All around the world, teachers do fantastic work. They don’t just teach a curriculum – they instil values, encourage, support, befriend and truly impact the lives of their students and colleagues around them.
To help celebrate teachers and publicise their fantastic stories, we run a global competition called the Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards. The awards invite students, parents and other teachers to nominate an educator for something wonderful they have done. We then share these nominations for the world to see.
After we received over 11,000 entries from 99 different countries for the 2023 awards, our judges decided on Mathematics Teacher, Goh Kok Ming from SJKC Hua Lian 1 in Perak, Malaysia, as the regional winner for Australia, New Zealand and South-East Asia. So let’s find out more about Goh!
Bio
Goh is a Mathematics Master Teacher and primary educator currently serving at SJKC Hua Lian 1 in Perak, Malaysia.
Since 2020, he has been honoured to be selected as one of the MIE Fellows and Global Minecraft Mentors, and has had the opportunity to contribute to the BSTP KPM-hosted National Minecraft Challenge and Minecraft competition.
Recently, Goh was humbled to be selected as one of the planners for the Education Exchange (E2) programme, an annual programme organised by Microsoft to share educational practices and the latest technology.
In 2021, Goh received the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Excellence Award for his work in blended learning, online games and simulations.
One of his student’s Minecraft projects placed in the top 10 of the Global Minecraft Challenge in 2020 and featured in the Global Minecraft Live program for 2021. Goh is grateful for these opportunities to learn and contribute to the education community.
Goh’s nomination
Here is the nomination from one of Goh’s colleagues that earned him the title of regional winner for Australia, New Zealand and South-East Asia.
“Mr. Goh Kok Ming: the innovative educator bridging the digital divide in rural communities! Using App Inventor and Minecraft, he inspires under-enrolled school students to code for a better future. From ‘Hello World!’ to winning global awards – celebrate the success of Kampong Code and Mr. Goh’s perseverance in empowering every student to transform the world! Since 2017, he has started an initiative, “Kampong Code”, to encourage students to build apps to solve community issues. He always motivates them to stay focused and strengthens the belief: “Persist, and watch yourself transform – change is inevitable”. Despite of difficulties, he and his students took the initiative to build a unique educational app and participated in the Microsoft Tech For Good Challenge in 2022. From Difficult Learning to Global Recognition: Their apps were awarded with the 2nd Runner-Up for the K-12 category (SDG #4: Quality Education) globally!”
Q&A with Goh
What does it mean to you being a regional winner the 2023 Dedicated Teacher Awards?
Being selected as a regional winner of the 2023 Dedicated Teacher Awards holds tremendous significance and meaning to me. It reaffirms my belief in the importance of teaching and the impact it has on the lives of students.
Moreover, it also highlights the collective support and appreciation of my students, colleagues, and the community. This award recognises not only my individual achievements but also the collaborative efforts and collaboration with others that have contributed to my success.
Overall, being a regional winner of the 2023 Dedicated Teacher Awards is a humbling experience that reinforces my purpose as an educator. I am deeply grateful for this recognition and remain committed to the transformative power of education.
Why did you become a teacher?
I became a teacher because of the wish to make a positive impact on the lives of others. I have always been fascinated by the process of learning and the transformative power it holds. The ability to play a role in facilitating this growth and helping students realise their full potential is incredibly rewarding for me.
I firmly believe that education is the foundation for personal and societal growth and everyone deserves their chance to shine. As a teacher, I have the privilege to make a lasting impact on the academic, social, and emotional well-being of my students. Each day as a teacher reaffirms my choice and motivates me to continue making a difference in the lives of my students.
Do you have a dedicated teacher that inspired you?
Yes, I have been fortunate to have had a dedicated teacher who has inspired and influenced me greatly throughout my educational journey. This teacher’s passion for her subjects, unwavering commitment to their students, and innovative teaching methods have left a lasting impression on me.
She demonstrated a genuine belief in the potential of every student. She recognised and celebrated the unique strengths and talents of each individual, fostering a sense of confidence and empowerment. Also, she encouraged creativity, critical thinking, and independent learning, instilling in me the belief that I had the ability to achieve my goals and make a positive impact.
Beyond the classroom, she served as a mentor and role model. Her passion, dedication, and belief in the potential of every student have left an indelible mark on my educational journey and shaped the educator I am today.
Do you have a memorable teaching moment?
Yes, I have a memorable teaching moment that stands out in my career as an educator. It was a heartwarming experience that changed my view.
During a class discussion about a thought-provoking math question, one of my quieter students, who typically preferred to listen rather than participate actively, raised their hand. This student had always shown potential, but her shyness often held her back from fully engaging in class discussions. As I called on her, she took a deep breath and expressed her thoughts eloquently, sharing a unique interpretation of the question that brought a new perspective to our conversation. What struck me the most about this moment was not only the depth of her insight but also the newfound confidence and enthusiasm she displayed. Amazing!
After the class, this student approached me and expressed gratitude for creating an inclusive and supportive environment that encouraged her to share her thoughts. I learnt that students’ voices matter.
Please share three words to describe your typical week teaching
Engaging, dynamic, meaningful
Tell us about a current project or school initiative that you’re excited about
Currently, I am thrilled to initialise a school project that focuses on AI robotics. This project aims to introduce students to the fascinating world of artificial intelligence and robotics, providing them with hands-on experiences and opportunities to develop essential skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration.
What excites me the most about this project is witnessing the enthusiasm and curiosity it sparks in my students, while keeping them relevant and accountable.
Vote for Goh
To vote for Goh as your overall winner of the 2023 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards, go to our vote page.
