The primary focus of discussion revolves around the teaching community, particularly the importance of having well-trained and qualified teachers.

With the government considering hiring teachers on a contract basis to address the teacher shortage, there is a growing demand for only qualified and highly skilled teachers to be employed.

This demand is reasonable, as teachers are at the forefront of driving change. If teachers are not qualified or, at the very least, passionate about their work, the education of our children is compromised.

With this in mind, we are then compelled to ask: What standards should we employ to assess a teacher’s qualification? How do we define passion and exceptional skill in the teaching profession?

Through the RISE Educator Award project, I have had the privilege of meeting and learning from exceptional teachers across Malaysia. Teachers like Cikgu Kumaresan Muniandy and Cikgu Dr Velerie Wheelervon Primus, special needs educators in Kedah and Sabah, respectively, embody the essence of purpose-driven teachers, inspiring impactful learning. Their exceptional stories of perseverance and dedication to providing quality education for their students are truly commendable.

Cikgu Kumaresan initiated “Projek School Enterprise Kedai Dobi OKU and Mock House Training Centre”, a vocational training project for special needs children to ease their transition to the workforce, teaching entrepreneurial skills and building confidence.

Inspired by a mother’s concerns for her child’s future, he aimed to ensure their self-sufficiency as they grow older.

Meanwhile, Cikgu Velerie noticed the limited special education facilities in Keningau, especially for students with autism and ADHD sharing classes. Recognising that 65% of SK Bingkor’s special needs students fell into this category, he emphasised the need for play-based learning integration. His “Integrated Sensory Therapy Room and Snoezelen Project” seeks to go beyond standard practices, empowering these children to thrive in their learning journey.

These individuals exemplify the kind of educators all teachers should aspire to become. They are catalysts for positive transformation in the education landscape. While aiming for a “perfect” education system is natural, addressing the complex challenges in Malaysia’s education requires a multifaceted approach. Supporting teachers like Cikgu Kumaresan and Cikgu Velerie, who excel in complex and specialised areas, is the first crucial step in setting the standards for all educators and stakeholders in education. By identifying and recognising more teachers like them who specialise in various niche areas of education such as special needs education, STEM subjects and vocational training, we can shape the future of our schools and education system. This progress is essential for overhauling the entire educational ecosystem, ensuring a brighter future for all students.

Nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that while the government plays a significant role in societal progress and development, particularly in education, the responsibility should not fall solely on its shoulders. As stakeholders in the education sector, we believe that we also bear a responsibility in advancing the nation towards a sustainable and inclusive future for all. By supporting teachers and students at the primary and secondary levels, we aim to empower them with the skills, knowledge and purpose that will not only prepare them for successful transitions to tertiary education but also equip them for prosperous careers.

Josephine Tan is Taylor’s University International Relations pro-vice-chancellor and Taylor’s College campus director with over 30 years of experience in both corporate and education sectors. Her extensive years of experience in the field of media and communication encompass the areas of organisational culture, corporate communication, human communication, as well as crisis and conflict management. She has also established the South East Asia Research for Communication and Humanities (SEARCH) Journal, which has been indexed by Scopus since 2009. The views expressed here are the writer’s own.