🎶 Cikgu Stefanus Wins Big for Music Education in Sabah

A Sabah Teacher Just Won RM50,000 to Change Lives with Music

Cikgu Stefanus Lucas, a teacher from SK Pendidikan Khas (P) Kota Kinabalu, has just bagged the top honour at the RISE Educator Award Malaysia 2025 taking home a RM5,000 grant for himself and a whopping RM50,000 for his school to expand a powerful music education program designed for students with special needs.

More than just an award, this recognition celebrates the power of purpose-driven teaching and the role of music in empowering young minds.

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🎵 How One Teacher Used Music to Break Barriers

Cikgu Stefanus didn’t wait for perfect conditions. He got creative turning a modest classroom into a specialised music room for students who are visually and hearing impaired.

Here’s what made his initiative shine:

• Formed a student boy band to boost confidence and expression
• Established a music space tailored to deaf learners
• Aims to create Sabah’s first inclusive student ensemble
• Uses music as a tool for emotional expression and self-worth

“Music is more than a subject. It’s how my students find their voice,” said Cikgu Stefanus.

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🧑‍🏫 Celebrating Educators Who Teach with Heart

The RISE Educator Award Malaysia, organised by Taylor’s College and The Risers, recognises passionate educators who go beyond traditional teaching to make real-world impact.

This year’s award ceremony was themed “Impactful Teaching, Purposeful Learning” and featured:

• A keynote by the Ministry of Education
• A panel with Teach For Malaysia, Projek BacaBaca, and past RISE winners
• Masterclasses for nearly 200 educators nationwide

Other finalists also received support:

• RM1,000 to each finalist teacher
• RM10,000 to their respective schools to upgrade learning spaces

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👏 Finalists Who Are Also Changing the Game

Out of 1,000+ nominations and 65,000 public votes, five standout educators were selected:

• Mohd Nur Hifzhan (Sarawak)
• Dr Mohd Zamri (Melaka)
• Izzat Fahim (Sabah)
• Hallsen Justin (Sabah)
• Stefanus Lucas (Sabah)

Each one was evaluated by a panel of education leaders for creativity, impact, and how sustainable their ideas were.

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💬 Real Impact, Real Voices

Former RISE Award winner Shawn Stanly Anthony Dass returned this year to share his own journey: from battling dropout rates in a rural school to launching a student-led Learning Hub that now continues through his initiative, Malaysian Learning Spaces (MYLES).

“Real change starts with heart, not hardware,” he said during his Fireside Chat.

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🌟 Why This Matters

Gen Z in Malaysia cares about authenticity, impact and inclusivity and this award hits all three:

• 🎤 Uplifting special needs students through creative tools
• 💡 Showing how teachers can spark systemic change
• 💪 Building a movement of educators who believe in every student

RISE isn’t just about celebration. It’s about investing in the people shaping Malaysia’s future.