Kota Kinabalu: Music teacher, Stefanus Lucas, from SK Pendidikan Khas (P) Kota Kinabalu was recently recognised with Malaysia’s top educator honour for his work with special needs students.
He was awarded the RISE Educator Award 2025, earning RM5, 000 personally and securing RM50, 000 in funding for his school.
The award, organised by Taylor’s College, celebrates educators making exceptional impact in Malaysian classrooms.
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His innovative approach gives students with disabilities a platform to express themselves and build confidence through music.
“To many, music may seem like a luxury but to my students, it is a lifeline,” said Stefanus.
“It is how they express emotions, connect with others and begin to believe in their own worth,” he added.
The competition drew over 1,000 nominations nationwide and attracted more than 65,000 public votes.
Five finalists were selected through a combination of public voting and evaluation by a distinguished panel including officials from the Ministry of Education.
Stefanus plans to use the funding to create Sabah’s first student ensemble combining traditional and modern instruments, and to build a dedicated music space for deaf learners.
School headmaster Muhammad Hamka Eallie praised Stefanus’s work, saying he has transformed how the school views learning and inclusion.
“He does not see their disabilities but rather he sees their potential,” said Hamka.
The award ceremony was graced by Deputy Educational Resources and Technology Division Director Fadzliaton Zainudin at the Ministry of Education Malaysia, who delivered a keynote address to commemorate the occasion.
“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,” she said.
She said Ministry of Education commends Taylor’s College for establishing a platform that goes beyond recognising outstanding educators but one that also fosters collaboration, inspires innovation and encourages the exchange of impactful practices that uplift our schools and communities.
Meanwhile, Taylor’s College Campus Director Josephine Tan said that 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 do not wait for ideal conditions, they create opportunities with what they have. What drives them is not just innovation, but deep purpose and belief in their students. Many even fund their own projects, expecting little recognition in return,” she said.
“The RISE Educator Award has grown into more than just a reward, it is now a platform that brings educators, communities and change makers together to celebrate impact, exchange ideas and inspire one another.
“It reflects our belief that when we invest in educators, we are investing in the future and we are confident they will continue to spark even greater change,” she said, adding that the RISE Educator Award is more than a celebration but also a commitment to uplift and invest in educators who are changing lives.
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.
