Malaysia gets a wholesome win this week as Taylor’s College teams up with Sekolah Kebangsaan Pendidikan Khas Kota Kinabalu (SKPK KK) to officially unveil Sabah’s first Inclusive Music Room, a sensory-friendly space designed specially for students with hearing impairments and learning disabilities.
Why this matters
Because for many special needs students, music is not just something you listen to, it’s something you feel.
And this upgraded room finally gives them a proper space to explore rhythm, vibration, movement and expression in their own way.
🎧 A RM50,000 Upgrade Bringing More Than Just New Instruments
The room makeover was made possible through a RM50,000 sponsorship from Taylor’s College, awarded to Cikgu Stefanus Lucas, the RISE Educator Award 2025 winner.
Instead of a typical music classroom, this room is designed to be:
- Sensory friendly
- Packed with traditional and modern instruments
- Built around visual cues, rhythm and vibrations
- A safe space where students can explore confidence and creativity
The vibe is basically: music that you can see, feel and move with.
🌟 Leaders Who Showed Up To Support
The launch didn’t just get attention, it got real backing.
Among those present were:
- Mohamad Sufri bin Salim, Chief Assistant Director of Special Education, Sabah Education Department
- Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun, Senior Private Secretary to the Chief Minister of Sabah
Both called the project a strong example of how private and public partners can build more inclusive education experiences for Malaysian kids.
🎤 Meet The Teacher Who Started Everything: Cikgu Stefanus
If this story feels extra inspiring, that’s because the heart of it is Cikgu Stefanus, the educator who joined SKPK KK in 2024 and completely reimagined what music could be for special needs learners.
He started with almost nothing. no proper room, no dedicated tools just creative DIY sessions and genuine passion. Today:
- He runs a structured music program with 40+ students
- Uses rhythm, vibration and movement to teach music
- Helped students perform for the first time
- Even got recognised on international platforms
His quote hits deep:
“Music for my students is about feeling, seeing and expressing. This room reminds us to focus on ability, not disability.”
🧡 Taylor’s College: From Awards to Real Impact
This is the second school in Sabah that Taylor’s College has supported under its mission to empower educators.
Earlier this year, Taylor’s awarded:
- RM5,000 to Stefanus as the RISE Educator Award 2025 winner
- RM50,000 for his school
- RM1,000 each to four finalists
- RM10,000 to each finalist’s school for facility upgrades
It’s a reminder that recognition means more when it comes with real support and real change.
This Inclusive Music Room isn’t just a school project. it’s a blueprint for how inclusive education can look across Malaysia.
Music is now:
- A communication tool
- A confidence builder
- A safe space for expression
- A new learning opportunity for special needs students
And honestly, seeing Sabah lead the way feels like a proud moment for East Malaysia.
The upgraded Inclusive Music Room in Sabah proves that when educators are supported, students get opportunities that go way beyond the classroom.
This initiative is a small step for one school, but a big move for inclusive education in Malaysia.