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RISE Educator Award 2026
The RISE Educator Award by Taylor's College is a teacher recognition award in Malaysia that honours those who shape the future we share through their lasting contributions to classrooms and communities.
Five finalist educators have been selected from nominations submitted nationwide. Read their stories and cast your voteto celebrate educators creating meaningful impact.
This year's Grand Prize winner and finalists will receive cash prizes, with their schools receiving up to RM50,000 in sponsorship support for facilities or infrastructure.
Here’s what to expect throughout the award journey:
Nominations Closed
15 May - 10 July 2026
Announcement of Winner
12 September 2026
how the award works
Voting Process
Selection of Winner
Nomination Process
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How are the finalists selected?
1. How are the finalists selected?
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 thePrizes section for more details.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the criteria for judging this award?
1. What are the criteria for judging this award?
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; Melissa Gomes, Chief Executive Officer of Edvolution; Fadzliaton Zainudin, Deputy Director of Policy, Planning, and Research at the Educational Resources and Technology Division, Ministry of Education Malaysia; 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 the award goes 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 on 12 September 2026, following the voting phase. Stay updated via our page and social media channels at Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.
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 (15 May to 10 July 2026) is now closed.
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.
Need more details? Explore the full Terms & Conditions for important information about the nomination, voting, and selection process.
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
meet the judges
Josephine Tan
Campus Director, Taylor's College
Josephine Tan, Campus Director of Taylor’s College, brings over 30 years of combined corporate and educational experience. Specialising in Media and Communication, her expertise encompasses organisational culture, corporate communication, human communication, and crisis management.
Josephine is a renowned speaker and trainer at national and international forums, conferences, and corporate events. She serves as an external anel member for Monash University's communication degree programmes in Malaysia and as an external examiner for the University of the West of England's dual degree business programmes. Additionally, she founded the SCOPUS-indexed Southeast Asia Research for Communication and Humanities (SEARCH) Journal in 2009.
Cikgu Stefanus Lucas
Special Education Music Teacher of SK Pendidikan Khas Kota Kinabalu and Recipient of the RISE Educator Award 2025
Cikgu Stefanus Lucas is an award-winning special education teacher dedicated to transforming music education for students with disabilities in Malaysia. He has spent more than 10 years empowering students with visual impairment, hearing impairment, autism, learning disabilities, and diverse learning needs through inclusive and innovative teaching approaches.
Guided by his motto, 'Focus on ABILITY, not disability,' he uses music as a powerful tool to build confidence, communication, discipline, and self-worth among students with special needs.
At SK Pendidikan Khas Kota Kinabalu, he led the creation of the Inclusive Music Room for Deaf Students, believed to be the first of its kind in Sabah. Funded through the RM50,000 RISE Educator Award 2025 grant, the initiative provides an inspiring and accessible learning environment for deaf learners.
Stefanus is also recognised for mentoring educators, sharing best practices in inclusive education, and helping students achieve recognition at both national and international levels.
Melissa Gomes
Chief Executive Officer of Edvolution
Melissa Gomes is the Chief Executive Officer of Edvolution, an education organisation dedicated to strengthening teaching quality and school leadership across Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
With over a decade of experience in education transformation, teacher development, and strategic partnerships, she has worked with public, private, and international schools to improve teacher effectiveness and student learning outcomes.
Under her leadership, Edvolution has delivered professional development programmes for teachers and school leaders, supporting schools in instructional excellence, leadership development, teacher recruitment, and learning recovery. She has also led education initiatives in collaboration with government agencies, foundations, universities, and corporate partners.
Passionate about elevating the teaching profession, Melissa advocates for meaningful career pathways for educators and sustainable systems that support continuous professional growth. Her work extends across Southeast Asia, where she continues to foster regional partnerships and professional learning networks focused on teacher and leadership development.
Fadzliaton Zainudin
Deputy Director of Policy, Planning, and Research at the Ministry of Education's Educational Resources and Technology Division
Fadzliaton Zainudin serves as Deputy Director of Policy, Planning, and Research at the Educational Resources and Technology Division, Ministry of Education Malaysia. With over 30 years of experience in education, including 25 years in educational technology, she has played a significant role in advancing Malaysia’s digital education landscape.
She was instrumental in shaping the nation’s Digital Education Policy and currently leads initiatives to strengthen digital and AI literacy through strategic collaborations across government agencies and industry partners. Her work focuses on expanding access to quality digital learning opportunities for students nationwide.
A strong advocate for the responsible and ethical use of technology in education, Ms Fadzliaton recently led the publication of the AI Literacy Handbook for educators and students. In recognition of her contributions to educational technology, she was named a recipient of the BETT Asia EdTech 10 Award in 2024. Her leadership continues to support the development of a more digitally inclusive future for education in Malaysia.
Since 2021, the RISE Educator Award has recognised educators who are making a difference in classrooms, schools, and communities across Malaysia. Behind every milestone are stories of teachers whose dedication continues to shape the lives of students and those around them.
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.
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
RISE Educator Conference 2026
Join educators across Malaysia at the RISE Educator Conference 2026 for practical learning on teaching, leadership and navigating an AI-shaped world.
Edvolution is proud to partner with the RISE Educator Award 2026, recognising that great teachers shape not only student outcomes but the future of education. The award celebrates educators who demonstrate excellence, innovation, and a lasting impact on their students, values that closely align with Edvolution's mission to empower teachers to thrive.
Through its partnership and role on the judging panel, Edvolution aims to celebrate outstanding teaching practices, amplify inspiring stories, and encourage educators across Malaysia to learn from one another. Together with Taylor's College, it seeks to strengthen the teaching profession and foster a more collaborative, future-ready education community.
![Stefanus Lucas was awarded the RISE Educator Award 2025 and RM5,000 in recognition of his inspiring use of music to empower students with special needs. His school, SK Pendidikan Khas (P) Kota Kinabalu, also received RM50,000 to fund a music education project that brings his vision to life. [from left to right] Stefanus Lucas, teacher at SK Pendidikan Khas (P) Kota Kinabalu and RISE Educator Award 2025 recipient, Puan Fadzliaton Zainudin, Deputy Director of the Educational Resources and Technology Division at the Ministry of Education Malaysia, Muhammad Hamka Eallie, Headmaster of SK Pendidikan Khas (P) Kota Kinabalu and Josephine Tan, Campus Director of Taylor's College.](/content/dam/taylorsrevamp/college/student-life/news-and-articles/2025/cikgu-stefanus-lucas-wins-rm50-000-rise-educator-award-grant-for-sk-pendidikan-khas-p-kota-kinabalu/taylors-article-cikgu-stefanus-lucas-wins-rm50-000-rise-educator-award-grant-hero-banner-desktop-1920x1080.png/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.web.1920.1080.webp)
