Taylor’s College unveils Sabah’s first Inclusive Music Room

Taylor’s College and Sekolah Kebangsaan Pendidikan Khas Kota Kinabalu (SKPK KK) have officially launched the upgraded Bilik Muzik Inklusif (Inclusive Music Room), a sensory-rich space designed to help students with hearing impairment and learning disabilities experience music through rhythm, vibration and visual cues.

Made possible through a RM50,000 sponsorship from Taylor’s College, the upgraded facility was awarded to Cikgu Stefanus Lucas, recipient of the RISE Educator Award 2025. The room is furnished with both traditional and modern instruments, thoughtfully selected to support multisensory learning for students with special needs.

A milestone for inclusive learning

The event was attended by Mohamad Sufri bin Salim, Chief Assistant Director of the Special Education Sector at the Sabah State Education Department, who praised the initiative for exemplifying meaningful public–private collaboration.

“This initiative reflects the spirit of collaboration that drives our national education agenda, where the public and private sectors come together to ensure every child, regardless of ability or background, has access to quality learning opportunities. Partnerships like this not only enhance inclusivity but also strengthen the ecosystem that supports lifelong learning and community development,” he said.

Also present was Yang Berbahagia Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun, Senior Private Secretary to the Chief Minister of Sabah, in a show of support for progressive educational efforts in the state.

Championing music as a universal language

Stefanus, who joined SKPK KK in 2024, has been a strong advocate of using music as a universal language for students with hearing and learning differences. What began as improvised exercises has now evolved into a structured programme involving more than 40 students.

“Many people assume music is only about hearing, but for my students, it is about feeling, seeing and expressing,” Stefanus said. “When I first arrived, we had no music room, so I started with whatever I had, hoping to give them a new way to communicate and build confidence. Seeing their growth, from exploring simple rhythms to performing proudly on stage, has been the most rewarding part of my work. With Taylor’s College’s support, we now have Sabah’s first Inclusive Music Room, which allows us to expand our workshops, training and resources. This room is not just a facility; it is a reminder that we should always focus on ability, not disability.”

Thanks to his efforts, students at SKPK KK have performed for the first time and earned recognition on international platforms, proving that expression and creativity extend beyond sound.

Taylor’s College reaffirms commitment to education

Taylor’s College Campus Director, Josephine Tan, said the upgraded room encapsulates the institution’s commitment to inclusive education.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, express, and thrive, regardless of their abilities. Through this upgraded Inclusive Music Room, we hope to empower Cikgu Stefanus to create a space where students can experience joy, confidence, and creativity through music. At Taylor’s College, we remain committed to supporting dedicated educators like Stefanus and continue to drive inclusive learning for every student. This marks the second school in Sabah that Taylor’s College has had the privilege to support, and we are humbled to play a small part in advancing education within the state.”

Headmaster Muhammad Hamka bin Eallie also expressed gratitude, noting the impact on students’ development.

“This initiative represents more than just a classroom upgrade, it brings hope and opportunity to our students. For many of them, music has become a new way to communicate, build confidence, and express joy. We are deeply thankful to Taylor’s College for recognising the potential of our educator and learners and supporting our vision of education that empowers every child to shine.”

Earlier this year, Stefanus was named the RISE Educator Award 2025 winner, receiving RM5,000 for his achievement and RM50,000 for his school. Four other finalists each received RM1,000, along with RM10,000 channelled to their respective schools to further enhance teaching and learning facilities.