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The RISE Educator Award, an initiative by Taylor's College and its student engagement arm, The Risers, has announced its Top Five finalists for 2023.

These educators have shown an unwavering commitment to advancing education and ensuring inclusivity and equity for all students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

As a recognition of their inspiring work, each finalist's school will receive RM10,000. The 5 finalists will now go through the judging and voting process to determine the two winners of the RISE Educator Award and RISE Educator of the Year.

The Top Five finalists have exemplified the true spirit of Sustainable Development Goal 4, providing inclusive and equitable education to all, regardless of their circumstances.

They have made a significant impact on the lives of their students, especially those from marginalised communities like Orang Asli youths, special needs children, and those from rural areas.

Selected from over 200 inspiring stories, these exceptional educators have gone above and beyond to ensure their students receive the best education possible under any circumstance.

"Education is the cornerstone of sustainable development, and these outstanding educators are true champions of inclusive and equitable education.

Their tireless dedication to providing equal opportunities for their students, especially those from marginalised communities, is a testament to their unwavering commitment and passion.

We are honoured to recognise their exceptional contributions and invite everyone to join us in celebrating their inspiring stories and vote for their favourite teacher to win the RISE Educator Award.

The RM2,000 cash prize for the winning teacher, coupled with the RM10,000 school sponsorship, will enable them to continue their vital work and have a lasting impact on the lives of their students," said Josephine Tan, Campus Director of Taylor's College.

Meet the Top 5 finalists who have shown exceptional dedication to driving inclusive and equitable education:

Cikgu Kumaresan Muniandy, a special needs teacher at Sekolah Menengah Pendidikan Khas Vokasional Merbok, Kedah, started ‘Projek Hello School to Work’ in 2018 to provide vocational training for special needs children to transition to work.

With the help of parents and industry partners, the project has trained 20 students so far and helped them gain employment. He also initiated the 'Projek School Enterprise Kedai Dobi OKU' to train students to operate their own laundry business.

Two students have been employed and work in the school cooperative. Cikgu Kumaresan's tireless work has enabled students with disabilities to become independent and self-sufficient.

Wan Mu’adzam bin Wan Abidin, a special education teacher from Sekolah Kebangsaan Klang, Selangor, has created the Caballus Rafvi device, which enables visually impaired students to run and train in track and field.

Through his innovation, he has led his students to national-level athletics competitions and even the peak of Mount Kinabalu. Wan Mu'adzam's device and guidance have enabled his students to overcome physical limitations and achieve their full potential.

Joei Ong Suk Mei from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan SS17 Subang Jaya, Selangor is a special education teacher with hearing difficulties. She created the OKU Shelter Workshop, which empowers special needs students to succeed in multimedia design.

Her own life story serves as an inspiration to her students, and she provides them with valuable work experience through her connections with local businesses.

Teacher Joei's patience, kindness, and gentle guidance have enabled her students to develop a positive attitude and succeed in multimedia design, a field that they may have thought was not possible for them.

Velerie Wheelervon Primus is a special education teacher and Sabah State Cultural Icon from SK Bingkor, Sabah. He holds the principle "Because Art Is Beautiful," which has led him to win 12 awards at the state, national, and international levels.

Some of his notable awards include Excellence Showcase Teacher 2022, Sabah State Cultural Icon Teacher 2021 and 2022, Innovation Teacher 2022, National Performing Arts Teacher Candidate 2023, Sabah Chief Minister's Award 2018, Sabah State Minister of Technology and Innovation Award 2019, and Golden Award Folklore Dance Russian Federation 2021, as well as more than 10 gold awards in innovation competitions.

Velerie is also actively involved in producing special education student learning modules, action research writing, and research writing.

He is dedicated to developing and educating students, particularly those with special educational needs in the interior of Sabah.

According to the nominator Nurshafiekah Suhailan from a community school for Orang Asli in Kelantan, she was once a student who lacked confidence and motivation, with limited English proficiency.

However, under the guidance of her first English teacher, Teacher Ayu Majid, she was able to overcome her shyness and develop her leadership skills.

Through Teacher Ayu's patient, loving, and easily understandable teaching approach, her students were able to conquer their fear of public speaking and appreciate the value of humility, learning from their mistakes, and pursuing continuous growth.

Collaborating in a community centre for Orang Asli youths, Teacher Ayu's enthusiasm for education and equal opportunities inspired the nominator and others to pursue the same mission.

Today, Teacher Ayu runs a preschool for the community, and the nominator advocates for her recognition in acknowledgement of her tireless work and dedication.

Vote for Your Favourite Educator to win the RISE Educator Award

Now in its third year, the RISE Educator Award is a tribute to the exceptional educators who have had a positive impact on their students and the community.

The RISE Educator Award winner, determined through public voting on social media, will receive RM2,000 for the teacher. Meanwhile, the RISE Educator of the Year will be chosen by the judges of the competition and will receive RM5,000 in cash prize for the teacher.

In addition, all Top 5 finalists will be awarded RM10,000 for their school in recognition of their efforts to empower and advance education for their school community. Winners of awards will be announced in an award presentation event on 27 May 2023.

To learn about the inspiring stories of these remarkable teachers and cast your vote for the most outstanding educator, visit the Taylor's College Facebook page here from 24 April to 12 May 2023