Who says a classroom for students with special needs has to be dull and routine? Not Cikgu Stefanus Lucas! This incredible music teacher from Sabah is flipping the script and turning his classroom into a stage of self-expression so all of his students get a chance to shine.

At SK Pendidikan Khas (P) Kota Kinabalu, Cikgu Stefanus has a simple rule: music is for everyone. From students who are visually or audibly impaired, he’s using the power of music to help students express themselves in ways that go far beyond the notes on a page.

A Teacher Who Sees the Potential

His students are no longer limited by their disabilities. From this one simple rule, these students find their voices, build their confidence, and break down the barriers that they have in life. They’re empowered to dream big, whether it’s joining the school’s first-ever student boy band or taking the first steps towards a music ensemble that blends traditional and modern instruments. Talk about breaking boundaries, right?

Cikgu Stefanus himself says: "To many, music may seem like a luxury — but to my students, it’s a lifeline. It’s how they express emotions, connect with others, and begin to believe in their worth. This award is more than recognition; it’s a reminder that inclusion is possible, and our students deserve every opportunity to be seen, heard, and celebrated."

With no fancy resources, Cikgu Stefanus started from scratch. What he lacked in equipment, he made up for with passion, creativity, and a whole lot of heart. His special music room has become a space of hope, creativity, and expression, where students come together and create magic with whatever they have.

A National Stage for a Local Hero

In recognition of his work, Cikgu Stefanus was recently awarded the RISE Educator Award 2025, RM5,000 in personal recognition, and a RM50,000 grant for his school to bring his vision to life! 

With the RISE Educator Award funding, he’s looking forward to building Sabah’s first student ensemble, combining both traditional and modern instruments, and creating a dedicated music space that caters to deaf learners.

This is education at its best. Creativity, passion, and inclusion all come together to shape future leaders who don’t just break barriers, but also redefine what’s possible. 

Muhammad Hamka Eallie, SK Pendidikan Khas (P) Kota Kinabalu headmaster is equally proud, "What Stefanus has done is nothing short of remarkable. He’s given our students a sense of identity, pride, and purpose.”

The RISE Educator Award: Recognising the Best in Education

The RISE Educator Award 2025 is a part of a national movement that celebrates teachers who are pushing boundaries and transforming education. Cikgu Stefanus’s incredible journey was selected through a rigorous evaluation process, with the finalists judged by a distinguished panel, including leaders from the Ministry of Education Malaysia and Taylor’s College. They assessed the impact, creativity, and sustainability of his initiatives, which made Cikgu Stefanus stand out as a true trailblazer in education. 

The award ceremony was graced by Puan Fadzliaton Zainudin, Deputy Director of the Educational Resources and Technology Division at the Ministry of Education Malaysia, who emphasised the power of small, consistent acts that lead to major changes in education.

Josephine Tan, Campus Director of Taylor’s College, shared that over the past five years, the RISE Educator Award has revealed the remarkable resilience and creativity of teachers who quietly transform the meaning of education. She added, "These educators create opportunities with what they have. RISE Educator Award has become a platform to bring educators together to celebrate impact, exchange ideas, and inspire one another."

If you want to discover more about the RISE Educator Award and how it recognises outstanding educators like Cikgu Stefanus, please visit Taylor’s College website here.