PETALING JAYA: Malaysian educator Dr Velerie Wheelervon Primus has been named the South-East Asia and Pacific regional winner of the 2026 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards.
The awards recognise the role teachers play in shaping students' lives and preparing them for the future, and allow students, parents and peers to nominate current primary and secondary school teachers for their dedication and impact.
In a press release on May 5, Cambridge University Press & Assessment said Velerie was selected by judges for championing inclusivity and transforming special educational needs support in rural Sabah.
Velerie is assistant principal of the Special Education Integration Programme at Sekolah Kebangsaan Bingkor in Sabah, where he designs inclusive education systems tailored to neurodivergent learners.
His work includes overseeing Individual Education Plans, mentoring educators and working with families to provide student-centred support.
He also created the NeuroArts Framework, described as a regulation-first model that integrates therapeutic practices, nature-based learning and the arts into education.
"I chose to become a teacher because I believe education is not just about knowledge; it is about restoring dignity, creating safety and giving every child a place to belong.
"I did not enter this profession to continue what already exists. I entered it to redesign what education could be, especially for those who have been left unseen," he said.
As one of nine regional winners in the global competition, Velerie will receive £500 worth of books for his class and a trophy.
He and his school will also receive international publicity over the coming year.
He will also be featured on a 'Thank You' page in a selection of new Cambridge textbooks to be released in November 2026.
Cambridge International Education managing director Rod Smith praised Velerie's commitment to inclusive learning.
"Velerie reminds us that when we endeavour to make learning truly inclusive, we not only help those that need it most but also strengthen learning for everyone.
"By standing alongside neurodivergent learners and their families, often in communities facing great challenges, he has shown how compassion and a belief in every child can transform lives," he said.
The public can vote for Velerie at dedicatedteacher.cambridge.
Voting is open until 4pm on May 13, 2026, and the winner will be announced on June 2.
