A teacher’s dedication often goes beyond textbooks and classrooms, shaping the lives of students and inspiring a brighter future.
Dr Sirhajwan Idek, an inspiring English language teacher from Keningau Vocational College (KVC), Sabah, has made history as the first Malaysian to win the British Council’s highly regarded ELTons Innovation Award.
His project, Virtual, Remote, Live (VRL), won in the Local Innovation category, marking a significant milestone for Malaysia in the global education arena.
The announcement was made during the ELTons Innovation Festival on 20th November 2024.
Out of over 200 entries from 60 countries, Dr Sirhajwan’s VRL project was selected as a finalist alongside three others before being crowned the winner.
This victory is a testament to his innovative approach to English language education and its global impact.
Revolutionising English Education
The ELTons awards, organised annually by the British Council, are the world’s most prestigious recognition for innovation in English language teaching, learning, and assessment.
Dr Sirhajwan’s winning project, VRL, exemplifies this spirit of innovation by connecting students and teachers worldwide through online platforms.
The programme offers a range of engaging activities, including masterclasses, conference presentations, cultural exchange sessions, and virtual chats.
Through these initiatives, VRL has benefitted over 2,000 students and teachers from Malaysia and other countries, empowering them to improve their English skills while exploring diverse cultures and perspectives.
Many participants have successfully applied their learnings from VRL to their own projects, further extending the programme’s impact.
By providing an accessible and interactive platform, VRL has transformed how English is taught and learned, making it a model of excellence for other educators.
A Personal Triumph
For Dr Sirhajwan, this achievement is deeply personal. He attributes his success to his mother, Hjh Bintek Hj Abdul Rahman, a former teacher who has been his guiding light throughout his life.
Her wisdom and support have profoundly influenced his career and commitment to education.
The director of KVC, Nordin bin Akup, also commended Dr Sirhajwan, highlighting his dedication to creating opportunities that enhance students’ English proficiency and general knowledge.
“This award is a testament to how innovative approaches like VRL can make a meaningful difference in education,” said Dr Sirhajwan through an email.
Putting Malaysia on the Global Map
Dr Sirhajwan’s victory underscores Malaysia’s potential to lead in educational innovation. It also serves as an inspiration to teachers and students nationwide, encouraging them to think beyond traditional methods and embrace creative solutions.
The full list of winners from the five ELTons categories can be accessed on the British Council’s website.
Congratulations to Dr Sirhajwan for this remarkable achievement, which not only celebrates his ingenuity but also places Malaysia on the global map of educational excellence.
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