SUBANG JAYA, MALAYSIA — Teacher Muhammad Hafizu Aiman Jusoh of SK Pulat, Kelantan, has received the 2026 RISE Educator Award for his efforts to protect educational opportunities, cultural identity and future aspirations among Orang Asli Temiar students facing relocation linked to the Nenggiri Dam project.
Hafizu received RM5,000 personally, while SK Pulat was awarded a RM50,000 grant to support initiatives benefiting students and the wider school community. The recognition was announced by Taylor’s College during the RISE Educator Award & Conference 2026 in Subang Jaya.
Working in Pos Pulat, Gua Musang, Hafizu developed Rumah Belajar Tanpa Loceng, or “Learning House Without Bells”, a self-directed education model that combines STEM, artificial intelligence and digital learning with the Temiar language and cultural heritage.
The programme includes Kampung AI dan Digital, the Digital Temiar Dictionary and AI Storybook Mathematics. These initiatives allow students to develop future-ready skills while maintaining a strong connection with their community and identity.
“Education, identity and aspirations should not be displaced,” Hafizu said, adding that the award belonged to his students, their families and the wider community.
Malaysia’s Education Minister, Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek, praised Hafizu’s work and said every child deserved an education that recognised their potential, respected their identity and prepared them for the future. She described his contribution as an example of how teachers can respond creatively to the realities faced by their communities.
Taylor’s College Campus Director Josephine Tan said Hafizu’s approach stood out for combining technology, education and cultural preservation. She added that the RISE Educator programme aimed to support teachers whose work was creating meaningful change in schools and communities.
Hafizu was selected from five finalists. The other finalists were Dr Zul Faizuddin Osman of SK Sungai Rual, Kelantan; Mohamad Safuan Rozak of SK Desa Jaya, Pahang; Teh Zhen Kiat of SJK(C) Sungai Buloh, Selangor; and Veronica Francis of SMK St. Bernadette’s Convent, Perak.
Each finalist received RM1,000, while their schools were awarded RM10,000 for learning-environment improvements and student development. Veronica Francis became the first female finalist in the award’s history.
The ceremony was attended by nearly 200 teachers and education advocates. Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Johari Abdul delivered the keynote address on purposeful learning and impactful teaching in an AI-driven world.
The conference also featured discussions on human-centred education, technology-enabled learning and the importance of empathy, mentorship, critical thinking and strong teacher-student relationships. Participants further attended master classes focused on practical classroom strategies, innovation and resilience.