Eight English teachers receive award for building students’ confidence in communication

SINGAPORE, 29 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

Eight English teachers were formally recognized at the Inspiring Teacher of English Award 2026, held on September 29 in Singapore, for their distinct contributions to fostering student confidence and communication skills.

The award, presented by the Speak Good English Movement and The Straits Times with support from the Ministry of Education, has a long-standing history of honoring excellence in the field. Since its inauguration in 2008, the program has recognized a total of 159 teachers. For the 2026 cycle, the selection committee chose the eight recipients from a pool of 107 nominations.

The award is structured into two distinct categories: the Teaching Award, which recognizes teachers who exemplify good spoken and written English, and the Leadership Award, which honors subject heads or heads of department who have led their schools toward a shared educational vision.

Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Education and National Development Syed Harun Alhabsyi addressed the gathering, emphasizing the evolving nature of communication in the modern era. He noted that while society exchanges ideas faster and in greater volume than ever before, two essential abilities risk being lost: the ability to express oneself clearly in one’s own voice and the ability to listen with empathy.

Alhabsyi stated that neither of these skills develops by accident, asserting that both must be deliberately cultivated in students through the dedicated work of teachers.

The 2026 recipients include Benson Pang, Zheng Kankan, Wong Sui Lee, Lin Weijia Amanda, Rafidah Ridzuan, Chiu Yee Qian Millie, Sasha Kaur Dhillon, and Foo Khim Youn Justina. Each teacher was cited for specific pedagogical approaches that engage students deeply. Wong Sui Lee, 47, the head of department for General Paper at St Andrew’s Junior College, was recognized for her team’s method of having students identify news clippings to create quizzes for their peers.

Wong explained that this approach helps students find their voice and take charge of their own learning, allowing them to glean a better understanding of the world and become curious about current events.

Sasha Kaur Dhillon, 31, deputy dean at Temasek Junior College, was lauded for bringing learning outside the classroom through her "Singapore A-Z" project. In this initiative, students select a topic related to Singapore, interview individuals about it, and return to share their findings. Dhillon observed that students’ eyes light up when sharing these personal interviews, noting that classroom discussions become more personal and immersive, thereby increasing student interest in the subject.

Rafidah Ridzuan, an English teacher at Tampines North Primary School with 28 years of experience, was recognized for her commitment to connecting with students from the very beginning of her career. She described sitting with students during recess to talk about "everything under the sun," including personal matters, as the best part of her day.

Rafidah stated that by providing a safe environment where students can talk about anything, she ensures they feel comfortable and supported.

Zheng Kankan, 39, subject head of literature at Maris Stella High School, was honored for her mentorship in poetry. She encouraged a student to compete in a poetry recitation competition, helping him train and curate poems. Although the student did not reach the finals, he developed a lasting love for poetry and wrote a note to Zheng expressing his appreciation for her guidance.

Jason Leow, chairman of the Speak Good English Movement, addressed the recipients and nominees, highlighting the profound impact of their work. He stated that teachers are not just preparing students for exams but are shaping how they think, speak, and connect with the world. Leow described this as a heavy responsibility that the teachers carry well.

Jaime Ho, editor of The Straits Times, also spoke at the event, expressing the newsroom’s high regard for English language teachers. Ho remarked that there is little closer to the heart of journalists than the beauty and wonder of language. He noted that teachers bring joy to their classrooms and inspire children to embrace the language through which they will express their ideas and grow into well-informed, inspired young adults.

The eight winners received a trophy, a certificate, and a cash award. All recipients and nominees were granted a one-year membership to the Singapore Association for Applied Linguistics. The ceremony concluded with the recognition of these educators who have dedicated their careers to ensuring that students can communicate effectively and confidently in an increasingly complex global landscape.

Related: Speak Good English Movement · Syed Harun Alhabsyi · Singapore