Caring Teacher Awards honour educators who build lasting bonds with students

Ten educators were recognised at the 16th Caring Teacher Awards (CTA) for their commitment to nurturing students and building relationships that extend beyond the classroom.

Among the recipients was Ms Chan Sew Yoon, 54, an English and Mathematics teacher at Fairfield Methodist School (Primary), who has spent 31 years in education. For Ms Chen, the most meaningful part of teaching is seeing her former students grow and thrive. She continues to keep in touch with many of them and has been invited to share in significant milestones such as their graduations, weddings and baby celebrations.

Fellow award recipient Mr Felix Yeoh, 48, a Mathematics and Science teacher at Woodlands Ring Secondary School, chose teaching over an engineering career after discovering his ability to connect with students and inspire their interest in learning. After 21 years in education, he believes that a teacher’s role goes beyond helping students achieve good grades, teachers can also be trusted adults whom students can turn to as they navigate life’s challenges.

The other two CTA recipients were Ms Raja Shahridah, 35, from Beatty Secondary School and Mr Shyamsuraj Yadav, 38, from Tanjong Katong Girls’ School. Six other educators received the Commendation Award.

Organised by the National Institute of Education (NIE), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, with support from the Ministry of Education and ExxonMobil Asia Pacific, the biennial Caring Teacher Awards were established in 1996. The 16th edition was held on 21 August 2026 at Raffles Girls’ School, with Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Education and National Development, as Guest-of-Honour.

This year, the Awards received 18,122 nominations from 301 schools, representing a 39 per cent increase in nominations and a 16 per cent increase in participating schools compared with the previous edition.

Read the full coverage on Lianhe Zaobao here.