Norhailmi Abdul Mutalib, a 40-year-old science teacher from SMK Jerlun in Kedah made Malaysians proud by winning the prestigious 2021 Princess Maha Chakri Award for his achievements in cultivating Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) studies digitally among students, teachers and the community. As reported by national news agency Bernama, the award is given by the Princess Maha Chakri Foundation of Thailand to dedicated teachers in ASEAN and Timor Leste.
Norhailmi received the award on 29 October 2021 at the Thai Consulate in Penang as the award ceremony couldn’t be held physically this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Usually, the award ceremony is held at the Royal Palace in Bangkok, Thailand.
Speaking to reporters today, Norhailmi commented,
“I was selected to receive the award after submitting nominations last year, where each state had to send two teacher candidates, and eventually my name was shortlisted among the top five candidates.”
Norhailmi Abdul Mutalib posing with his 2021 Princess Maha Chakri Award.
“After that, I had to go through a documentation session, presentation as well as an interview process and a visit by KPM (Ministry of Education) officers to the school before being selected by the ministry to be the national representative for this award,”
The dedicated teacher, who originally hailed from Simpang Empat, Perlis brought home a medal, trophy, certificate and USD10,000 (approximately RM41,535) in cash.
Norhailmi has 15 years of experience in teaching and had previously received numerous other awards and accolades. For his latest award, he thanked the staff of SMK Jerlun, the State Education Department and Ministry of Education as well as fellow teachers in the country for helping and inspiring him to receive the award.
Also read: Chemistry Teacher in Ipoh Wins Global Teacher Award 2021, Contending With Over 26,000 Applicants
