Stefanus Lucas Wins RM50,000 RISE Educator Award Grant for SK Pendidikan Khas (P) Kota Kinabalu

4 August 2025

SUBANG JAYA: A dedicated educator from Sabah, Stefanus Lucas, has been awarded RM5,000 in recognition of his impactful work using music as a transformative tool to empower students with special needs, for the RISE Educator Award 2025. The award is organised by Taylor’s College and its student engagement arm, The Risers.

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

Four other finalists received RM1,000 each in recognition of their contributions. Their respective schools also received RM10,000 each, aimed at enhancing infrastructure and learning environments to 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, reflecting widespread appreciation for educators making a difference in classrooms and communities across Malaysia.

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

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

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

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

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 inspires me every day.”

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

Following nominations in March, ten passionate educators were shortlisted and profiled on the RISE Educator website, allowing the public to vote for their favourites. From these, five outstanding finalists were selected through public voting, which accounted for 25% of the final score.

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 winner of the RISE Educator Award 2025 was decided through a rigorous evaluation process, with the remaining 75% of the decision made by a panel of distinguished 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, CEO of Teach For Malaysia; and Shawn Stanly Anthony Dass, recipient of the 2024 RISE Educator Award. Their assessment focused on each teacher’s impact, creativity, and the sustainability of their initiatives.

The award ceremony was attended by Puan Fadzliaton Zainudin, Deputy Director of the Educational Resources and Technology Division at the Ministry of Education Malaysia, who delivered a keynote address to mark 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 begins 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 fosters collaboration, inspires innovation, and encourages the exchange of impactful practices to 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 a deep purpose and belief in their students. Many even fund their own projects, expecting little recognition in return. The RISE Educator Award has grown into more than just a reward; it is now a platform that unites educators, communities, and changemakers 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 will continue to generate 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 transforming lives.

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