Taylor’s College Continues Honouring Educators Through RISE Educator Award 2026
PETALING JAYA: Taylor’s College is continuing its efforts to recognise educators through the sixth edition of the RISE Educator Award 2026, which returns this year with total prizes exceeding RM100,000.
Held in conjunction with Teacher’s Day celebrations, the award aims to honour teachers who not only excel in teaching but also create meaningful change within schools and communities through creative and inclusive educational approaches.
This year’s edition carries the theme “Celebrating Teachers Behind The Future Together”, highlighting the important role educators play in shaping the nation’s future generation.
The programme is open to teachers from national, private and international schools covering preschool, primary and secondary education levels.
Participation has also been expanded to include alternative education centres that support refugee and stateless children in accessing education.
Josephine Tan, campus director of Taylor’s College, said teachers play a major role in ensuring education continues evolving alongside changing times and modern challenges.
According to her, educators today do far more than deliver lessons in classrooms, as they also serve as social change agents helping to build a more progressive and competitive society.
“Through the RISE Educator Award, we want to recognise teachers who continuously explore innovative approaches to ensure education remains inclusive, relevant and impactful,” she said.
Nominations for the award are open from May 15 until June 30, 2026, with members of the public encouraged to submit entries in essays between 100 and 500 words.
Each nomination must explain the challenges faced by the teacher, the solutions introduced, the outcomes achieved and the long-term impact on students or the surrounding community.
Josephine said the initiative proves that small efforts by educators can evolve into major changes when given proper support and recognition.
Among the inspiring stories highlighted is last year’s recipient Stefanus Lucas from Sekolah Kebangsaan Pendidikan Khas Kota Kinabalu, who introduced a music-learning approach for hearing-impaired students.
Using the RM50,000 grant he received, he successfully established Sabah’s first Inclusive Music Room, which uses rhythm, vibrations and visual elements as part of the learning process.
The programme has since evolved into a structured initiative involving more than 40 students, with some participants performing publicly and receiving international recognition.
From all submissions received, five finalists will be shortlisted for judging before public voting takes place.
The final winners will be determined through a combination of 75 per cent judges’ evaluation and 25 per cent public voting.
Since its introduction in 2021, Taylor’s College has awarded more than RM36,000 to 18 teachers and RM200,000 to 16 schools nationwide to support inclusive and meaningful education initiatives.
-wilayah.com.my
