HELPIE APP SET FOR NATIONAL EXPANSION FOLLOWING SK PUTRAJAYA PRESINT 11(1) SUCCESS

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 1 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Education (MOE) will expand support for the mental health application ‘Helpie’, developed by Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Putrajaya Presint 11(1), following the school’s success in winning the 2025 World’s Best School Prize.

Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the ministry would focus on three key areas: the potential for the app to be rolled out nationwide, continued support for the headmaster and teachers, and ensuring the school serves as a reference model for other institutions.

“First, we will consider the app itself and how its capabilities can be expanded. Second, we will continue to support the headmaster and teachers in developing further innovations.

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“Third, we will ensure the school is recognised and elevated as an exemplary institution, whose role and innovations can be shared with other schools,” she told a press conference here last night.

SK Putrajaya Presint 11(1) was named the winner of the 2025 World’s Best School Prize in the Supporting Healthy Lives category by T4 Education, putting Malaysia once again on the global education map.

Fadhlina said the achievement sets the highest benchmark in national education, and the experience gained by SK Putrajaya Presint 11(1) should not remain confined to that school alone.

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Founded by T4 Education, the World’s Best School Prize is the most prestigious global education award, recognising institutions that inspire positive change through innovative practices that can be emulated by schools worldwide.

“The ministry will ensure continued support so that their experience can be expanded and shared with schools across the country,” she said.

She also highlighted that Helpie has proven effective in reducing stress, and improving students’ emotional and psychosocial support at school, and should now be considered for broader implementation under MOE.

Fadhlina expressed her gratitude for the historic victory, marking the first time a Malaysian school has been crowned a world champion.

“Alhamdulillah, the results have finally been announced. Malaysia has not only been ranked among the top 10 schools previously, but has now, for the first time, emerged as the overall champion

“This victory highlights the role of the school, the headmaster, teachers, students, and parents who have consistently nurtured students’ potential through the Helpie app,” she said, expressing appreciation to Yayasan Hasanah for supporting the initiative.

Project lead and coordinator Mohd Saharudin Setapa said the app has been in development since 2023, with functions improved over time to meet current needs.

“Based on feedback, the app has a positive impact as students become more confident and willing to share their problems. It helps reduce mental stress and raises awareness of the importance of emotional well-being,” he said.

He added that the Helpie team continues to grow with the involvement of former students now in secondary school, demonstrating continuity in collaboration and innovation.

Fourteen-year-old Muhammad Muhriz Marzuki, who led the initial development of Helpie in 2023, expressed pride in the achievement.

“I feel very proud because we worked hard for this. This is the result of the dedication and hard work of our teachers and friends, who consistently gave their time and effort,” he said.

Fadhlina emphasised that the success proves the country’s education system can produce world-class innovations and hopes it will inspire more schools to follow the example of SK Putrajaya Presint 11(1).

“Our education has reached the global stage, becoming outstanding, and, God willing, more successes will follow,” she said.

-- BERNAMA