Malaysian school named finalist for World’s Best School Prize

In a proud moment for Malaysian education, SK Putrajaya Presint 11(1) has been named a Top 10 finalist for the World’s Best School Prize for Supporting Healthy Lives 2025, recognised for its pioneering work in making mental health support accessible and engaging for young students.

The public primary school, located in the heart of Putrajaya, earned its spot among the world’s best through HELPIE, a mobile app developed by students for students. Designed as a fun, interactive solution to tackle rising stress and emotional wellbeing concerns, HELPIE offers tools such as gamified activities, self-assessment features, and a live chat with certified therapists.

The initiative was born out of a 2023 school-wide survey, which revealed that 34% of students were dealing with stress, and 47% struggled to express their emotions. In response, a team of students and teachers worked together to design, code, and refine the app, ensuring it was both effective and engaging.

To bridge the digital divide, HELPIE is installed on school-provided tablets, making the solution inclusive for all students, including those with limited access to personal devices. Complementary printed activity cards help bring the app’s content into real-world, group-based learning environments.

Positive impact across school community

Since its launch, HELPIE has delivered measurable results. The school recorded a 60% drop in stress levels among students, with over 90% of pupils now saying they have a better understanding of their emotions, and 87% acknowledging improved awareness of their personal stress levels.

Teachers report being better equipped to provide emotional support, and classroom behaviour has improved by 40%. Importantly, the programme has also encouraged greater involvement from parents and the wider community in addressing and understanding student mental health.

HELPIE’s success has not gone unnoticed. In 2024, SK Putrajaya Presint 11(1) was named winner of the AIA Healthiest Schools Competition, and the school is now working to publish the app on Google Play to make it available to other educational institutions across Malaysia and beyond.

World’s most prestigious education prize

Founded in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the World’s Best School Prizes, established by T4 Education, celebrate schools that are transforming education and student lives. SK Putrajaya Presint 11(1) is one of just ten schools worldwide to be shortlisted in the Supporting Healthy Lives category.

The school now joins a global cohort of 50 finalists across five categories: Community Collaboration, Environmental Action, Innovation, Overcoming Adversity, and Supporting Healthy Lives. The winners will be selected by an expert Judging Academy, with all finalists also eligible for a Community Choice Award, to be determined by public vote.

The six prize-winning schools will be announced in October, and all finalists will attend the World Schools Summit in Abu Dhabi on November 15-16, where they will showcase their innovations to global policymakers and educators.

Future of education

Congratulating the school, Vikas Pota, Founder of T4 Education, praised SK Putrajaya Presint 11(1) as a source of inspiration in a fast-changing world:

“In a world being turned upside down by AI, as technology reshapes the way we learn and renders jobs that have existed for centuries obsolete, amid growing challenges of climate change, conflict, poverty and populism, the world our young people are entering has never felt more precarious. And a good education, with humans at its heart, has never been more important.”

The recognition reaffirms Malaysia’s potential to be a global leader in forward-thinking education practices. By integrating technology with emotional intelligence, SK Putrajaya Presint 11(1) is not only improving student wellbeing but also redefining how schools can empower children to thrive—mentally, emotionally, and academically.

As the world turns its attention to Abu Dhabi this November, Malaysia has every reason to be proud of this trailblazing school and the young minds behind HELPIE.