KENINGAU: Dr Sirhajwan Idek of Keningau Vocational College (KVC) has been named the winner of the Educational System Management Leadership (ESML) Leadership Award 2026 in the vocational education category.
The award was presented by Thailand’s Education Minister, Prasert Jantararuangtong, during an international education conference held at the Faculty of Education, Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok on May 29.
Dr Sirhajwan received a trophy and a certificate signed by the minister. The ESML Leadership Award featured five categories: primary and early childhood education, secondary education, international schools, educational leadership, and vocational education. Five finalists were shortlisted in the vocational education category.
He was selected for his efforts in introducing community-based learning through four key approaches: direct service, indirect service, advocacy, and community-based research.
Through this approach, his students have successfully carried out various community service initiatives and gained recognition from organisations such as Impact Malaysia, Change, Arus Academy, My Starfish Foundation and Digital Promise, which provided grants to support their projects.
Under Dr Sirhajwan’s guidance as Head of Research and Innovation at the college, the Welding Technology team secured a RM15,000 grant from Impact Malaysia in 2025 to undertake repair and maintenance works at a primary school.
Students from other programmes, including Bakery and Pastry, Business Management, Electrical Technology, Cosmetology and Construction Technology, also carried out projects such as financial literacy advocacy campaigns, collaborative research with farmers, grooming and wellness services at elderly care homes, electrical appliance repair works and the restoration of old houses through grants ranging from RM2,000 to RM10,000.
Based on data gathered from these initiatives, Dr Sirhajwan found that the approach helped enhance students’ civic engagement, emotional intelligence and resilience, while receiving positive feedback from the communities involved.
According to Dr Sirhajwan, he was inspired to implement the approach by his mother, Hajah Bintek Hj Abdul Rahman, who has long been involved in charitable work and assisting underprivileged groups in Kota Belud, his hometown.
He said the programme was designed to bridge vocational education and community engagement, enabling students to apply their technical skills while developing prosocial behaviours.
“The objectives are to guide students in understanding and assisting the community using their vocational skills and resources through community service, while enabling them to reflect on their experiences and develop prosocial values,” he said.
He added that a key feature of the programme, in addition to its four approaches, is collaboration with local businesses, care institutions, non-governmental organisations, government agencies and grassroots entrepreneurs.
Each vocational programme initiated at least one social project, including Steel Steady, Beyond Beauty, Volt Prihatin, Slices of Care, Fundify and Mr Wishy Washy.
“The implementation process involves identifying target groups through preliminary visits, conducting primary activities and carrying out post-activity reflections.
“We also track opportunities for sustainability through grants, partnerships and outreach efforts, while continuously improving the programme through data collection and participant feedback,” he said.
Since 2024, more than 12 social and community projects have been developed by students, attracting a total of RM43,800 in grants to expand their impact.
Among the main beneficiaries are two primary schools in Keningau, Bondulu Toboh Children’s Home, Holy Family Residence for Senior Citizens, Keningau Nature Farm, as well as youths, women and families in the district.
KVC Director Lumang Anak Lang congratulated Dr Sirhajwan on the achievement, saying it had inspired greater motivation and active participation among students and teachers to contribute to the community while elevating the profile of vocational education.
Facebook link of the live event:
https://www.facebook.com/ESMLCU/videos/879727967756536/
