NEWS

I'm K Maliga Kalliappan from Malaysia. I'm a science teacher in a primary school in   SK Sri Limau, Kedah, Malaysia, and I have been teaching science for almost 30 years. As a science and innovation teacher, I have the unique privilege of nurturing the curiosity and creativity of my students, inspiring them to explore the wonders of the natural world and seek innovative solutions to the challenges ahead.

I was qualified as a teacher in the year 1992. I pursued my academic journey at Universiti Sains Malaysia, where I obtained my bachelor's Degree in 2002 and Master's in Education with a specialization in Curriculum Studies in 2008. My academic background equipped me with a deep understanding of effective teaching methodologies and curriculum development, allowing me to create engaging and impactful lessons for my students.

With immense honour and gratitude, I accept this prestigious title of "ASIA'S OUTSTANDING ACADEMICIAN AWARD" from the Asia Awards.  This title, bagged by Asia Awards 2023 powered by World Research Congress, recognizes myself for my remarkable journey as a science teacher educator and an innovator. This recognition acknowledges my dedication to teaching and highlights the vital role that educators play in shaping the future of our world. I extend my most profound appreciation to the organizers of this award for recognizing the significance of science education and innovation in our global society.

This award is not merely a recognition of my achievements; it is a celebration of the collective efforts of all science and innovation teachers around the globe. It is a tribute to the countless hours spent preparing engaging lessons, designing hands-on experiments, and fostering a classroom environment that nurtures intellectual curiosity and critical thinking.

In recognition of my exceptional teaching abilities, the Ministry of Education awarded me the prestigious "Excellent Science Teacher" in 2008. This recognition was a testament to my teaching excellence and significant contributions to her student's education and the education system.

One of my notable contributions to science education is my role as a government-approved Science facilitator at the state level. For nearly two decades, I have taught and guided students and fellow teachers on practical techniques for answering Science questions. My expertise in this area has made me a sought-after resource in the community. My dedication to enhancing science education extends beyond my classroom. I have conducted numerous seminars to prepare students for national public exams in Malaysia from 2004 to 2019. Through these seminars, I have empowered students to excel in their scientific studies and equipped them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed. Throughout my illustrious career, I have received several awards from the government for my outstanding contributions. I have been honoured with the Service Excellence Award in 2002,2006,2014,2016, and 2021. I also received the Gold Award in the Co-Curriculum Excellence Awards Event. Additionally, I received a special award during the Kedah State Teachers' Day Celebration.

My passion for science education has led me and my students to achieve remarkable success in various innovation competitions. My students and I have garnered numerous awards in prestigious international events, such as the India Global Young Scientist and Indonesia International Innovation Competition, including gold, silver, and bronze medals. In 2022, I received several significant accolades, including being listed in the Jackhi Book of World Records as an Outstanding Teacher in Education Science Innovation in Malaysia. I was also honoured as International Outstanding Science Teacher of the Year in the International Icon Awards 2022. I also got another prestigious award for Women Icon 2K22.

As science educators, we are not just disseminators of knowledge but facilitators of discovery and agents of change. We have the privilege of witnessing the transformation of young minds as they develop the skills to analyse, question, and innovate. We are responsible for instilling in our students a deep appreciation for the scientific method.

In today's rapidly evolving world, scientific literacy and innovative thinking have never been more critical. We face complex global challenges, from climate change and resource scarcity to public health crises and technological advancements. Through science education and innovation, we can equip future generations with the tools to address these challenges head-on.

To my fellow educators, I urge you to embrace the power of collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches in your teaching. Let us create spaces where students can explore the intersection of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems. Let us foster a culture of inquiry where failure is seen as an opportunity to learn, and persistence is celebrated as the fuel for breakthroughs.

In conclusion, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all those who have supported me on this incredible journey, especially my husband, children, administrators, colleagues, students, and parents, who have believed in my vision and encouraged my growth as an educator and innovator. This "ASIA'S OUTSTANDING ACADEMICIAN AWARD" reminds us that our work as educators matters and has the power to transform lives and shape the future of our world.

Thanks to Asia Awards, World Research Congress, and United Research Council for this beautiful award. It's truly a blessing for me. My commitment to promoting innovative thinking and scientific exploration has profoundly impacted my students and the field of science education. My achievements, awards, and continuous dedication to my profession make me an exceptional and deserving role model for educators worldwide.

Together, let us continue to foster a love for science, ignite innovation, and empower the next generation of scientists, engineers, and inventors. Thank you.