GEA 2026 Targets 1,000 Entries From 80 Countries

TANJONG MALIM, April 26 (Bernama) -- The Global Educator Award (GEA) 2026 is targeting 1,000 entries from 80 countries, with additional award categories introduced compared to last year.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said the programme, organised by Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), previously received 578 nominations from 58 countries during its inaugural edition in 2025, which also gained global recognition.

“Educators from around the world will submit their achievements and contributions, and from there, the best among them will be selected. At the same time, we can showcase Malaysia’s education system to the international community.

“They will not only come to receive what is known as the GEA, but they will also be exposed to visits to schools to observe our national education model. When they return to their respective countries, they can explore how to implement similar models at their level,” he said.

He said this at a press conference after the closing ceremony of the Jom Masuk Universiti (JMU) 2026 Carnival and the pre-launch of GEA 2026 at Dewan Tuanku Canselor, Sultan Azlan Shah Campus, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris here today.

Also present were Perak Education, Higher Education, Youth and Sports Committee chairman Datuk Khairudin Abu Hanipah and UPSI Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff.

Meanwhile, GEA 2026 will offer a total of USD60,000 (RM237,907.32) in financial grants to encourage quality participation in strengthening education through innovation and community impact.

The award will feature 10 categories covering various dimensions of educational excellence, including digital innovation, inclusive education, sustainability and global collaboration.

Last year’s programme highlights included the Teachers’ General Assembly, the MADANI Values Education Forum, sharing sessions by GEA finalists, as well as faculty and school visits for international educators to observe local educational practices.

Countries that participated last year included Russia, Australia, Argentina, South Africa, India, Iran, Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA