Teacher in Orang Asli school named award winner

KUCHING: Taylor’s College and its student engagement arm, The Risers, have crowned Shawn Stanly Anthony Dass as this year’s RISE Educator Award winner.

According to Taylors’ College, in a press release today (June 13), the dedicated educator who teaches in a remote village in Gerik, Perak, was awarded RM5,000 for his achievement and RM20,000 for his school, Sekolah Kebangsaan RPS Banun.

Shawn’s innovative teaching methods have significantly enriched student learning and engagement at SK RPS Banun, an all-Orang Asli school facing challenges like illiteracy and high dropout rates.

His projects, including a flight simulator and a beach-themed marine conservation class, have made learning enjoyable and impactful.

Shawn shares his speech after being crowned the winner.

“In my classroom, inclusion is key. My teaching methods have boosted student motivation and participation, leading to improved attendance and confidence. This has nurtured resilience and grit, encouraging students to embrace learning. While illiteracy isn’t completely solved, there’s been progress since June 2022.

“By providing learning opportunities and empowering students, academic performance and extracurricular involvement have soared. As my students continue to excel, it showcases their potential and underscores the importance of providing opportunities and believing in their abilities.

“Winning this award underscores the immense potential of our students. I am deeply committed to providing them with the best learning experiences and opportunities to realise their full potential,” said Shawn.

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Education, Wong Kah Woh, and Teach For Malaysia’s Interim Head of Fellowship, Sawittri Charun.

“Honouring educators who go above and beyond to inspire and empower is a privilege. Shawn’s commitment to enriching Orang Asli students’ learning reflects our mission at Teach for Malaysia in combating education inequity,” said Sawittri.

At the award ceremony, campus director of Taylor’s College, Josephine Tan, reaffirmed the college’s dedication to equitable education.

“We aim to foster lifelong learning, inspire innovation, and nurture every student’s potential. Collaborating with past RISE Educator Award winners has shown us the profound impact of these funds,” she added.

Headmaster Mohd Zamarol Ahmad of SK RPS Banun expressed pride in Shawn’s achievement, saying, “The grant will establish a dedicated learning hub for our students. We will continue to support Shawn’s efforts to provide exceptional education.”

The RISE Educator Award highlights exceptional teachers with inspiring stories. This year, ten teachers were shortlisted and featured on Taylor’s College social media platforms for public voting.

The top five finalists included Shawn Stanly Anthony Dass, Anne Margarette Kho from SK Belipat, Sarawak; Muhammad Anas Murugan Abdullah from SK Seri Intan, Perak; Siti Ainulmursyida Shamsudin from SMK Orkid Desa, Kuala Lumpur; and Siti Intan Farahana Mhd Fauzy from SK Bandar Laguna Merbok, Kedah.

Each finalist received RM1,000, with an additional RM10,000 allocated to their schools to enhance facilities. The selection process for the award combined public voting and evaluation by a distinguished panel.