KOTA KINABALU: A special education teacher from rural Sabah has placed Malaysia on the global education map after Velerie Wheelervon Primus of SK Bingkor, Keningau, was named the sole Southeast Asian representative among the Top 50 finalists for the Global Teacher Prize 2026.
The selection brings international attention to both Sabah and SK Bingkor, highlighting the impact of inclusive education driven by empathy, persistence and community support rather than resources alone.
Velerie, who serves as Senior Assistant (Special Education) at the school, is already recognised nationally after winning the Malaysia Teacher Prize and the National Distinguished Special Education Teacher Award in 2024.
Starting with his own savings, he converted a former used classroom into a Sustainable Multisensory Learning Centre featuring therapy rooms, a Stem space, play-based learning areas and a nature-oriented environment tailored to students with special needs.
Through his self-developed Miracles and Hope Models, students who once struggled to walk, communicate or adapt socially have shown measurable gains in independence, speech and emotional development.
The approaches pioneered at SK Bingkor have since been referenced by special education teachers across the country, positioning the rural school as a source of nationally and internationally recognised innovation.
Describing the honour as a collective achievement, Velerie said, “This is not a personal achievement, but a shared victory for the Special Education students of SK Bingkor, the parents who never gave up, and the entire school community that believes in the potential of every child.”
