PETALING JAYA: In a bittersweet victory, Dr Mohamad Sirhajwan Idek secured a top international education award for Malaysia, just hours before mourning the passing of his mother.
The Keningau Vocational College (KVC) research and innovation head received the Leadership Award 2026 (vocational education category) at the Educational System Management Leadership international conference at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, on May 29.
The award was presented by Thai Education Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong.
But hours after Mohamad Sirhajwan received his prize in Bangkok, his 76-year-old mother Bintek Abdul Rahman lost her battle with cancer.
“I was not able to tell her the good news because the cancer had metastasized so much that she had lost many of her organ functions.
“She was losing consciousness and could neither hear nor speak.
“But if she knew, she would definitely smile proudly and call me a ‘world champion’ because that’s what she would tell everyone in our village whenever I won a prize,” said Mohamad Sirhajwan, 39.
The Sabahan credited his late mother for inspiring him to introduce a community-based learning approach.
He said she had been very active in charity work, helping underprivileged groups in their hometown of Kota Belud, Sabah.
“This approach, which my mother inculcated in me, has been able to increase civic engagement, emotional intelligence, and resilience among students while helping improve the lives of the community,” he said.
Mohamad Sirhajwan received a trophy and a certificate for the community-based learning through direct service, indirect service, advocacy and research.
Through this approach, his students were able to carry out community service initiatives and earn grants from NGOs to support their projects.
Under his guidance, the students were awarded a total of RM30,000 to implement various projects involving building maintenance and restoration works, financial literacy advocacy, research collaborations with farmers, grooming and wellness services at elderly care homes, and electrical appliance repairs.
Mohamad Sirhajwan urged educators to look for grants and apply for them so that their students could carry out community projects.
Many, he said, were unaware of funds being awarded by local and international bodies, and those who knew were not confident in applying.
“Just try. You never know. Imagine the good it could bring to your students, institution and society,” he said.
Praising his determination and drive for excellence, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said his leadership, creativity and innovative mind serve as an inspiration to students and the community.
“Keep working hard and I am sure you will achieve even more success,” she said in a Facebook post.
Congratulating Mohamad Sirhajwan, KVC director Lumang Anak Lang said the win would motivate students and teachers at the college to contribute to the surrounding community while further elevating the status of vocational college education.
