Congratulations: (from left) Keningau Vocational College teachers Alvinah Tony, Larry James, Akmal Rosimun and Sirhajwan pose with the Malaysian flag.
MALAYSIA has made its mark yet again in the international arena.
Four teachers from Keningau Vocational College, Sabah, recently won the 2022 GoAbroad Innovation Award under the Innovative Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)/Teach Abroad category.
The win marked an even more momentous achievement as it was the first time a Malaysian entry had made it to the final round of the competition, eventually winning a category.
Called “Omiyage”, which means “souvenir” in Japanese, the award-winning project was inspired by Japanese traditions and trends, according to Sirhajwan Idek, who is one of the four teachers.
“The aim of the project is to guide students to learn selected aspects of Japanese social inventions and culture such as haiku, PechaKucha, manga, keitai shousetsu, kamishibai and daruma otoshi to improve their mastery of basic skills such as writing and carrying out presentations.
“We want to extend and expand ways to improve their language skills, presentation skills, ideation skills and cultural competence, as well as to provide a platform for students to develop their artistic talents and technical skills,” Sirhajwan told StarEdu.
He shared that some of the students developed their own artistic and academic works using elements such as haiku poetry and elevator pitch in PechaKucha.
“In fact, a few of the students took part in conferences and art festivals where they were able to showcase their artistic and academic works in Japanese-inspired styles,” he added.
The team drew inspiration from the Japanese culture, he said, primarily due to the country’s ability to successfully preserve its traditional culture, despite its advanced technology, progressive economy and highly disciplined society.
Keningau Vocational College director Johari @ Jaibet Sabin commended the team’s creative project, stating that it enables students to gain more cultural awareness of foreign countries while enhancing their skillsets.
“It will help them become more confident and innovative in what they do,” he added.
The deadline for the submissions, which were done online, was on April 10 and the award ceremony was held in the United States on June 2.
An announcement was made on GoAbroad’s website on June 3.Describing the project as inclusive, it said the innovation also guides and supports special needs learners to create their own masterpieces.
The team won a mentorship from the organiser whose mentors can be consulted over the progress of their project, Sirhajwan said, adding that they stand a chance to receive a grant, as well, to expand their project which will enable them to carry out activities, depending on the proposal they submit.
The team received a trophy and a winner badge.
