Teachers always work so hard to take care of their students, guiding them not just academically, but emotionally and socially too.
Their impact often goes far beyond the classroom walls. As educators, they don’t only teach children, sometimes, they end up teaching adults too, and even people from across the globe. That’s exactly the case for a Malaysian teacher, Mei.
Photo via Metro
Mei, a mathematics teacher at Sekolah Menengah Teknik (SMT) Tuanku Ja’afar, has earned global recognition as one of the top 18 teachers in the world. She has been selected to join the prestigious Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement (TEA) Spring 2025 programme in the United States, and will soon head to Georgia State University, representing Malaysia as its one and only participant.
Chosen from thousands of applicants worldwide, Mei’s selection speaks volumes about her dedication, vision, and passion for education, “This experience really opened my eyes,” she shared.
“I learnt how much more active, critical, and confident students can become when teachers take on the role of facilitators instead of just delivering lessons.”
She was especially inspired by the vibrant, student-centred learning methods she observed, where creativity, technology, and interaction brought classrooms to life.
And while she was there to learn, Mei also became a teacher of sorts to her peers, by proudly sharing the beauty and richness of Malaysian culture with fellow educators and school communities. “Talking about Malaysia fills me with a sense of pride that’s hard to put into words. It’s not just about food or clothing, it’s about our values, our hopes, and the warmth of our people.”
She also extended heartfelt thanks to the Malaysian-American Commission on Educational Exchange (MACEE) for giving her the opportunity. “Without their encouragement, I might never have made it this far. They saw a spark in me that had the potential to shine brighter.”
To Mei, being a teacher means more than delivering lessons, it’s about nurturing confidence, sparking curiosity, and helping the next generation dream bigger. “Every time a student asks a question with confidence, that’s when I know something is changing,” she said with a smile.
Congratulations, Cikgu, and thank you for proudly representing Malaysia!
