In Kuala Lumpur, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek announced the Malaysian Ministry of Education’s (MOE) commitment to addressing the educational disparities in the interiors of Sabah and Sarawak. The focus is primarily on rejuvenating dilapidated schools, a key part of the ministry’s strategy under Budget 2024.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the MOE’s efforts will not only involve the construction of new schools in these interior regions but also ensure that the two Bornean states are not overlooked. She emphasized the importance of balancing educational needs, which includes co-curricular and character development, as well as infrastructure improvements. This statement was made at the press conference of the Malaysia Teacher Prize 2023 ceremony.

The ceremony saw Muhammad Nazmi Rosli, a teacher at SK Long Sebangang in Sarawak, being honored with the top award and a cash prize of RM50,000. Muhammad Nazmi, an English teacher, was recognized for his innovative approach to education. He created classroom simulations using recycled materials to give students practical life experiences, such as using a laundromat or boarding an airplane.

Beyond conventional teaching methods, Muhammad Nazmi pioneered Kelab Filpen, a short films club, providing students opportunities to express themselves through filmmaking. One of their productions, ‘Teether’, gained international recognition at the Horror Unleashed film festival in Portugal.

Reacting to his victory, Muhammad Nazmi expressed deep gratitude, seeing this recognition as a platform not only to share the experiences of educators but also to highlight the underlying goals and challenges faced by teachers and students alike, both in and out of the classroom.