BEYOND showing up in class and teaching from textbooks, outstanding teachers go the extra mile to make a difference in their students’ lives, as demonstrated by the efforts of the Top 10 finalists of the Malaysia Teacher Prize (MTP) 2025 (see infobox).
These teachers are the latest group to be announced by Pemimpin as the top contenders for the MTP, which celebrates educators whose leadership and innovation are transforming classrooms and communities across the country.
Supported by the Education Ministry and the Varkey Foundation, the MTP recognises outstanding teachers who go beyond the classroom to inspire lifelong learning and nurture the next generation of Malaysian leaders.
Themed “A Step Together, in Shaping the Future”, the prize honours teachers who embody collaboration, resilience, and a shared commitment to advancing education in Malaysia.
Among the sponsors are YTL Foundation, Yayasan Hasanah, the Finance Ministry and the ECM Libra Foundation.
Pemimpin executive director and MTP co-founder Samuel Isaiah said more than 2,300 teachers nationwide took part in the challenge this year.
“Each submission reflected remarkable dedication, creativity and resilience. The finalists this year remind us that teachers are not just educators; they are leaders who move education forward and uplift entire communities,” he said in an Oct 15 press release.
Now in its fourth year, the MTP continues to spotlight teachers who exemplify leadership and excellence in education.
The prize awards RM50,000 to the grand winner, RM5,000 to each of the Top 5 finalists, and RM1,000 to each of the Top 10 finalists.
The winner and the Top 5 finalists of the MTP 2025 will be announced at the MTP Summit 2025, to be held from Nov 8 to Nov 9 at Royale Chulan Damansara, Selangor.
The two-day summit will bring together educators, policymakers and partners for keynote sessions, interactive workshops and policy labs to foster collaboration, shared learning and collective leadership in education.
For details, log on to https://www.malaysiateacherprize.org.
About the finalists
Terengganu
> Zizi’Azniza Mohd, SMK Pelong
Concerned about the challenges faced by rural students with limited access to technology, she set up two cyber centres in the school dormitory using donated and second-hand equipment to provide more inclusive and creative learning opportunities that help students develop not only academically but also in leadership and innovation.
> Rosmawati Hussin, SK Cheneh Baru
She launched the Magic Touch Generasi Madani programme, mobilising teachers, parents and the community to support students, and introduced 12 innovative learning spaces along with student-run entrepreneurial projects like a flower nursery.
Within six months, the percentage of struggling students dropped from 51.61% to 2.4%, attendance rose to above 90%, and students’ academic, personal and co-curricular performance improved significantly.
Perak
> Muhammad Suffi Yusof, SK Pangkalan TLDM
During the Covid-19 pandemic, he produced 213 Google Classroom tutorial videos with nine other teachers, benefiting over 23,000 educators nationwide. From this initiative emerged Akademi YouTuber, a movement of more than 1,200 teachers creating over 25,000 educational videos and 6,350 free online tuition classes.
Johor
> Viknesvari Letchumanan, SMPK Vokasional Indahpura
She transformed her classroom into an interactive learning space focused on vocational and entrepreneurial skills. Through practical training and continuous guidance, her award-winning students are now running small businesses, such as selling pizzas, burgers and cakes.
> Ching Yun Ming, SJK(C) Chee Tong
Having once struggled with Bahasa Melayu himself, he understands the challenges students face in mastering the national language. Through initiatives such as Sanyu Baodian (trilingual texts), focused interventions and individual mentoring, the Year Four pass rate rose from 29% to 77% within two years.
> Isabelle Wong Minh Chjiat, SMK Dato Jaafar
Together with her team, she developed a chemistry learning app now used by over 200,000 people worldwide, as well as led a group that won a gold medal at the World Robotics Olympiad.
She also heads the Empower STEM Education Centre, an innovation space offering robotics training, eco-STEM projects and soft skills workshops run by alumni volunteers and industry partners, providing equal opportunities for all students to gain knowledge, confidence and future-ready skills.
Kedah
> Zulazri Yusof, SMK Sultanah Asma
He ensures every student has the opportunity to explore their potential through inclusive musical experiences. His efforts have increased the number of SPM Music candidates from four in 2019 to 27 in 2026, with many students now representing the school and pursuing further studies in music. He also developed the Digital Gamelan Melayu App for iPad, creating new ways for students to engage with traditional music interactively.
Sarawak
> Yew Ko Woo,SMK Methodist Sibu
He created a game-based learning kit that sparks interest and engagement in art, leads community mural projects, and established Bengkel Impian for students with limited resources.
Perlis
> Dhiya Safina Mohd Bazir, SK Oran
As a remedial teacher, she developed engaging learning methods to capture student interest. She also empowers parents through literacy workshops and learning carnivals, making them active partners in their children’s education.
As a result, all 10 previously illiterate students can now read fluently, and 15 more have successfully transitioned to mainstream classes.
Federal Territory of KL
> Siti Ainulmursyida Shamsudin, SMK Orkid Desa
The special education teacher makes English language learning more interactive for students with special needs. She also developed the PEKA OKU digital platform, benefiting over 300 students nationwide by providing scholarship, training and career opportunities through an AI-powered chatbot.
