SKPK KK have unveiled their upgraded Inclusive Music Room, a nurturing and sensory-rich space for students with hearing impairment and learning disability.
SEKOLAH Kebangsaan Pendidikan Khas Kota Kinabalu (SKPK KK) have unveiled their upgraded Bilik Muzik Inklusif (Inclusive Music Room), a nurturing and sensory-rich space for students with hearing impairment and learning disability to experience music.
Teacher Stefanus Lucas based at SKPK KK, was the recipient of the Taylor’s RISE Educator Award 2025, and was awarded RM50,000 from Taylor’s College. This award money was used to equip the school’s Music Room, with both traditional and modern instruments for special needs students. It is designed to help students connect with music through rhythm, vibration and visual cues.
The RISE Educator Award recognises dedicated educators in Malaysia, that promote innovative teaching, which uplifts student potential and encourages peer-to-peer learning within the teaching community. They also support the sustainable development goal of quality education.
Mohamad Sufri Salim, chief assistant director, special education sector, Sabah State Education Department, who was present at the opening of the Music Room said: “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.
“Partnerships like this not only enhance inclusivity but also strengthen the ecosystem that supports lifelong learning and community development.”
Josephine Tan, campus director for Taylor’s said, “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.”
Since joining SKPK KK in 2024, Stefanus has championed music as a universal language for students with hearing and learning differences. What began with small, improvised activities has grown into a structured programme involving over 40 students, where music is felt through rhythm, vibration and movement. His efforts have enabled students to perform for the first time and earn recognition on international platforms, demonstrating that expression and creativity can thrive beyond sound.
“Many people assume music is only about hearing, but for my students, it is about feeling, seeing and expressing. When I first arrived, we had no music room, so I started with whatever I had, hoping to give them a new way to communicate and build confidence. Seeing their growth, from exploring simple rhythms to performing proudly on stage, has been the most rewarding part of my work,” said Stefanus.
Headmaster Muhammad Hamka Eallie said: “This initiative represents more than just a classroom upgrade, it brings hope and opportunity to our students. For many of them, music has become a new way to communicate, build confidence, and express joy.”
When Taylor’s College named Stefanus as the RISE Educator Award 2025 recipient, he was awarded RM5,000 for his achievement and RM50,000 for his school. Four other finalists also received RM1,000 each, with an additional RM10,000 channelled to their respective schools to enhance facilities for their students.
