Taylor’s College opens inclusive music room in Sabah

Taylor’s College sponsors RM50,000 inclusive music room at SKPK Kota Kinabalu for special needs students

IN a heartwarming demonstration of educational innovation and corporate social responsibility, Taylor’s College has partnered with Sekolah Kebangsaan Pendidikan Khas Kota Kinabalu (SKPK KK) to create Sabah’s first Inclusive Music Room, opening new horizons for students with hearing impairments and learning disabilities.

The newly unveiled Bilik Muzik Inklusif represents more than just a classroom upgrade—it’s a testament to the transformative power of music as a universal language that transcends traditional barriers of communication and learning.

A RM50,000 Investment in Inclusive Education

The transformation was made possible through Taylor’s College’s substantial RM50,000 sponsorship, awarded to Cikgu Stefanus Lucas, the recipient of the prestigious RISE Educator Award 2025. This nurturing, sensory-rich space has been thoughtfully equipped with both traditional and modern musical instruments, specifically designed to help students connect with music through rhythm, vibration, and visual cues rather than solely through sound.

The unveiling ceremony, held on November 19, 2025, in Kota Kinabalu, drew distinguished guests including Mohamad Sufri Salim, Chief Assistant Director of the Special Education Sector at the Sabah State Education Department, and Yang Berbahagia Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun, Senior Private Secretary to the Chief Minister of Sabah.

Breaking Barriers: Music Beyond Sound

“Many people assume music is only about hearing, but for my students, it is about feeling, seeing and expressing,” shared Stefanus, whose innovative approach to music education has already transformed the lives of over 40 students at SKPK KK.

Since joining the school in 2024, Stefanus has championed a revolutionary approach to music education that focuses on ability rather than disability. What began with small, improvised activities has evolved into a structured programme where music is experienced through rhythm, vibration, and movement. His dedication has enabled students to perform publicly for the first time and earn recognition on international platforms.

A Model for Public-Private Partnership

Sufri praised the collaboration as exemplifying the spirit of partnership that drives Malaysia’s national education agenda. “This initiative reflects the spirit of collaboration that drives our national education agenda, where the public and private sectors come together to ensure every child, regardless of ability or background, has access to quality learning opportunities,” he noted.

Josephine Tan, Taylor’s College campus director, emphasised the institution’s commitment to inclusive education: “Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, express, and thrive, regardless of their abilities. Through this upgraded Inclusive Music Room, we hope to empower Cikgu Stefanus to create a space where students can experience joy, confidence, and creativity through music.”

This marks the second school in Sabah that Taylor’s College has supported, reinforcing its dedication to advancing education throughout the state.

Building Confidence Through Creative Expression

Headmaster Muhammad Hamka Eallie expressed profound gratitude for the partnership, noting that the initiative brings both hope and opportunity to students. “For many of them, music has become a new way to communicate, build confidence, and express joy,” he said.

The Inclusive Music Room is equipped with instruments and technology that allow students with hearing impairments to feel vibrations and see visual representations of sound, creating a multi-sensory learning environment that opens new pathways for expression and development.

The RISE Educator Award Legacy

The RISE Educator Award 2025 recognized Stefanus Lucas’s exceptional contribution to special education with RM5,000 for personal achievement and RM50,000 for his school. Additionally, four other finalists received RM1,000 each, with an additional RM10,000 channeled to their respective schools to enhance facilities and learning environments.

This award reflects Taylor’s College’s broader commitment to recognizing and supporting outstanding educators who are making meaningful differences in students’ lives across Malaysia.

Looking Forward

The Inclusive Music Room represents a significant milestone in special education in Sabah, providing a blueprint for other institutions to follow. With plans to expand workshops, training programs, and resources, the facility promises to continue transforming the educational experience for students with special needs.

As Stefanus aptly put it, “This room is not just a facility; it is a reminder that we should always focus on ability, not disability.”

For more information about the RISE Educator Award and Taylor’s College’s community initiatives, visit the Taylor’s College website