KUCHING: The dedication and impact of Teach For Malaysia (TFM) Fellows were lauded at a ceremony held at Makeramai Makerspace, where 22 young professionals marked the completion of their two-year service in high-need schools across Sarawak.
Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD), Datuk Seri Roland Sagah, praised the Fellows for their contributions inside and outside the classroom.
“I am truly amazed and inspired by what I have seen.
“Their contributions are not just academic, but deeply human, nurturing the hopes, dreams and confidence of our young people,” he said in his speech read by the head of Higher Education, Sharifah Fariah Syed Junaidi during the closing remarks at the Teach For Malaysia Appreciation Ceremony for the 2023 Cohort held at Makeramai Makerspace, on Thursday.
The Fellows, who came from non-education backgrounds, were placed in nine schools throughout the Padawan and Serian districts between 2023 and 2025.
During their tenure, they received intensive training and were awarded scholarships by YTL Foundation to pursue a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (International) from the University of Birmingham.
The Fellows raised over RM208,000 for student-focused initiatives and secured an additional RM91,000 to fund 13 social innovation projects, including literacy programmes, international exchanges, and community engagement efforts.
“This captures the true spirit of education, people stepping forward to give their time, energy, and heart for the betterment of others, especially children who might otherwise be left behind,” Sharifah said.
She added that the partnership between the Sarawak government and Teach For Malaysia aligns with the state’s broader vision of equitable access to education.
“Here in Sarawak, education remains a cornerstone of our development. We believe in building a future where every child, no matter their background, has the opportunity to succeed.”
She expressed deep gratitude to the school principals, host teachers, and education officers, whose leadership and mentorship enabled the Fellows to thrive.
“This event reminds us that when we believe in the potential of every child and work together to nurture it, we are truly building a better Sarawak for tomorrow,” she added.
The event also called for more young Malaysians to join the Teach For Malaysia Fellowship programme, which continues to play a pivotal role in addressing educational inequity through leadership and community engagement.
