Celebrating Our Teacher Awardees 2026
A celebration of four of our teachers who have been recognised for their dedication, care and contributions to education in 2026.
President's Award for Teachers: Mdm Kamalavani D/O Palaiyan
Established in 1988, the President's Award for Teachers recognises outstanding educators for their dedication, hard work and excellence in nurturing our young. This year, we are proud to celebrate Mdm Kamalavani D/O Palaiyan — affectionately known as Mdm Vani — as one of eight recipients of this top honour, presented by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at the annual Teachers' Day Reception on 3 September 2026.
Mdm Vani is a passionate Tamil Language teacher whose journey spans over three decades across primary, secondary and tertiary levels. Guided by a philosophy of nurturing students with motherly care, she teaches both the Tamil language and core life values, leaving an indelible mark on their lives well beyond the classroom.
"Students face challenges that go beyond just language-related issues. When we embrace students who are otherwise dismissed as lacking ability or talent, and instil confidence in them, they can achieve great things," said Mdm Vani.
Believing that every child has the potential to learn and excel, she seizes every opportunity to inspire her students to reach their fullest potential. Her former students credit her with discovering their talents and building their confidence — many regard her as a maternal figure, with her influence inspiring past students to pursue careers in acting, radio and teaching.
Mdm Vani also contributes actively to Tamil Language education, fostering a culture of quality professional learning and supporting the wellbeing of fellow teachers. Her conviction, warmth and professionalism have earned her the deep respect and admiration of staff, students and the wider fraternity alike.
Mdm Vani is, without a doubt, a true gem in our education community. Congratulations to Mdm Vani on receiving the President's Award for Teachers!
Tamil Murasu article (opens in new tab)
Distinguished Chinese Language Teacher Award 2026: Ms Esther Tan Pin Yong
The Distinguished Chinese Language Teacher Award 2026 recognises exceptional Chinese language teachers who inspire a love and appreciation for Chinese language and culture through their passion and dedication. This year, we are proud to celebrate Ms Esther Tan Pin Yong, Head of the Mother Tongue Department, as a winner of this prestigious award.
"Seeing some students enter the media industry and others become Chinese language teachers gives me a sense of mission, which motivates me to plan school activities more actively or give students opportunities to showcase their talents. Because learning Chinese is not just a subject in the classroom, but through generations of inheritance, it can cultivate new blood for society and for our Chinese language ecosystem," said Ms Esther Tan.
Ms Esther Tan does not simply teach Chinese language—she builds the conditions for students to love the language, grow it, and carry it forward. As she continues to lead and grow the community of Chinese language students with the College’s establishment of a Chinese Language Elective Programme (CLEP) Junior College centre, her dedication and vision will no doubt inspire even more students to embrace the language with the same passion and purpose she brings to her craft every day.
Congratulations to Ms Esther Tan on receiving the Distinguished Chinese Language Teacher Award 2026!
Lianhe Zaobao article (opens in new tab)
Most Inspiring Tamil Teacher Award 2026: Ms Kalaivani D/O Ilango
Congratulations to Miss Kalaivani D/O Ilango on receiving the Most Inspiring Tamil Teacher Award 2026!
Miss Kalaivani has been transforming Tamil language education through creative use of technology—from reimagining classic literature with AI tools to having students produce their own podcasts for short story analysis. Her work was showcased at national level platforms such as the Tamil Language EdTech Fest, and she continues to share her innovative approaches with the wider teaching community.
Beyond the classroom, Miss Kalaivani nurtures her students holistically. Under her mentorship, Tamil language students pushed themselves to their fullest potential to achieve excellence in competitions such as the Singapore Tamil Youth Club Conference 2026. She has also guided students in debate, magazine writing, poetry, and even helped former students navigate teaching internships and scholarship applications.
“My students’ achievements and recognition in competitions give me immense pride and satisfaction as a teacher. My desire is not only to preserve Tamil in the classroom, but also to help our language travel beyond it, become part of everyday culture, and touch society,” said Miss Kalaivani.
Miss Kalaivani's dedication to making Tamil literature relevant, accessible, and inspiring for today's learners truly embodies the spirit of the Most Inspiring Tamil Teacher Award.
Tamil Murasu article (opens in new tab)
Caring Teachers Award 2026 — National Level Commendation Award: Mr William Chua
Congratulations to our Senior Teacher, Mr William Chua Wee Lian, recipient of the Caring Teachers Award 2026 — National Level Commendation Award.
Mr William Chua has dedicated his career to shaping not just capable students, but good people. His influence stretches across generations—from the early days of AJC volleyball to the vibrant team culture he has built at ASRJC today.
What sets Mr Chua apart is his belief that character matters more than skill. On the volleyball court, he champions a "team first" culture, reminding his players that there are no star players, only a star team. In his Physical Education lessons, he measures success not by performance alone, but by effort and heart. He tracks every student's progress with quiet attentiveness and ensures that every individual feels seen and valued. For many students who once dreaded PE, his lessons became something to look forward to—a space where confidence grew and purpose was found.
Beyond school grounds, Mr Chua goes the extra mile to create opportunities for growth. He has organised overseas volleyball exchanges to Thailand, curated specialised training plans, and accommodated the schedules of student athletes balancing commitments outside of school. Late trainings, administrative demands, logistical challenges—none of these diminish his presence or enthusiasm.
To his students, Mr Chua is more than a teacher. He is a coach, a mentor, and a fatherly figure—the one who greets them with a wide smile and a loud "hello!" in the corridors, and who believes in them even when they struggle to believe in themselves. The lessons he imparts about discipline, resilience, teamwork, and self-respect are ones his students carry long after they graduate.
The Caring Teachers Award 2026 National Level Commendation Award is a recognition well-earned. To those who have had the privilege of being taught by Mr William Chua, no award could fully capture what he means to them. He has not just taught them how to play volleyball or run a 2.4km—he has taught them how to stand strong in life.
Congratulations, Mr Chua!