KUCHING: In the quiet yet determined heart of rural Sarawak, where chalkboards meet rainforest backdrops and resources are often stretched thin, one teacher has proven that innovation, empathy and perseverance can reshape the future of education.
Muhammad Nazmi Rosli, 32, an English teacher and senior administrative assistant from SK Long Sebangang in Lawas, has been conferred the prestigious ‘Anugerah Khas Menteri Pendidikan’ today during the 54th National Teacher’s Day Awards Event at the Hikmah Exchange Convention Centre (HEEC) here.
He also received a cash prize of RM15,000 in recognition of his transformative teaching strategies and unwavering commitment to students in a remote school, located some 40 minutes from the nearest town.
“Teachers are the agents of change, the agents of educational reform,” said Nazmi during a press conference after the award presentation.
“We wouldn’t be here without our teachers. You’ve brought about many changes everywhere, even to the remotest schools in rural areas.”
Nazmi’s journey in education reflects a full-circle story of passion born out of humble beginnings.
Raised in Lawas, he intimately understood the struggles of rural students, many of whom lack exposure to the outside world.
This empathy drives his innovative classroom practices.
“For over eight years, I’ve served in a school surrounded by jungle and limited infrastructure,” he said.
“I realised that for children to understand the world, I needed to bring the world to them.”
Nazmi introduced contextual and immersive teaching methods into his lessons.
By transforming his classroom into real-life simulations of airports, beaches, or train stations, his students – most of whom have never seen such places – gain vivid, engaging experiences that go beyond textbooks.
He creatively uses recycled materials as teaching aids and encourages curiosity-based learning, which has significantly improved student participation and interest in English – a subject many once feared.
His efforts have not gone unnoticed.
Besides this national honour, Nazmi has earned several accolades over the years, including the McDonald’s Inspirational Teacher Award and the PAK21 Hero Teacher Award in 2019, the Rice Educator of the Year Award in 2021, and the Malaysian Teacher Award in 2023.
He is also a recognised ‘Edufluencer’ under the Ministry of Education.
Earlier this year, his work gained international attention when he was selected as one of the Top 10 Finalists for the prestigious Global Teacher Prize (GTP) 2025, an annual international award celebrating exceptional educators where the main winner was announced on February 11 this year in Dubai and received USD1 million.
Despite the global spotlight, Cikgu Nazmi remains grounded in his mission – to build confident, value-driven learners prepared for the world, regardless of their background.
“Recognition is humbling, but what matters most is when a student starts to believe in themselves,” he said. “That’s the real prize.”
Beyond his classroom, Nazmi is actively involved in community initiatives, often collaborating with parents and local leaders to strengthen education at the grassroots level.
His work not only inspires fellow teachers but also sets a benchmark for what is possible in rural education.
His story has become a beacon of hope in Sarawak and beyond, showing that quality education does not depend solely on high-end facilities, but on the heart and creativity of educators.
