Congratulations to This Year’s Winner
Stefanus Lucas, SK Pendidikan Khas Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
"Cikgu Stefanus is the reason I was inspired to become a teacher. He started with no experience in special needs education, yet today, he’s guiding students with disabilities to shine on international stages. Whether it’s teaching music to the visually impaired or now working with deaf students, he never backs down from a challenge.
Last year, he started the school’s first boy band and began building a music room—with almost no resources. His motto? “Focus on ability, not disability.” And he truly lives it. Even with hearing-impaired students, he finds creative ways for them to enjoy and feel music.
His dream is to form a unique student ensemble that blends traditional and modern instruments—something never done before in Sabah. He also plans to create a music room designed specially for deaf students.
Cikgu Stefanus proves that with heart and vision, you can turn limitations into beautiful possibilities."
By Joshua Lucas
These Finalists Inspired Us All
Hallsen Justin, SK Timbua, Ranau, Sabah
"Cikgu Hallsen Justin, Deputy Head of Administration at SK Timbua, is not only a dedicated school leader—but also a voice for children with thalassemia. As a father to a child with the condition, he understands the struggles families face. While at the hospital for treatments, he saw many students fall behind or drop out because of frequent absences.
Moved by their stories, Cikgu Hallsen began teaching these children in hospital wards—juggling this alongside meetings, admin duties, and school tasks. Even though it’s exhausting, his heart remains strong.
He also worked with the Sabah Thalassemia Association and Ranau District Education Office to raise awareness and fight for better support in schools. His mission is clear: no child should be left behind because of illness.
Cikgu Hallsen is a true hero behind the scenes—showing us that with compassion and action, we can make education possible for every child, no matter their condition."
By Rusdi Bin Hj Tamit
Note: This story were first shared in Bahasa Malaysia and have been translated for this page.
Mohd Nur Hifzhan bin Noordan, SK Sungai Passai, Sibu, Sarawak
"Mr. Hifzhan changed our lives at SK Kenyana, a rural school only reachable by boat. He opened our eyes to the world beyond our village, encouraging us to dream bigger. Because of him, many of us joined co-curricular activities—and even competed at the international level. I had the chance to represent our district in Public Speaking, Mini Documentary, Scrabble, and Poetry Writing.
He didn’t just teach; he cared. He trained us in sports like chess, volleyball, athletics, and cross-country. He visited our longhouses, treated us to KFC, and took us on tours to see the airport and beach—things we had never seen before.
As our hostel warden, he gave us slippers, deodorant, school supplies, and even Raya cookies. He made sure we always felt special and supported.
Mr. Hifzhan gave more than lessons—he gave us hope, confidence, and unforgettable memories. There will truly never be another teacher like him."
By Frederick Uvang Tingang
Izzat Fahim Ibrahim, SK Tagibang, Kota Marudu, Sabah
"In rural Kota Marudu, SK Tagibang was once a quiet, overlooked school—until Cikgu Izzat arrived. He believed rural children deserve the same chances as anyone else and brought energy and hope through co-curricular activities.
Once empty, the school dorm is now full of eager students. In 2022, he rode a motorbike through the forest with a 6-year-old preschooler to a singing contest—the child became district champion and placed 4th in West Coast Sabah!
Cikgu Izzat’s passion for sports is unmatched. He trains students from 5:30 AM and again in the evening. His efforts led to district and state victories in athletics, handball, and cross-country.
His proudest moment came in 2024 when his student, Clayvera Mastin, became the first rural athlete from Kota Marudu to represent Sabah at the nationals—breaking a record in the 4x100m and 4x200m!
Cikgu Izzat has turned SK Tagibang into a school of champions—and a place of hope."
By Andey Majik
Note: This story were first shared in Bahasa Malaysia and have been translated for this page.
Dr Mohd Zamri Bin Husaini, SK Kampung Tun Razak, Malacca
"Dr. Mohd Zamri, an inspiring English and Mathematics teacher from SK Kampung Tun Razak, Melaka, has transformed learning for rural students through his creative innovations. Teaching in a resource-poor environment, he developed over eight unique tools in the past seven years to help students learn better.
His inventions—like the Grammar Wheel, PrepoWheego, and the Convert 3-Box Poly Game—make difficult topics fun and easy to understand. One of his proudest successes, PrepoWheego, helped students master prepositions and improve their English communication skills. Thanks to his tools, students who once struggled are now speaking confidently and solving Math problems with ease.
Dr. Zamri’s passion for innovation has opened new doors for his students. By turning challenges into opportunities, he has given rural children the confidence to succeed in the classroom and beyond. His work proves that with creativity and heart, even the toughest barriers in education can be overcome."
By Norhazneeza Binti Mohamad Hashim
