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Kota Kinabalu: Ten finalists have been shortlisted for the Taylor’s College RISE Educator Award 2024 involving national, private and international primary and secondary schools nationwide.

They must showcase excellence and dedication to their schooling community.

• Goh Kok Ming from SJK (C) Huan Lian 1 in Perak launched the Taiping Innovation Centre, a hub for free and accessible STEM learning. In addition, he founded a two-year Empowering STEM programme, impacting nearly 250 B40 students across 10 schools.

Through his STEM Garden initiative, Muhammad Anas Murugan Abdullah from SK Seri Intan, in Perak, has taught students to produce fertilisers from canteen leftovers, combining innovation with environmental responsibility, and empowering the coming generation with a deeper understanding of sustainability.

• Siti Intan Farahana Mhd Fauzy from SK Bandar Laguna Merbok, in Kedah introduced rehabilitation rooms, self-management spaces, and modern kitchen facilities, as well as collaborating with both domestic and foreign agencies to incorporate drones into education. 

This technological approach to learning ensures that her special needs students are prepared for the demands of Industry 5.0.

• Mohd Shukri Mohd Zain from SK Pendidikan Khas Jalan Peel in Kuala Lumpur focused on students with hearing difficulties through using a holistic approach that includes lip articulation reading, communication and auditory skills, and manual-visual sign language. As well as transmitting the latter skill to parents. 
• Siti Ainulmursyida Shamsudin of SMK Orked Desa, Kuala Lumpur, addressed the challenges faced by special needs students. She transformed the centre into a state-of-the-art facility with a smart classroom and cutting-edge robotics equipment. This approach has not only provided her students with access to advanced technology but has also actively engaged them in their learning.
• Sumanthy a/p Appannah of SK Seri Setia, Perak, implemented a Road Safety project for students with disabilities, often overlooked in road safety education. She trained these students in road crossing rules and regulations, improving their safety as well as inspiring others to take action. 

The project has since been recognised by the school authority and District Education Offices, leading to the implementation of similar initiatives in other schools.

• Ashok Pillai a/l Kuppusamy, from SJK (C) Jerik in Pahang focused on financially challenged students, offering support, motivation and understanding in the face of obstacles such as irregular attendance. He provides free tuition, meals, and arranges additional classes and transportation out of his own pocket. Through his efforts, Ashok has impacted the lives of his students while instilling in them a sense of resilience, determination, and self-belief.
• Anne Margarette Kho from SK Belipat Lawas, Sarawak, faced the challenge of having the largest number of Pemulihan pupils in the district, coupled with a concerning attendance rate. To address this, she transformed the Pemulihan class into “Kedai Runcit Cikgu Anne”, using her personal funds to provide supplies as rewards. 

This innovative approach led to increased engagement and participation in school activities, with District Education Offices across Malaysia seeking to learn from Anne’s methods.

• - Shawn Stanly Anthony Dass from SK RPS Banun in Perak, an all-Orang Asli school organised class monitor elections to teaching about democracy, transforming his science classroom into a flight simulator using projector and forest resources, and creating a beach-themed classroom to educate about marine conservation. 

His creativity has been particularly effective in curbing illiteracy while giving students meaningful learning experiences.

• Muhd Nur Asnawi Romly from SK POS Musoh LZ in Perak, organised study visits to Kuala Lumpur as a way to enrich their learning. Additionally, his community literacy initiative, the Independent Book Centre Huts has benefited the local community and won a Small Grant project.

The five teachers with the most votes will proceed to the finals.