Sabah Educator Wins Regional Cambridge Award for Inclusive Education | KiddyNews
by on 06/05/2026 ...
Malaysian Teacher Recognised on International Stage
Malaysian educator Dr Velerie Wheelervon Primus has been named the South-East Asia and Pacific regional winner of the 2026 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards, earning recognition for his work in inclusive education and special needs support in rural Sabah.
The annual awards by Cambridge University Press & Assessment celebrate teachers who make a meaningful impact on students’ lives through dedication, innovation and care.
Championing Inclusive Learning in Sabah
Dr Velerie serves as assistant principal of the Special Education Integration Programme at Sekolah Kebangsaan Bingkor, where he develops inclusive learning systems tailored to neurodivergent children.
His work includes managing Individual Education Plans, mentoring teachers and collaborating closely with families to provide more personalised and student-centred support.
He also introduced the NeuroArts Framework, a learning approach that combines therapeutic practices, arts and nature-based learning to support children’s emotional regulation and development.
“Every Child Deserves a Place to Belong”
Reflecting on his journey as an educator, Dr Velerie said his mission goes beyond academics.
He shared that he believes education should restore dignity, create safety and ensure every child feels a sense of belonging, especially those who are often overlooked.
He added that his goal has always been to rethink what education can become for children with diverse learning needs.
A Win That Highlights Special Needs Education
The recognition shines a spotlight on the growing importance of inclusive and special needs education in Malaysia, particularly in early childhood and primary learning environments.
Experts have increasingly emphasised that early intervention, emotional support and inclusive classroom practices can significantly improve outcomes for neurodivergent children and children with learning differences.
Dr Velerie’s work reflects a broader shift towards creating school environments where every child can learn, participate and thrive regardless of ability or background.
International Recognition and Public Voting
As one of nine regional winners globally, Dr Velerie will receive £500 worth of books for his class, along with a trophy and international recognition for both himself and his school.
He will also be featured in a special “Thank You” page in selected Cambridge textbooks scheduled for release in November 2026.
Cambridge International Education managing director Rod Smith praised Dr Velerie’s commitment to inclusive learning, describing his work as a powerful example of how compassion and belief in every child can transform lives and strengthen education for all learners.
Public Can Support Malaysian Educator
Members of the public can vote for Dr Velerie to become the overall global winner through the Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards website. Voting remains open until 13th May 2026, with the final winner set to be announced on 2nd June 2026.
Source:
The Star – “Malaysian educator named regional winner at Cambridge awards”
Thoughtfully adapted by KiddyNews. Keeping parents and educators informed with the latest ECCE developments from Malaysia and beyond
