IPOH, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- The Global Educator Award (GEA) should not just be a ceremony to recognise individual achievements but should be strengthened as an international platform that acknowledges educational excellence, promotes innovation, and enhances cross-border educational cooperation.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir said that educators are at the forefront in shaping knowledge, values and humanity, in addition to playing an important role in producing a generation capable of contributing to the country's development.
"Education should not be focused on academic achievements or the ranking of an institution in international ratings, but rather should be assessed based on the real impact of educators on the lives of the community.
"Therefore, GEA, which is entering its second year of organisation, is expected to develop into a respected global platform by ensuring that recognition is given based on integrity, credibility and real impact," he said.
He said this while speaking at the Global Educator Award (GEA) 2026 Presentation Ceremony at the Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI), in Tanjong Malim, last night
The Raja Permaisuri of Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim, who is also UPSI chancellor, graced the event.
Meanwhile, UPSI vice-chancellor Prof. Datuk Dr. Md Amin Md Taff said that the organisation of GEA 2026 reflects the university's aspiration to expand its influence and leadership in the field of education at the international level.
He said that the organisation of this edition received 472 nominations from 83 countries, before 26 finalists from 11 countries were selected through a meticulous evaluation process.
"Through GEA, we not only want to recognise outstanding educators who have brought change to individuals, communities and the nation, but also to build a global network of educators to share ideas, spark innovation, and advance educational excellence across borders," he said.
At the event, seven individuals and one institution received recognition through eight award categories.
The recipient of the Avant-Garde Teacher Award is Associate Professor Dr. Jayanthi Arasan (Malaysia), Eminent Education Researcher Award went to Dr. Mahdi Kolahi (Iran), Community Outreach Award was received by Peter Mokaya Tabichi (Kenya), while the Esteemed Teacher Educator Award was given to Associate Professor Dr. Evania Yafie (Indonesia).
Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) received the Transforming Educational Institution Award, while The HONOR EdTech Innovation Excellence Award was awarded to Siti Ainulmursyida Shamsudin (Malaysia), the Inspiring Educational Leader Award was won by Kashmira Jaiswal (India), and The Legacy Educator Award was received by Chan Hung (Hong Kong).
Recipients of the Avant-Garde Teacher Award, Eminent Education Researcher Award, Community Outreach Award, Esteemed Teacher Educator Award, Transforming Educational Institution Award, and Inspiring Educational Leader Award each received a trophy and a research grant worth RM20,317, while the recipient of The Legacy Educator Award took home a trophy and a research grant worth RM40,634.
-- BERNAMA
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