TAYLOR’S College and its student engagement arm The Risers have named schoolteacher Stefanus Lucas as this year’s RISE Educator Award recipient. Lucas, from Sabah, was awarded RM5,000 in recognition of “his impactful work in using music as a transformative tool to empower students with special needs”.
With limited resources, Lucas worked with students who are visually- and hearing-impaired. Despite such limitations, he managed to establish 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 hearing-impaired learners.
“Lucas’s work embodies creativity, empathy and the belief that every child deserves a chance to be heard,” said The Risers.
In addition, RM50,000 was awarded to special-needs school SK Pendidikan Khas (P) Kota Kinabalu, where Lucas is teaching at, to fund a project that brings his educational vision to life. Four other finalists were each awarded RM1,000 in recognition of their contributions. Their schools also received RM10,000 each, aimed at enhancing infrastructure and learning environments to further support meaningful educational outcomes and student development.
The award ceremony was held in conjunction with the recent RISE Educator Conference 2025, themed “Impactful Teaching, Purposeful Learning”.
Taylor’s College campus director Josephine Tan said over the past five years, the RISE Educator Award has revealed the remarkable resilience and creativity of teachers who quietly transform the meaning of education.
“These educators don’t wait for ideal conditions – they create opportunities with what they have. What drives them isn’t just innovation, but deep purpose and belief in their students. Many even fund their own projects, expecting little recognition in return.
“RISE Educator Award has grown into more than just a reward, it is now a platform that brings educators, communities and changemakers together to celebrate impact, exchange ideas and inspire one another. It reflects our belief that when we invest in educators, we’re investing in the future – and we’re confident they’ll continue to spark even greater change.”
Tan added that the RISE Educator Award is more than a celebration – it is a commitment to uplift and invest in educators who are changing lives.
Star of the RISE Educator Award 2025 Lucas 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 a 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.”
SK Pendidikan Khas (P) Kota Kinabalu’s headmaster Muhammad Hamka Eallie said: “What Cikgu 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.
Over a thousand nominations
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”. Following nomination submissions in March, 10 passionate educators were shortlisted and profiled on the RISE Educator website, giving the public a chance to vote for their favourites. From these 10, five outstanding finalists were selected through public votes, which accounted for 25% of the final result.
Other finalists included Mohd Nur Hifzhan Noordan (SK Sungai Passai in Sibu, Sarawak), Dr Mohd Zamri Husaini (SK Kampung Tun Razak, Melaka), Izzat Fahim Ibrahim (SK Tagibang in Kota Marudu, Sabah) and Hallsen Justin (SK Timbua in Ranau, Sabah).
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 Education Ministry, 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.
The award ceremony was graced by the Education Ministry’s educational resources and technology division deputy director Fadzliaton Zainudin. In her speech, she said: “Taylor’s College has consistently championed quality education by recognising and supporting the incredible efforts of educators on the ground. The RISE Educator Award highlights how real change often starts with small, consistent acts of care and dedication.
“The Ministry of Education commends Taylor’s College for establishing a platform that goes beyond recognising outstanding educators – one that also fosters collaboration, inspires innovation and encourages the exchange of impactful practices that uplift our schools and communities.”
Championing meaningful change in Malaysian classrooms
The RISE Educator Conference also featured a dynamic panel session titled “Empowering Purposeful Learning for All”, and moderated by head of partnerships at Pandai*, Aidiel Mat Isa. The discussion brought together passionate education advocates, including Teach For Malaysia CEO Chan Soon Seng, Projeck BacaBaca* founder Hema Letchamanan, and educator at SK Long Sebangang and RISE Educator Award 2021 recipient Muhammad Nazmi Rosli. Together, the panellists explored how purposeful teaching practices can break barriers and foster meaningful learning for every student.
Taylor’s College also hosted Purpose-Led Educators Masterclasses for nearly 200 educators attending the conference, providing them with valuable insights into practical methods, innovative strategies and resilient mindsets for effective teaching.
For more information on RISE Educator Award, go to Taylor’s College website here..
*Teach For Malaysia, a non-profit organisation and part of the global Teach For All network, recruits and trains outstanding graduates and professionals to serve as full-time teachers in high-needs schools through a two-year leadership development programme.
*Pandai is an education technology app that offers a gamified and personalised learning experience aligned with the national curriculum for students aged seven to 17, featuring quizzes, video lessons, AI tools and live tutoring.
*Projek BacaBaca is a community-driven literacy initiative that pairs young children from B40 communities with trained volunteer reading coaches who deliver personalised support in Bahasa Melayu and English.
