14-05-2025
Three Sabah teachers Top 10 Finalists in RISE Educator Awards 2025
Hallsen Justin Izzat Fahim Bin Ibrahim Stefanus Lucas
KOTA KINABALU (May 14): Three exceptional educators from Sabah have been named as Top 10 finalists in the RISE Educator Awards 2025, a prestigious national award organized by Taylor's College that celebrates teachers who go above and beyond in transforming education.
One grand winner will walk away with RM50,000 in funding to scale their impact even further.
What makes this even more remarkable, all three finalists – Stefanus Lucas, Izzat Fahim Ibrahim and Hallsen Justin – come from rural schools and special education backgrounds, proving that dedication and compassion can overcome any challenge.
Starting with no formal background in special education, Stefanus (SK Pendidikan Khas Kota Kinabalu, Tuaran) is now one of the most inspiring figures in the field. He teaches music to students with learning difficulties, visual impairments, and hearing disabilities, and has successfully guided them to compete and win at international levels. Last year, he formed the school's first-ever boy band and began building a dedicated music room for deaf students, despite minimal resources. His guiding belief is simple but powerful: 'Focus on ability, not disability.'
He dreams of forming a unique student ensemble that blends modern and traditional instruments and building Sabah's first inclusive music room specially designed for deaf learners.
When Izzat arrived at SK Tagibang, a quiet rural school in Kota Marudu, he brought a mission: to ensure rural children get the same opportunities as anyone else. In 2022, he rode a motorbike through the forest with two preschoolers to attend a singing competition — one of them, Kristiannie Riduan, went on to become district champion and placed fourth in the West Coast region. He also trains students in sports as early as 5:30am. His efforts have led the school to multiple district and state-level victories.
In 2024, one of his students, Clayvera Mastin, became the first rural athlete from Kota Marudu to represent Sabah at the national level, breaking records in the 4x100m and 4x200m events.
As Deputy Head of Administration at SK Timbua, Ranau, Hallsen is not only a school leader — he's also a passionate advocate for students with thalassemia. As a father to a child living with the condition, he understands the struggles families face when juggling health and education. He began teaching thalassemia patients in hospital wards so they wouldn't fall behind academically. He continues to do this while managing school duties and administration. He also works closely with the Sabah Thalassemia Association and the Ranau District Education Office to raise awareness and push for better support in schools. His message is clear: 'If we don't act, who will? These children have the same right to education.'
The public can now show their support by voting for their favourite finalist in the RISE Educator Awards 2025. Voting is open from 13 to 23 May 2025 via the link below:
One vote could change everything — not just for these teachers, but for the students and communities they continue to serve with heart and purpose.
