Tanjung malim: The Global Educator Award (GEA) 2026 is setting an ambitious target of attracting 1,000 entries from 80 countries. This year, the award will feature additional categories compared to the previous edition. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir announced these plans, highlighting the event's goal to promote Malaysia's education system on an international platform.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the GEA, organized by Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), successfully garnered 578 nominations from 58 countries during its inaugural edition in 2025. The event has already earned global recognition and is expected to grow further in its reach and impact. Dr Zambry emphasized that educators worldwide would submit their achievements, and the top performers would be recognized. He also noted that international participants would have the opportunity to visit Malaysian schools and observe the national education model, potentially implementing similar systems in their home countries.
Dr Zambry shared these insights during a press conference following the Jom Masuk Universiti (JMU) 2026 Carnival's closing ceremony and the pre-launch of GEA 2026 at Dewan Tuanku Canselor, Sultan Azlan Shah Campus, UPSI. Key figures such as Perak Education, Higher Education, Youth and Sports Committee chairman Datuk Khairudin Abu Hanipah and UPSI Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff were also present at the event.
The GEA 2026 will offer USD60,000 (RM237,907.32) in financial grants to motivate participants to enhance education through innovation and community impact. The award will encompass 10 categories, focusing on areas such as digital innovation, inclusive education, sustainability, and global collaboration.
The 2025 program included significant events like the Teachers' General Assembly, the MADANI Values Education Forum, sessions with GEA finalists, and visits to faculty and schools for international educators. Countries that participated last year included Russia, Australia, Argentina, South Africa, India, Iran, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Malaysia.