in 2022 in collaboration with the Varkey Foundation, this initiative serves as Malaysia’s edition of the Global Teacher Prize.

In collaboration with PEMIMPIN, and supported by our Foundation, the Malaysia Teacher Prize creates a platform for teachers to reflect on their practice, share their impact and walk alongside peers in a growing community of changemakers thus elevating the status of teachers as leaders in education and society.

The inaugural Malaysia Teacher Prize saw over 800 applications and to date we have received 7,475 applications from teachers nationwide. Participants are required to have at least 3 years teaching experience, and teach at least 10 hours a week.

Entries were shortlisted to 10 by an esteemed panel of judges consisting of academicians, officials from the Ministry of Education, and outstanding individuals from educational and non-educational organisations.

The Malaysia Teacher Prize Winner will receive a cash prize of RM50,000, while the following top 5 Finalists will receive RM5,000 each and the Top 10 Finalists will receive RM 1,000 each. All 10 Finalists will also receive professional development support from PEMIMPIN to scale their work and their impact post Prize.

Dr. Velerie, a Special Education teacher at SK Bingkor, Sabah, believes that ‘Miracles Do Happen’. 
Inspired by his own special-needs child, Dr. Velerie’s ‘Miracles’ Teaching Plan is centred around a multisensory classroom with a Learning room for digital and STEM activities, a calming ‘Snoezelen’ room to support students with sensory overload, and a Play Therapy room with engaging activities. His approach has significantly improved communication and behavioural outcomes in 70% of his students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, with 10 of them mastering basic literacy skills. 

Today, the Malaysia Teacher Prize continues to nurture a nationwide movement that celebrates and supports teacher leadership. The Malaysia Teacher Prize Summit further anchors this movement by providing a space where teachers, policymakers, and communities convene to listen, learn, and move forward together for the future of education.

The MTP Summit and Awards Ceremy is a biennial gathering that brings together teachers, policymakers, funders, and education stakeholders in a shared space for learning, dialogue, and collaboration. The Summit celebrates the contributions of teachers while amplifying their voices in shaping the future of education. It serves as both a recognition of excellence and a catalyst for collective action.

To learn more about the Malaysia Teacher Prize, please visit the official website

Watch the highlights video of the 2024 Malaysia Teacher Prize ceremony below.