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INSPIRATIONAL TEACHER FROM KEDAH EMPOWERS SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS FOR MEANINGFUL EMPLOYMENT

ByBernamaJune 6, 20232 Mins read148

RISE Educator of the Year Cikgu Kumaresan Muniandy (second from left) receiving his award from Zainal Abas, Director of Educational Resources and Technology Division at the Ministry of Education (middle) and Josephine Tan, Campus Director of Taylor’s College (second from left). He is accompanied by Cikgu Hazeem, RISE Educator of the Year 2022 (right) and Pn Rabthah, nominator and headmistress of Sekolah Menengah Pendidikan Khas Vokasional Merbok Kedah (left).

KUALA LUMPUR, June 6 (Bernama) — RISE Educator Award organised by Taylor’s College and its student engagement arm, The Risers crowned the winners of its two categories, RISE Educator of the Year and RISE Educator Award at Taylor’s Lakeside Campus. RISE Educator Award is currently in its third year celebrating educators in the nation who are making a difference in the lives of students by empowering and supporting them in accessing and attaining education.

Five finalists were selected from over 200 inspiring stories, and in recognition of their endeavours to ensure inclusivity and equity for all students, Taylor’s College awarded RM10,000 each to the finalists’ schools. These educators and their nominators come from various states across Malaysia, including Selangor, Kedah, Kelantan and Sabah to join the ceremony. The ceremony was graced by Zainal Abas, Director of Educational Resources and Technology Division at the Ministry of Education.

The RISE Educator of the Year title was awarded to Cikgu Kumaresan Muniandy, a special needs teacher at Sekolah Menengah Pendidikan Khas Vokasional Merbok Kedah. His inspiring journey of providing vocational training for children with special needs to ensure their smooth transition to the workforce captivated the hearts of the award’s panel of judges, which included last year’s RISE Educator of the Year, Cikgu Hazeem Azemi from SMK Kuala Krau, Pahang.

“This journey began simply as a response to a mother’s concerns, a desire to help my students to transition into the workforce. Working with these incredible young individuals, teaching them entrepreneurial skills, and instilling confidence to support themselves is a privilege. I am honoured to receive this award and am humbled that the judges were touched by the efforts that we have pioneered. I will continue to support children with special needs and ensure that they are appreciated and valued for the unique talents they possess,” said Cikgu Kumaresan.

“At Taylor’s College, we believe that it is our shared responsibility to ensure that every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, has equal opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. Cikgu Kumaresan’s remarkable efforts serve as a reminder that teachers have the power and influence to shape the future of education. Together, we can create an environment that fosters lifelong learning, inspires innovation, and nurtures the potential of every student. Beyond the sponsorship that was awarded to all five schools, we look forward to extending our continuous support to fuel their aspirations in offering education for all”, said Josephine Tan, Campus Director of Taylor’s College.

The ceremony also saw Cikgu Velerie from SK Bingkor, Sabah, bringing home the title RISE Educator Award. He is a special education teacher at SK Bingkor, Sabah, who is active in the production of special education modules and is committed to educating students, especially special needs students in the interior areas of Sabah. Cikgu Velerie was chosen through popular voting on Taylor’s College Facebook page.

For more information about RISE Educator Award, please visit here.