Mohd Sirhajwan Idek, 29, from Keningau Vocational College was shortlisted from over 20,000 nominations, with teachers representing about 179 countries. He stands a chance to win US$1 million (RM4.42 million), the New Straits Times reported today.
The Global Teacher Prize award was inaugurated in 2015 and has received tremendous support from the global teaching fraternity, as well as respected world leaders who recognise the profession as one that is noble and most influential on young minds.
On his nomination, Sirhajwan told the daily that he was confident of being shortlisted after submitting a strong application for the award.
“I poured my heart out and I explained in detail what, how and why I am doing certain things in my schools. I focused more on justifying my intention in helping my students and my colleagues.
“I explained how I aimed to improve the status of teachers with my numerous involvements in local and international programmes, including being a delegate for the Asia Pacific Week in Canberra, Australia.
“I also shared about how I had showcased what I did worldwide through conferences, research papers and downloadable materials,” Sirhajwan told the NST.
He added that should he win the prize, he would like to equip his local schools with technologically-enhanced classrooms, smartboards and adequate computers.
“My wish for my students is that they will not be constrained from taking part in competitions and conferences around the country. So part of the money will help fund their travel,” Sirhajwan said.
In each of the past two years, Malaysia had two teachers nominated as a Top 50 finalists.
In the inaugural contest, in 2015, Madenjit Singh who is a teacher with the Science of Life Studies 24/7 organisation, under the Grassroots Development Institute, in Malaysia was even shortlisted as a Top 10 finalist. Also nominated that year was Yasmin Noorul Amin of La Salle Petaling Jaya.
Last year’s nominations from Malaysia were Noorjahan Sultan of SK Indera Mahkota Utama in Kuantan, Pahang, and Vanesri Kasi of SJK (T) Jalan Khalidi in Muar, Johor.
In its website, the people behind the Global Teachers Prize wrote a glowing tribute to Sirhajwan.
“Sirhajwan’s patience, positivity and perseverance paid off, transforming his school into one that dominated English competitions and subsequently also innovation and entrepreneurship contests.
“A great deal of his students’ progress has come about through Sirhajwan encouraging them to use English in daily conversation and extra-curricular activities.
“He encourages them to debate and speak in various settings such as a Model United Nations and moot court.”
The Global Teacher Prize is awarded by the Varkey Foundation which is under the patronage of the Emir of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed Rashid, who is also the vice-president of the United Arab Emirates.
The Global Teacher Prize Judging Academy comprising public officials, head teachers, academics, journalists, entrepreneurs, company directors, scientists and entertainment industry figures from around the world, will shortlist a Top 10 from the 50 finalists. To ensure fairness and transparency, the process is overseen by PwC.
The winner will then be chosen from the 10 finalists with all 10 finalists being invited to Dubai for the award ceremony at the Global Education and Skills Forum (GESF) on March 19, next year where the winner will be announced live.