Samuel Isaiah

Executive Director PEMIMPIN

Samuel Isaiah is a passionate Malaysian educator who has spent over 15 years transforming education from the ground up. His journey began in a rural indigenous school, where he dedicated himself to improving the educational experiences and outcomes of Orang Asli students. Through his unwavering belief in the power of teachers and community, Samuel pioneered inclusive, culturally responsive practices that not only empowered his students but also inspired systemic change. 

In 2020, Samuel made history as the first Malaysian to be named a Top 10 Finalist for the prestigious Global Teacher Prize. His recognition on the global stage was a powerful testament to his work in bridging gaps for underserved communities and elevating the teaching profession. In 2021 and 2022, he was named one of Asia’s Most Influential in Education, and in 2022, he was awarded the Anugerah Harapan Merdeka, one of Malaysia’s highest youth leadership honours. 

Today, Samuel serves as the Executive Director of PEMIMPIN Global School Leaders (PEMIMPIN), an organisation that focuses on strengthening school leadership and improving student outcomes across Malaysia. Under his leadership, PEMIMPIN has grown to support thousands of teachers and school leaders through leadership fellowships, educational technology and prize initiatives. Samuel firmly believes that the most sustainable educational reforms begin in classrooms, driven by the leadership and agency of teachers themselves. 

Samuel is also the co-founder of the Malaysia Teacher Prize, a national platform that celebrates, uplifts, and amplifies the voices of exceptional teachers who are making a difference in their communities. Through the Prize, he has worked to shift public perception of the teaching profession, highlighting teachers as pivotal nation-builders whose impact extends far beyond the classroom. 

In 2024, Samuel and his team introduced LADAP+, Malaysia’s first teacher development mobile application, designed to provide teachers with on-demand, practical training to address the challenges they face in classrooms, particularly in literacy and numeracy. This innovative platform aims to make professional development more accessible, relevant, and scalable for educators across the country. 

Throughout his career, Samuel has been a fierce advocate for equity in education, teacher empowerment, and student-centred leadership. His work is deeply anchored in the belief that teachers are not just implementers of policy but leaders capable of driving profound and lasting change in schools and in the lives of their students. Whether it is through his work in remote villages, his leadership at PEMIMPIN, or his national initiatives, Samuel continues to champion the educators at the heart of Malaysia’s future

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