The RISE Educator Award returns for its fifth year, offering a total prize pool of over RM100,000 to honour outstanding educators who have made a lasting impact on students' lives. Organised by Taylor’s College and its student engagement arm, The Risers, this award continues its mission of celebrating and recognising the nation’s most dedicated teachers.

Nominations are open from 17 March to 30 April 2025, inviting everyone to nominate exceptional educators from national, private, and international pre-schools, primary, and secondary schools across the country. Teachers who demonstrate remarkable dedication to their school communities can be recognised by submitting a 100-word story highlighting their contributions to quality and equitable education.

RISE Educator Award 2025 Prizes:

Grand Prize Winner:

• ADS

  RM5,000 cash for the winning educator

• RM50,000 sponsorship for their school

• RM500 cash for the nominator

Four Finalists:

• ADS

  RM1,000 cash for each educator

• RM10,000 sponsorship for each finalist’s school

• RM250 cash for each nominator

Total Prize Pool: Over RM100,000.00 in cash and school sponsorships

“As Malaysia’s education landscape continues to evolve—emphasising digital learning, holistic student development, and equitable access to quality education—Taylor’s College remains steadfast in its commitment to support educators who are driven by purpose and passion,” said Josephine Tan, Campus Director of Taylor’s College.

She added that the RISE Educator Award, which stands for Remarkable Impact in Student Education, reflects the invaluable role teachers play in shaping young minds and fostering inclusive learning environments. “By increasing the award sponsorship, we aim to further empower educators, enabling them to create a lasting ripple effect of positive change in their classrooms and communities.”

In Malaysia’s efforts to improve education outcomes—strengthening foundational skills, bridging rural education gaps, and enhancing student engagement and critical thinking—initiatives like the RISE Educator Award play a key role by recognising and empowering dedicated educators who drive these goals forward. 

The Ministry of Education believes that by recognising outstanding teachers through initiatives like the RISE Educator Award will inspire more educators to innovate, engage students effectively, and bridge learning gaps, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and dynamic learning environment.

Last year’s RISE Educator Award winner, Cikgu Shawn Stanly Anthony Dass from SK RPS Banun, Gerik, Perak, exemplified the power of dedicated teaching. With the RM20,000 sponsorship from the award, Cikgu Shawn transformed an underutilised area into The Learning Hub, a multifunctional space where students, parents, and the local Orang Asli community can come together to learn and collaborate.

The Learning Hub features three distinct zones—Learning, Play, and Collaboration—designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and a sense of community. “The Learning Hub was born from the creativity and determination of our students,” said Cikgu Shawn. “It’s a place where they can learn, grow, and connect with their community. Thanks to the RM20,000 funding, this vision has become a reality.”

Cikgu Shawn’s innovative work highlights the incredible impact a teacher can have, not only in the classroom but across an entire community. If you know a teacher who is equally dedicated, now is the time to nominate them for the RISE Educator Award 2025.

The award recognises teachers from national, private, and international schools who show outstanding dedication to their students and communities. From the nominations, 10 teachers will be shortlisted, and their stories will be featured on the RISE Educator webpage, where the public can vote for their favourite educators. The five teachers with the most votes will move on to the finals, where a panel of judges will evaluate their contributions to education, which will account for 75% of the final decision, while public votes will make up the remaining 25%.

This year, Taylor’s College is once again partnering with Teach For Malaysia for the judging panel, with Mr. Chan Soon Seng, CEO of Teach For Malaysia, and last year’s winner Cikgu Shawn Stanly Anthony Dass, bringing their expertise to evaluate and celebrate Malaysia’s most inspiring educators.

Nominate a deserving educator today and help recognise the teachers who are shaping the future of education in Malaysia. For more information or to nominate an educator, visit https://college.taylors.edu.my/en/the-risers/rise-educator-award.html.

This content is provided by Taylor’s University

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