14 September 2026, Subang Jaya – Taylor’s College has announced Cikgu Muhammad Hafizu Aiman, a teacher from SK Pulat, Kelantan, as the recipient of the RISE Educator Award 2026, recognising his commitment to ensuring that students continue to have access to meaningful education and future opportunities despite the challenges faced by their community. Cikgu Hafizu was awarded RM5,000 in recognition of his impactful work with the Orang Asli Temiar community in Pos Pulat. In addition, RM50,000 was awarded to SK Pulat to support further development initiatives that will benefit its students and school community.
The award ceremony was graced by Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek, Minister of Education Malaysia, who highlighted the vital role educators play in ensuring that every child can continue to learn and thrive, regardless of their circumstances.
“Every child deserves access to an education that recognises their potential, respects their identity and equips them for the future. Cikgu Hafizu’s work demonstrates how educators can turn this commitment into meaningful action by responding to the realities faced by their students and communities. His dedication reflects the spirit of our teachers across Malaysia who continue to find ways forward, even in the most challenging circumstances. I congratulate Cikgu Hafizu and all the finalists whose work reminds us of the transformative role teachers play in shaping lives and strengthening communities,” she said.
Josephine Tan, Campus Director of Taylor’s College, said the work of this year’s finalists reflects the many ways educators are responding to the needs of their students and communities.
“Each of our five finalists has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to creating meaningful change, whether by widening access to learning, introducing new approaches, strengthening communities or helping students recognise their own potential. Their efforts are different, but they share the same belief that circumstances should never define what a child can achieve. Cikgu Hafizu’s work particularly stood out for its innovative and deeply human response to the challenges facing the Orang Asli Temiar community. By bringing together technology, education and cultural preservation, he is helping his students remain connected to their identity while preparing them for the future. Through RISE Educator, we are proud to recognise all five educators and provide support that will help their work continue and reach even more students,” she said.
As the Orang Asli Temiar community of Pos Pulat faces relocation due to the Nenggiri Dam project, Cikgu Muhammad Hafizu Aiman Jusoh of SK Pulat, Gua Musang, is working to ensure that his students’ education, identity and aspirations are not displaced with them.
Through Rumah Belajar Tanpa Loceng, he created a self-directed learning ecosystem that combines STEM, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital skills with Temiar language and heritage. Initiatives such as Kampung AI dan Digital, the Digital Temiar Dictionary and AI Storybook Mathematics enable students to learn beyond the traditional classroom while remaining connected to their cultural roots.
This thoughtful combination of educational innovation, inclusion and cultural preservation resonated with both the judges and the public. “When our community is going through change, I want my students to know that their dreams and opportunities do not have to change with it. This recognition belongs to my students, their families and the community, who have shown that learning can continue and new possibilities can emerge,” said Cikgu Hafizu.
Cikgu Hafizu was selected from five finalists, alongside Dr Zul Faizuddin Osman of SK Sungai Rual, Kelantan; Cikgu Mohamad Safuan Rozak of SK Desa Jaya, Pahang; Cikgu Teh Zhen Kiat of SJK(C) Sungai Buloh, Selangor; and Cikgu Veronica Francis of SMK St. Bernadette’s Convent, Perak, the award’s first female finalist. Each of the four finalists received RM1,000, while their respective schools were awarded RM10,000 to further enhance their learning environments and support student development.
The award ceremony formed part of the RISE Educator Award & Conference 2026, which brought together nearly 200 teachers and education advocates to celebrate educator-led impact and explore how teaching must evolve to prepare students for the future.
Yang Berhormat Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Johari Abdul, Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, delivered the keynote address, “Impactful Teaching, Purposeful Learning in an AI-Driven World”.
“Education must move with the times, but we must always remember that its purpose is the development of our children. The RISE Educator Award & Conference creates an important space for educators to exchange ideas, learn from one another and consider how we can better prepare young people for the future. I commend our teachers for their dedication and congratulate those recognised this year for the difference they are making in the lives of their students and communities,” he said.
The conference also featured a panel discussion titled “Human-Centred Education in a Technology-Enabled World”, moderated by Dr Christina Chin, Deputy Executive Editor of Star Media Group. Panellists Melissa Gomes, Chief Executive Officer of Edvolution; James Abela, Director of Digital Learning and Entrepreneurship at Garden International School; and Dr Brendan Gomez, Founder and Chief Behavioural Consultant of People Transformers, explored how schools can embrace technology while preserving the relationships, empathy, critical thinking and mentorship that make learning meaningful.
Taylor’s College also hosted a series of Purpose-Led Educators Masterclasses, equipping participants with practical approaches, innovative strategies and resilient mindsets that they could apply in their classrooms and school communities.
For more information on RISE Educator Award, please visit Taylor’s College website here.
