MALAYSIA has once again earned global recognition in education after Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Putrajaya Presint 11(1) was named the winner of the prestigious 2025 ‘World’s Best School Prize’ in the ‘Supporting Healthy Lives’ category, awarded by UK-based global education organisation T4 Education.
The announcement was made via live broadcast on Tuesday and witnessed during a special assembly at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC), organised jointly by the Ministry of Education and Yayasan Hasanah. Minister of Education Fadhlina Sidek was present to celebrate the occasion.
“This award is the most prestigious in global education, recognising schools that drive meaningful change through innovative practices that can serve as models for others,” Fadhlina said. “SK Putrajaya Presint 11(1) has been named the winner and will receive USD50,000 (RM235,000).”
The school was recognised for its pioneering mental health initiative, a mobile application called ‘HELPIE’, launched in 2023. The app aims to raise mental health awareness and provide support among primary school children, reaching over 1,000 pupils to date.
Complemented by a peer-support campaign in classrooms, the initiative was praised for its scalable and student-centred approach.
Fadhlina noted that Malaysia has built a strong reputation in the *World’s Best School Prize* since its inception in 2022. That year, SK Kempadang in Pahang and SMK Kampong Jawa in Selangor were shortlisted for their innovative education practices.
“This year, SK Putrajaya Presint 11(1) continues that legacy by standing tall among the top 10 schools globally,” she said.
She added that the win not only elevates Malaysia’s profile in global education, but also demonstrates how schools can lead on urgent issues such as youth mental health.
Founded by T4 Education, the ‘World’s Best School Prizes’ aim to celebrate and share the stories of schools that have created lasting impact in areas such as student wellbeing, overcoming adversity, environmental action, and community engagement.
As part of their prize, three representatives from the winning school will attend the 2025 World Education Summit in Abu Dhabi from 13 to 20 November. Themed ‘Leadership for a Better World’, the conference will bring together global school leaders, education innovators and policymakers. -October 1, 2025
