In the heart of Sabah, a small town called Keningau, roughly 110 kilometers from Kota Kinabalu, is home to a remarkable educator whose work transcends the traditional boundaries of teaching. Vienny Balakrishnan, a cosmetology instructor at Keningau Vocational College (KVC), has turned her classroom into a hub of compassion, creativity, and change. Now in her seventh year at the college, Vienny has earned a spot among 90 educators shortlisted for the 2025 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards, standing as the only Sabahan in this prestigious global recognition.
A Classroom Without Walls
For Vienny, teaching is not confined to lesson plans or lecture halls. At 33, she sees her role as a mission to combat poverty and inequality, a drive shaped by her middle-class upbringing in Keningau and the struggles of her students, many of whom hail from low-income families. “I want to end poverty. I want everyone to have equal access to food, clothing, and a place to call home” she said with quiet determination. 
Her commitment manifests in deeply personal ways. Vienny often opens her home to students in need, providing meals, comfort, and guidance. For those balancing school with part-time jobs to support their families, her support offers a lifeline. This empathy is not just an act of kindness but a cornerstone of her teaching philosophy, one that extends her influence far beyond the college’s walls.
Innovation from Waste: Beauty with a Purpose
Vienny’s impact is perhaps most visible in her innovative approach to cosmetology. Recognizing the beauty industry’s dual nature—its thriving market and its substantial waste—she pioneered the use of discarded materials to create tools and products. Under her mentorship, students have transformed waste into award-winning creations, such as a beautician’s stool made from plastic, paper, and pre-loved clothes, which secured a state-level prize of 3,000 Malaysian Ringgit (US$635), and foot scrubbers crafted from discarded corncobs, earning 300 Malaysian Ringgit (US$63).
“The beauty industry continues to thrive, but so does its waste. Turning that waste into something valuable is not just creative, it is necessary” Vienny said. These projects do more than clean up the environment; they empower students to envision sustainable social enterprises, blending entrepreneurship with environmental consciousness. Her classroom has become a laboratory for ideas that address global challenges through local action.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Vienny’s influence on her students is profound. Jesslinda Had Kennedy, a 20-year-old student, was so moved by her teacher’s passion that she nominated Vienny for the international award. “She made me believe I could help solve a global problem by starting with one small action at home” Jesslinda said, emphasizing how Vienny’s teachings inspire broader impact. This sentiment reflects the transformative power of Vienny’s approach—instilling in her students the belief that small, intentional acts can ripple into significant change.
KVC director Lumang Lang also lauded Vienny’s contributions, noting that her values align seamlessly with the Malaysian Education Ministry’s goals for vocational training. “Every teacher has their strengths. I believe mine lies in innovating new products from waste, especially for the beauty industry” Vienny said, highlighting her unique niche in education.
A Grounded Heroine Amid Global Recognition
Despite the international spotlight, Vienny remains rooted in her community. In her free time, she hikes through Sabah’s lush landscapes, explores local eateries, and cherishes moments with her pet, a Shih Tzu poodle-mix. Her humility shines through in her life motto, “one day at a time.” “That is how I live. But I know that every bit of effort matters” she said, encapsulating her steady, purposeful approach to both life and teaching.
As the world awaits the announcement of the Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards regional winners on April 23, 2025, the people of Keningau already see Vienny as a local heroine. Her blend of compassion, creativity, and conviction has touched lives far beyond her classroom, proving that teaching is not just about imparting skills but about fostering love, sacrifice, and the belief that every student deserves a chance to thrive.
In a world often focused on grand gestures, Vienny Balakrishnan’s story reminds us that change can start with one teacher, one classroom, and one small act of kindness in a town like Keningau—a ripple of hope for a brighter, more sustainable future.
