard.

Cikgu Stefanus, the dedicated music teacher, said, “To many, music may seem like a luxury — but to my students, it is a lifeline. It’s how they express emotions, connect with others, and begin to believe in their own worth. I started with almost nothing — just a belief that music could change lives. This award is more than recognition; it’s a reminder that inclusion is possible, and that our students deserve every opportunity to be seen, heard, and celebrated. I share this honour with them, because their resilience is what inspires me every day.” 

Proud of his achievements, the headmaster, Muhammad Hamka Eallie, added, “What Stefanus has done is nothing short of remarkable. He’s given our students a sense of identity, pride, and purpose. He doesn’t see their disabilities — he sees their potential. He has transformed the way our school views learning, inclusion, and what it means to empower every child. The impact he’s made is deep and lasting, and we are incredibly proud to see his work recognised on a national stage.”

Following nomination submissions in March, ten passionate educators were shortlisted and profiled on the RISE Educator website, giving the public a chance to vote for their favourites. From these ten, five outstanding finalists were selected through public votes, which accounted for 25% of the final result.

The finalists included Mohd Nur Hifzhan Bin Noordan (SK Sungai Passai, Sibu, Sarawak), Dr Mohd Zamri Bin Husaini (SK Kampung Tun Razak, Melaka), Izzat Fahim Bin Ibrahim (SK Tagibang, Kota Marudu, Sabah), Stefanus Lucas (SK Pendidikan Khas (P), Kota Kinabalu, Sabah), and Hallsen Justin (SK Timbua, Ranau, Sabah).

The recipient of the RISE Educator Award 2025 was chosen through a rigorous evaluation process, where the remaining 75% of the decision was made by a distinguished panel of judges including Kartini Sahirin, Deputy Director of the Learning Management Sector, School Management Division (BPSH), Ministry of Education Malaysia; Josephine Tan, Campus Director of Taylor’s College; Chan Soon Seng, Chief Executive Officer of Teach For Malaysia; and Shawn Stanly Anthony Dass, RISE Educator Award 2024 recipient. Their evaluation focused on each teacher’s impact, creativity, and the sustainability of their initiatives.

Since its inception, the RISE Educator Award has celebrated 18 educators, and channelled more than RM200,000 in grants and development support to schools across the country. The success of this year’s RISE Educator Award and Conference was strengthened by strategic collaborations with Teach For Malaysia and the Ministry of Education, who played key roles in the judging process and event endorsement. Additionally, the Perdana Fellows Alumni Association provided invaluable support in driving the smooth execution and impact of the conference.

For more information on RISE Educator Award, please visit Taylor’s College website here.