Hunt for nation’s best

Rewarding passion: (From left) Fernando, Chew, Yayasan Hasanah trustee and managing director Datuk Shahira Ahmed Bazari, ECM Libra Foundation board of trustees chairman Datuk Seri Kalimullah and Pemimpin GSL programme director Samuel Isaiah posing for a photo at the launch of the Malaysia Teacher Prize 2023 at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

THE Malaysia Teacher Prize is back for its second year to celebrate exceptional educators nationwide.

The prize aims to recognise teachers’ everyday efforts in nurturing the next generation, said Pemimpin GSL chief executive officer Cheryl Ann Fernando.

“Last year, we highlighted the top 10 finalists who were champions in different areas, such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), special education and vocational training.

“This year, we look forward to receiving applications from teachers from even more diverse backgrounds so that we can share their stories and acknowledge their roles in shaping our nation,” she said at the launch of the prize on April 4.The Malaysian edition of the Varkey Foundation’s renowned Global Teacher Prize is organised by Pemimpin GSL with the support of YTL Foundation, Yayasan Hasanah and ECM Libra Foundation.

The winner will be awarded a cash prize of RM50,000 while the top five finalists will receive RM5,000 each.

In addition, all top 10 finalists will get to take part in professional development workshops to support them in amplifying their reach and impact beyond their local communities.Anuthra Sirisena, winner of the inaugural Malaysia Teacher Prize in 2022, said the award has opened countless new opportunities and connections for her.

“Winning the Malaysia Teacher Prize has allowed me to extend my reach and share my enthusiasm for education with more people. “This has given me a voice and platform to make a positive impact in the lives of my students, particularly in promoting STEM education within rural communities.

“I am grateful to have been a part of this amazing journey,” she said.

YTL Foundation programme director Datuk Kathleen Chew said by honouring and supporting teachers, a more positive educational environment that benefits everyone can be created. The Malaysia Teacher Prize organisers, who will also hold a summit to showcase the work of teachers and forums for stakeholders within and beyond the education sphere, hope to reach out to 10,000 teachers and receive at least 2,000 applications. Applications, open to all in-service educators who teach using the national curriculum, will close on July 2.

Each applicant will only be allowed one application and is required to complete five essays of 300 to 500 words each in either Bahasa Malaysia or English, and to upload supporting materials in the form of documents, graphics or videos.

Those interested in recommending teachers who have inspired them may submit their nominations.

The nominees will receive an email inviting them to apply. Individuals are allowed to recommend as many teachers as they wish.

For details, visit malaysiateacherprize.org.