Innovative teacher wins prestigious award
In the heart of Malaysia’s lush landscapes, at Keningau Vocational College, a model of inspiration shines through Sydney Engelbert an English language teacher whose innovative spirit and dedication have not only captured the hearts of her students but have also earned her the prestigious title of regional winner of the 2024 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards in Malaysia.
May 03, 2024

KENINGAU, Sabah: In the heart of Malaysia’s lush landscapes, at Keningau Vocational College, a model of inspiration shines through Sydney Engelbert (pic), an English language teacher whose innovative spirit and dedication have not only captured the hearts of her students but have also earned her the prestigious title of regional winner of the 2024 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards in Malaysia.
The Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards, now in its resplendent sixth year, celebrates the silent architects of our future — teachers. These extraordinary individuals craft the minds and souls of young learners, preparing them to step confidently into the complexities of the world. It’s a platform where students, parents, and colleagues can honour those educators who go above and beyond to ignite a thirst for knowledge and a passion for growth in their students. Teachers like Sydney Engelbert play a crucial role, not only in imparting knowledge but in preparing young minds to navigate and thrive in the complexities of the world.
Sydney’s triumph is not just a personal accolade but a landmark victory for her students and community. As a regional winner, she brings honour to her school with £500 (RM2,972.08) worth of books for her class, a trophy, and the opportunity to be celebrated at a regional awards ceremony. More so, her innovative teaching approach will be recognised in a special ‘thank you’ page in new Cambridge textbooks, spreading her inspiring methods to classrooms around the world.
In the tranquil town of Keningau, where horizons may seem limited, Sydney has opened a vast world of possibilities for her students. Recognising the barriers posed by geographical isolation, she spearheaded an online exchange programme connecting her students with peers across Malaysia, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Indonesia. This cross-cultural initiative has not only enhanced her students’ communication skills but has also broadened their worldview, enabling them to explore and understand diverse cultures and perspectives.
Reflecting on her achievements, Sydney remarked, “I am greatly honoured to be awarded this recognition. We must create a learning environment rooted in cultural exchange to help students develop the practical and communication skills needed for the future. I am deeply proud of the success my students have had as part of our online exchange class that is centred around cultural competence and exploring topics beyond the standard curriculum.”
Rod Smith, managing director of International Education, emphasised the global educational challenge, stating, “To achieve UNESCO’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which aims for inclusive and equitable quality education, we need to recruit 44 million teachers by 2030. At Cambridge, we believe it’s critical to celebrate and spotlight the dedication of teachers who are nurturing a love of learning, often under challenging conditions.”
He continued, “The Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards were initiated to honour these educators who are not only teaching academic subjects but are also preparing students to face global challenges, from climate change to cultural inclusiveness. It’s my pleasure to congratulate Sydney Engelbert on her significant achievements, which undoubtedly will inspire teachers and students throughout Malaysia.”
Sydney's story is a powerful reminder of a dedicated teacher's impact on the lives of many. Her approach, integrating cultural competence with practical learning, not only prepares students for future challenges but also instils in them the values of respect and understanding across diverse cultures. Educators can indeed change the world — one student at a time.
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