In Malaysia, some educators go beyond textbooks and classrooms to reach the unreached, uplift the marginalised, and innovate for a more inclusive future. Meet seven teachers whose dedication is transforming lives and breaking barriers in education.
#1: Nurhayatul Nira Ramli: Transforming Preschool Education Through Play
Perak-born and award-winning educator Cikgu Nurhayatul Nira Ramli, from the Child Development Laboratory at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), is deeply passionate about nurturing young minds and advancing early childhood education nationwide.
Through play, creativity, and character-building, she champions a holistic approach that goes beyond traditional classroom learning.
A true educator at heart, Nurhayatul believes that children thrive when they actively engage in learning.
“When children do things themselves, they develop self-drive; that’s more important,” she says, reflecting both her upbringing and professional philosophy. Her approach blends standard curriculum with hands-on experiences, fostering curiosity and intrinsic motivation.
My father believed in learning through play. Every weekend, we’d head to the beach. It wasn’t just about fun; he’d ask questions like, ‘Why is the sand like this?’ or ‘Why does the water feel cold?’ Those experiences taught me how to think, not just what to think. – Nurhayatul Nira Ramli[1]
With 18 years of dedicated and innovative teaching at UPM, where she educates around 150 children aged three months to six years.
Her contributions were rightfully recognized at the Asia Education Awards 2024 in Bangkok, where she was named Teacher of the Year in Preschool Education[2].
Some may say I’m too old to pursue this dream, but I remind myself that true greatness takes time to cultivate, with the finest ingredients and patient dedication. – Nurhayatul Nira Ramli[2]
True to this spirit, she launched an environmental initiative, VeggieNest, to introduce children to the joys of growing and harvesting their own food, teaching sustainability through hands-on learning and community sharing.
Nothing is more precious than a happy child. – Nurhayatul Nira Ramli[1]
#2: Khalifa Affnan: Bringing STEM and Global Perspectives to Vocational Education
Cikgu Khalifa Affnan of Keningau Vocational College (KVC) in Sabah made history in 2022 as the first Malaysian to win the prestigious Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards.
Selected as the global winner from over 7,000 nominations across 113 countries, he emerged victorious among 60 shortlisted entries and six regional winners.
What made this achievement even more meaningful was that his nomination came from a former student, an undeniable testament to his dedication to teaching, innovation, and making education accessible to all[3].
Well-regarded among students and peers, Khalifa is known for initiatives such as the cultural exchange programme between KVC and South Korean educational institutions, exposing students to new perspectives and ways of thinking.
He has also spearheaded STEM projects focused on robotics, drone technology, coding, and more, equipping students with essential Industry 4.0 skills[4].
These projects resulted in increased active participation of female students and special-needs learners in STEM activities highlighting how quality education, rooted in equality, can transform communities.
He remains committed to encouraging parents, especially those with daughters to support their children in pursuing STEM fields.
STEM-related subjects help the younger generation embrace the Industry 4.0 revolution by expanding their capacity to deal with the increasingly digitalised world. Skills such as programming, robotics and application development are growing in importance, and parents and teachers must build the foundation children need from an early age. – Khalifa Affnan
A lifelong learner himself, Khalifa continuously seeks to adapt to emerging technologies. Beyond his work at KVC, he dedicates his time to enhancing technical and vocational education within Malaysia’s evolving digital ecosystem, ensuring students across the country are prepared for the future[4].
#3: Siti Rahayu Baharin: Championing Education for All
Countless children are denied education due to socioeconomic and legal barriers. Cikgu Siti Rahayu Baharin is changing that, ensuring all children, regardless of background or documentation can learn.
A decade ago, she founded Buku Jalanan Chow Kit (BJCK), starting with a mobile library and makeshift classes in the back alleys of Kuala Lumpur. Today, BJCK is a thriving education centre, offering a safe space for underprivileged children to learn, play, and develop essential skills[6].
BJCK caters to all children because… one of (our students) thought that she had reached the age to go to school, so she went to register and the school turned her away because of a documentation issue. We don’t want that. We want to provide education to every child because that’s the basic right of any child. – Siti Rahayu Baharin[5]
BJCK now provides community tuition, homeschooling for stateless children, and ‘A Wonder A Day,’ encouraging students to explore topics of interest. The centre also offers academic and vocational training, equipping children for better opportunities in a society that often marginalises them[6].
To support families, BJCK employs staff and runs a cafeteria where students’ mothers can work, helping to improve household income[5].
One of the purposes of knowledge is that you give back to society. That has more or less shaped my point of view and what I do. – Siti Rahayu Baharin[5]
Through her work, Siti fights to break the cycle of poverty, giving every child the chance to learn and thrive.
#4: Kumaresan Muniandy: Preparing Special Needs Students for the Workforce
Cikgu Kumaresan Muniandy, a special education teacher from Sekolah Menengah Pendidikan Khas Vokasional Merbok, Kedah, was a top-five finalist for the Malaysia Teacher Prize in 2022 and named RISE Educator of the Year by Taylor’s College in 2023[7].
With 125,744 special needs students in Malaysia’s schools as of April 2024, more financial resources, trained teachers, and inclusive environments are crucial.
Kumaresan, who initially pursued law, has instead spent over a decade empowering special needs students with vocational skills, ensuring they can advocate for themselves and secure employment.
Early in his career, a mother’s concern for her child’s future inspired him to launch career transition projects, including his award-winning quail farming initiative.
In 2017, he introduced the Hello School to Work Project and Kedai Dobi OKU School Enterprise to help students gain job security in industrial sectors[8].
His latest initiative, the Mock House Training Centre, in partnership with Taylor’s College, prepares special needs students for the workforce.
Once an empty, run-down space, it has been transformed into a fully equipped training centre with kitchen appliances, housekeeping tools, and other essentials for the hospitality sector[9].
My mission is rooted in the belief that all students, regardless of their challenges, deserve the opportunity to chart a course in life that extends beyond their schooling years and the realms of employment. It is also about instilling unwavering confidence and equipping them with the ability to navigate their own journey. – Kumaresan Muniandy
#5: Dr Velerie Wheelervon Primus: Creating Sensory-Inclusive Classrooms
“Miracles do happen” – this belief defines Dr Velerie Wheelervon Primus’s teaching philosophy, driving his commitment to empowering special needs students in arts, communication, and literacy – breaking societal barriers to neurodivergent self-expression.
My advocacy is to uphold the rights and access of students with special educational needs. I surrender all of my soul and energy to the formation of my students’ identities and their character. No matter how big and great the challenges are ahead of me, I believe that one day, miracles do happen. – Dr Velerie Wheelervon Primus
In 2024, Dr Velerie, a special education teacher from Sekolah Kebangsaan Bingkor, Keningau, Sabah, became the only Sabahan finalist in the Malaysia Teacher Prize, ranking among the top 10 out of 2,209 applicants.
That same year, he also received the National Outstanding Special Education Teacher Award and the Sabah Youth Premier Award. In 2023, Taylor’s College recognised him with the RISE Educator Award.
Inspired by his autistic child and the lack of adequate facilities for special needs students, 65% of whom have autism or ADHD – he developed a more tailored teaching plan.
Using his 2023 award funds and personal savings, he transformed an old teacher’s lounge into Keningau’s first multisensory Snoezelen room, designed to calm overstimulated students. He also created a play therapy room and a digital-STEM learning space, enhancing students’ communication and behavioral skills.
Many of our students face behavioural or sensory challenges. The Snoezelen room helps them calm down, while the play therapy room motivates and rewards their progress. It’s a holistic approach to nurturing their development. – Dr Velerie Wheelervon Primus[11]
His play-based ‘Miracles’ teaching plan has yielded extraordinary results.
The results have been incredible. About 70% of our autistic students have overcome speech and behavioural challenges. Academically, 10 of them have mastered basic reading, writing, and arithmetic. Some who couldn’t speak are now reading fluently. – Dr Velerie Wheelervon Primus[11]
By blending innovation with empathy, Dr Velerie is redefining special education, proving that miracles are possible.
#6: Shawn Stanley Anthony Dass: Making Learning Fun for Orang Asli Students
Ever had a plane ride in the middle of a classroom lesson? 2024 RISE Educator Award winner Shawn Stanley Anthony Dass makes such immersive experiences a reality for his students in Orang Asli schools, one of Malaysia’s most marginalised communities[12].
I was told not to bother too much with the Orang Asli children as efforts to educate them were seen as futile. They were unfairly labelled as forgetful, incapable of progress and inherently lazy. Shawn Stanley Anthony Dass, highlighting how these biases damage students’ self-esteem[13].
Determined to challenge these harmful stereotypes, he uses hands-on, experiential teaching bringing topics like the electoral system, oceanography, and air travel to life. From donning a pilot’s uniform to leading beach explorations, he makes learning tangible and engaging.
When I first started, a lot of people said that you don’t have to put much effort into educating these children because it’s just a waste of time… These are common prejudices that my kids have been living with. So breaking this stereotype and challenging these (beliefs) as (mere) myths, is also another battle (I’ve fought) together with some of my colleagues. – Shawn Stanley Anthony Dass[12]
Initially, teaching wasn’t his plan. But during a nine-month university break, tutoring revealed his passion and the stark educational inequities underprivileged children face.
Through Teach for Malaysia (TFM), he began working with Orang Asli students in Perak, realizing the need for tailored teaching methods.
By shifting to an experiential learning model, incorporating videos, visuals, and interactive activities, he transformed student engagement. Attendance skyrocketed from 15-16 students to over 50, proving that when education is made accessible and exciting, these children thrive[13].
#7: Ravien Raj: A Teacher’s Small Acts of Kindness with Big Impact
Like many before him, Malaccan-born Ravien Raj fondly known as Cikgu Vin never saw teaching as his calling. But once he earned his students’ trust and respect, everything changed.
Starting as a freelance tutor, he later joined the public education sector, teaching English and Bahasa Malaysia at SMK Tinggi St. David, Melaka. Now based at SK Matanggal Beluran, a rural school in Sabah, the transition was challenging.
Melaka is my hometown, and I really enjoyed teaching there, so it was difficult to leave when I was sent to Sabah. There were times when I didn’t want to go to the bathroom, and I was even scared to bathe or relieve myself because my living quarters were surrounded by jungle. – Ravien Raj[14]
Adjusting to limited resources and isolation wasn’t easy, but he embraced the challenge.
It took me about a month to adjust, and I began to accept the situation after reading motivational quotes and realising that perhaps my presence could make a difference at the school. – Ravien Raj[14]
Understanding his role as an outsider, Cikgu Vin prioritised building rapport with the local community. He made learning fun by incorporating songs and raps to teach proverbs, keeping students engaged.
In 2024, he gained attention for a heartwarming video of him giving a lift to young students who usually walk over five kilometres home – shedding light on the logistical struggles rural students face. The video captures their gratitude and encouragement, reinforcing the power of education and community support.
Explore our sources:
- Maganathan, D. K. (2024). Nurhayatul, the preschool teacher transforming little lives. Free Malaysia Today. Link.
- Malay Mail. (2024). Asia’s teacher of the year for early education goes to. . . Nurhayatul Nira Ramli from Kajang. Link.
- Tan, G. E. (2022). Khalifa Affnan first Malaysian to win prestigious 2022 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards. The Edge Malaysia. Link.
- Olanday, C. (2024). Asia’s future leaders are in the hands of these pioneering educators. Tatler Asia. Link.
- Tan, R. (2024). Community school gives hope to stateless youth. Free Malaysia Today. Link.
- Yusup, A. R. M. (2018). The gift and blessing of Buku Jalanan Chow Kit. NST Online. Link.
- Das, M. V. (2024). Taylor’s University spotlights true story of special needs educator in Teacher’s Day film. Marketing-Interactive. Link.
- Malaysia Teacher Prize. (2022). Top 5 Finalist – Kumaresan a/l Muniandy – Malaysia Teacher Prize. Link.
- The Star. (2023). Preparing special needs students for work. Link.
- Borneo Post. (2024). Sabah special education teacher selected as Malaysia Teacher Prize 2024 finalist. Link.
- Nasrah, R. (2024). Sabah teacher turns love for autistic son into life-changing innovation. BERNAMA. Link.
- Hakim, A. (2024). “Snakes, Tigers & Elephants” This Teacher Talks About The Wild Things That Orang Asli Kids Face Just To Go To School. The Rakyat Post. Link.
- Koshy, E. (2024). This teacher’s hands-on approach to teaching Orang Asli children unleashes the joy of learning. News Straits Times. Link.
- Muharram, R. (2024). From reluctant educator to beloved Cikgu Vin. News Straits Times. Link.
