Sabah teacher wins award for music empowerment

Stefanus Lucas was awarded the RISE Educator Award 2025 and RM5,000 in recognition of his inspiring use of music to empower students with special needs. His school, SK Pendidikan Khas (P) Kota Kinabalu, also received RM50,000 to fund a music education project that brings his vision to life.

KOTA KINABALU (Aug 4): A dedicated educator from Sabah, Stefanus Lucas, was awarded RM5,000 in recognition of his impactful work in using music as a transformative tool to empower students with special needs for RISE Educator Award 2025, organised by Taylor’s College and its student engagement arm, The Risers.

In addition, RM50,000 was awarded to SK Pendidikan Khas (P) Kota Kinabalu to fund a project that brings his educational vision to life.

Four other finalists were each awarded RM1,000 in recognition of their contributions.

Their respective schools also received RM10,000 each, aimed at enhancing infrastructure and learning environments to further support meaningful educational outcomes and student development.

The RISE Educator Award 2025 received over 1,000 nominations nationwide and more than 65,000 public votes — a reflection of the deep appreciation for educators making a difference in classrooms and communities across Malaysia.

Stefanus Lucas from SK Pendidikan Khas (P) Kota Kinabalu, who has dedicated his career to breaking barriers in music education for students with special needs, is a true trailblazer in inclusive music education.

Working with students who are visually and hearing impaired, Stefanus harnessed the power of music to break barriers. With limited resources, he established a specialised music room and formed a student boy band, giving his students a stage to shine and a medium to express themselves confidently.

His long-term vision includes forming Sabah’s first student ensemble that combines traditional and modern instruments, as well as building a dedicated music space tailored for deaf learners.

Stefanus’s work embodies creativity, empathy, and the belief that every child deserves a chance to be heard.

Stefanus, the dedicated music teacher, said, “To many, music may seem like a luxury — but to my students, it is a lifeline. It’s how they express emotions, connect with others, and begin to believe in their own worth. I started with almost nothing — just a belief that music could change lives. This award is more than recognition; it’s a reminder that inclusion is possible, and that our students deserve every opportunity to be seen, heard, and celebrated. I share this honour with them because their resilience is what inspires me every day.”

Proud of his achievements, the headmaster, Muhammad Hamka Eallie, added, “What Stefanus has done is nothing short of remarkable. He’s given our students a sense of identity, pride and purpose. He doesn’t see their disabilities — he sees their potential. He has transformed the way our school views learning, inclusion, and what it means to empower every child. The impact he’s made is deep and lasting, and we are incredibly proud to see his work recognised on a national stage.”

Following nomination submissions in March, ten passionate educators were shortlisted and profiled on the RISE Educator website, giving the public a chance to vote for their favourites. From these ten, five outstanding finalists were selected through public votes, which accounted for 25% of the final result.

The finalists included Mohd Nur Hifzhan Bin Noordan (SK Sungai Passai, Sibu, Sarawak), Dr Mohd Zamri Bin Husaini (SK Kampung Tun Razak, Melaka), Izzat Fahim Bin Ibrahim (SK Tagibang, Kota Marudu, Sabah), Stefanus Lucas (SK Pendidikan Khas (P), Kota Kinabalu, Sabah), and Hallsen Justin (SK Timbua, Ranau, Sabah).

The recipient of the RISE Educator Award 2025 was chosen through a rigorous evaluation process, where the remaining 75% of the decision was made by a distinguished panel of judges including Kartini Sahirin, Deputy Director of the Learning Management Sector, School Management Division (BPSH), Ministry of Education Malaysia; Josephine Tan, Campus Director of Taylor’s College; Chan Soon Seng, Chief Executive Officer of Teach For Malaysia; and Shawn Stanly Anthony Dass, RISE Educator Award 2024 recipient.

Their evaluation focused on each teacher’s impact, creativity, and the sustainability of their initiatives.

The award ceremony was graced by Fadzliaton Zainudin, Deputy Director of the Educational Resources and Technology Division at the Ministry of Education Malaysia, who delivered a keynote address to commemorate the occasion.

In her speech, she said “Taylor’s College has consistently championed quality education by recognising and supporting the incredible efforts of educators on the ground. The RISE Educator Award highlights how real change often starts with small, consistent acts of care and dedication. The Ministry of Education commends Taylor’s College for establishing a platform that goes beyond recognising outstanding educators — one that also fosters collaboration, inspires innovation, and encourages the exchange of impactful practices that uplift our schools and communities.”

Josephine Tan, Campus Director of Taylor’s College, shared that over the past five years, the RISE Educator Award has revealed the remarkable resilience and creativity of teachers who quietly transform the meaning of education.

“These educators don’t wait for ideal conditions – they create opportunities with what they have. What drives them isn’t just innovation, but deep purpose and belief in their students. Many even fund their own projects, expecting little recognition in return. RISE Educator Award has grown into more than just a reward, it is now a platform that brings educators, communities, and changemakers together to celebrate impact, exchange ideas, and inspire one another. It reflects our belief that when we invest in educators, we’re investing in the future — and we’re confident they’ll continue to spark even greater change.” she said, adding that the RISE Educator Award is more than a celebration – it is a commitment to uplift and invest in educators who are changing lives.

Since its inception, the RISE Educator Award has celebrated 18 educators, and channelled more than RM200,000 in grants and development support to schools across the country.

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