PETALING JAYA: In 2017, Khalifa Affnan (pic) was sent to South Korea for three months under a teacher exchange programme where he learnt a lot from sharing knowledge, especially on technology, with his foreign peers.

       “I brought all that information back to my college to share with my students,” said the English teacher and information and communications technology unit head of Keningau Vocational College, Sabah.

       Yesterday, he was named the global winner of the 2022 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards, beating 7,000 nominations from 113 countries.

       He was shortlisted as a regional winner from the Australia, New Zealand and South-East Asia region.

       Both honours are the first such achievement for a Malaysian.

       The 36-year-old is recognised for his efforts in initiating a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) project, where he trains students in robotics, drones, coding and other technology- based disciplines.

       “It all started in 2017 when I was sent to South Korea by the Education Ministry for three months for a teacher exchange programme.

       “I learnt a lot from the experience and sharing of knowledge, especially when the Korean teachers touched on the topic of technology,” said Khalifa.

       Over time, the Selangor-born teacher developed networks with experts from various institutions and invited them to his college.

       “I called local and Korean experts and delegates to educate my students about basic coding, robotics, and how to operate and assemble drones.

       “I even brought my students to South Korea to experience these technologies first-hand,” he said in an interview.

       Most vocational colleges in Sabah, he said, do not expose their students to STEM-related skills, and as such, he took it upon himself to equip his students with the necessary skills to face the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

       He advised fellow teachers to be resilient and ensure continuity when they decide to start a project for their students.

       “It’s common to have passionate teachers who start something great for their charges, only to become discouraged later due to various reasons such as work pressure and having to do unnecessary work.

       “Don’t give up because your efforts, no matter how small or big, will be appreciated in time,” said Khalifa.

       In a statement, Cambridge University Press said it is the first time a Malaysian teacher has been chosen as a winner for the award at both the global and regional levels.

       His efforts have also increased the active participation of female students and special-needs learners in STEM activities, it added.

       Khalifa will receive class sets of books and digital resources of choice by Cambridge University Press, a professional development package and will also be featured on the front of every new Cambridge University Press Education textbook from February 2023 onwards.

       Describing it as a momentous milestone for teachers in Malaysia, Asean Cambridge University Press director Kanjna Paranthaman said the accomplishment speaks volumes about the country’s quality of teachers.

       “Khalifa’s STEM programmes have had a great impact on ensuring everyone in his community has access to a quality education, which is a value that we hold dear at the Press.

       “Hopefully, Khalifa’s achievement will inspire our teachers, equipping us with dedicated individuals to guide the younger generation to come,” Kanjna said.