FIVE game-changing Malaysian schools have been selected from a total of 10,000 to compete for the world’s most prestigious education prizes: T4 Education’s US$250,000 (RM1.1mil) World’s Best School Prizes. SK Luagan, SK Seberang Ramai, SK Kanchong Darat, SK Demang Taha and SK Seri Permai were chosen by a panel of judges, who included representatives from the Education Ministry, Yayasan Hasanah and Pemimpin GSL.
Each of the schools, mentored by education-focused social enterprise LeapEd, demonstrated leadership that transformed the lives of not only the pupils, but also their communities, a press release dated March 15 read.
The ministry had called for submissions from schools nationwide with the top 15 shortlisted entries awarded a total of RM10,500. The top five schools received a total cash prize of RM5,000.
Yayasan Hasanah managing director and trustee Datuk Shahira Ahmed Bazari said by rewarding inventive ideas in schools, the award also recognises the role of teachers, educators and youths in inspiring real-world solutions at a global level as we move towards a more inclusive and progressive society.
Pemimpin GSL programme director Samuel Isaiah said the schools have shown that they are committed to making a positive impact and creating a better future for all.
“It’s heartening to see schools encouraging their pupils to think beyond traditional academic subjects and to develop skills that will prepare them for a rapidly changing world.
“By fostering creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, schools are equipping their pupils with the tools they need to succeed.”
Last year, SK Kempadang, a rural Trust School in Kuantan, Pahang, made the country proud when it was listed among the Top Three Finalists from 3,500 shortlisted schools from around the world in the inaugural World’s Best School Prizes (Innovation category) for SmartZoom, a fully automated tracking system that monitors pupil progress in real time during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Innovation category
SK Luagan, Sarawak
Pupils dropped out of the rural school as roads were submerged during the floods. The school then set up Filpen Club, a film-based entrepreneurship programme that taught pupils the art of film development, marketing and financial literacy, creative expression, and leadership skills. The school worked with NGOs to produce award-winning short films that highlighted social issues. Funds from the sale of tickets were used to buy a boat to ferry pupils to school.
SK Seri Permai, Penang
Pupils were facing daily health and safety issues from having to lug their 10kg schoolbags around. They invented the Smart and Easy desk (SnET) 2.0 by adding lockable compartments to their school desks, which led to bag weights dropping to a mere 2.5kg.
Community Collaboration category
SK Seberang Ramai, Perlis
As pupils struggled with remote learning during the pandemic, the rural school worked with villagers to create community-based learning stations within homes in the village. The vibrant stations, manned by volunteers, featured cooking and gardening classes, traditional games, and mini fitness centres. These colourful stations transformed the village, and soon drew the attention of tourists who participated in the various activities, increasing local economic activity. Pupils also began producing and selling homemade goods, such as traditional snacks and crafts which generated revenue once tourism increased, resulting in better livelihoods for their families.
Healthy Lives category
SK Kanchong Darat, Selangor
To address the decrease in pupil attendance post-pandemic, the rural school put together a “Great Mind, Healthy Citizens” programme that encouraged pupil attendance while improving physical and emotional health. Instead of a regular recess, the school organised fun jump rope competitions during break time, which attracted pupils back to school. The imaginative approach to pupil well-being drove an increase in attendance with improvements in tracked pupil health data, ensuring pupils achieve their potential in the classrooms.
Overcoming Adversity category
SK Demang Taha, Melaka
The urban school faced challenges during the pandemic, including feelings of isolation and low confidence among pupils. Adopting a “whole school approach” to address the situation, school leaders, teaching and non-teaching staff, pupils, parents and families were engaged to create project-based learning programmes for various subjects. Pupil attendance, motivation, self-esteem, confidence and achievement improved as a result.
Note: The World’s Best School Prizes celebrate schools that are transforming the lives of their pupils and making a real difference in their communities. The Top 10 global shortlist will be announced in June, followed by the Top Three in September. The award ceremony will be held in October.
