CJMY
Taylor’s College has crowned Cikgu Stefanus Lucas as the 2025 RISE Educator Award recipient, celebrating his transformative work with special needs students in Sabah.
The music teacher from SK Pendidikan Khas (P) Kota Kinabalu received RM5,000, while his school secured RM50,000 to fund a music project for visually and hearing-impaired learners.
The award, presented at the RISE Educator Conference themed “Impactful Teaching, Purposeful Learning,” underscores Taylor’s College’s commitment to Malaysia’s educators.
Held in Subang Jaya, the event drew nearly 200 teachers and spotlighted Stefanus’s use of music to empower students.
For communities, it’s a reminder: great teachers shape futures, even against the odds.
How Taylor’s College spotlights excellence
Puan Fadzliaton Zainudin, from the Ministry of Education, keynoted the event.
“Taylor’s College champions quality education,” she said. “This award fosters collaboration and innovation.”
Stefanus’s story stole the show. “Music is a lifeline for my students,” he said.
“It builds confidence and connection.”
His school’s headmaster, Muhammad Hamka Eallie, praised him.
“Stefanus sees potential, not limits,” he said.
“He’s reshaped our approach to inclusion.”
Also, four finalists—Mohd Nur Hifzhan, Dr Mohd Zamri, Izzat Fahim, and Hallsen Justin—earned RM1,000 each. Their schools got RM10,000 for infrastructure.
Next, Josephine Tan, Taylor’s College’s Campus Director, reflected.
“Educators like Stefanus create change with grit,” she said. “RISE is a platform for inspiration.”
The conference buzzed. A panel, led by Aidiel Mat Isa, explored purposeful learning with advocates like Chan Soon Seng.
What drives Taylor’s College’s mission
Over 1,000 nominations and 65,000 votes poured in for RISE 2025, showing Malaysia’s love for teachers.
Stefanus stood out, building a music room and a boy band despite scarce resources.
Shawn Stanly, 2024’s winner, shared his tale. “Trust comes before teaching,” he said.
His student-led Learning Hub thrives via MYLES.
Also, the event offered masterclasses. Nearly 200 educators learned practical strategies for resilient teaching.
Finally, the judging was tight. A panel, including Ministry and Teach For Malaysia reps, picked Stefanus for his “Taylor’s College inclusive education boost.”
Taylor’s College’s RISE Educator Award lifts unsung heroes like Cikgu Stefanus, who turn music into hope.
With grants and a platform, the college fuels change. The resolution’s clear: invest in teachers, transform lives.
Visit www.taylors.edu.my for more.
