UPSI Lecturer Wins Prestigious National Academic Award

UPSI Lecturer Assoc. Prof. Dr. Saipolbarin Ramli Clinches Prestigious Teaching Award at 17th National Academic Awards

KLANG — Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI) continues to cement its position as a leading educational institution following Associate Professor Dr. Saipolbarin Ramli’s victory at the 17th National Academic Awards (AAN) held at the Wyndham Acmar Hotel on Friday, October 30, 2026.

Dr. Saipolbarin, a senior lecturer at UPSI’s Faculty of Languages and Communication, bagged the Teaching Award under the Arts and Social Sciences Cluster.

UPSI Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr. Md Amin Md Taff noted that the achievement highlights the university’s commitment to instructional innovation, particularly in enhancing Arabic language pedagogy through structured, student-centered learning frameworks.

Portrait of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Saipolbarin Ramli holding his trophy and certificate following the 17th National Academic Awards. — Associate Professor Dr. Saipolbarin Ramli holds his award trophy and certificate following the 17th National Academic Awards (AAN) ceremony in Klang, Selangor, in this photo published on October 30, 2026. Ramli was recognized for developing the SMART-5 Station Learning Model (SMART-5 SLM), an instructional framework designed to modernize Arabic language education for future teachers. *(Photo: UPSI Corporate Communications / The Malaysia Times)*

The SMART-5 Station Learning Model

A central pillar of Dr. Saipolbarin’s academic recognition is his creation of the SMART-5 Station Learning Model (SMART-5 SLM), an innovative framework integrating multi-tiered teaching methods into a mastery learning orientation.

Designed specifically for the Curriculum and Pedagogy of Arabic Language course, the model guides student-teachers through five key learning stations:

Foundation
Guided Mastery
Competency Development
Professional Practice
Showcase

“SMART-5 SLM guides students progressively from foundational mastery to active teaching practice and output sharing. It emphasizes continuous mentorship, constructive feedback, and remedial opportunities before students advance, ensuring future educators build competence and confidence,” Prof. Md Amin stated.

The model aligns with the “HIDUP” learning philosophy, emphasizing knowledge appreciation, active sharing, meaningful dialogue, continuous effort, and a shared learning journey under the ethos “Yallah Namsyi Ma’an” (“let us walk together”). The integration of digital technologies directly addresses long-standing challenges faced by students who struggle with oral confidence despite years of Arabic instruction.

UPSI Vice-Chancellor Prof. Datuk Dr. Md Amin Md Taff together with university leadership celebrating Dr. Saipolbarin Ramli's award victory. — UPSI Vice-Chancellor Prof. Datuk Dr. Md Amin Md Taff (fifth from left) and senior university executives stand alongside Teaching Award winner Assoc. Prof. Dr. Saipolbarin Ramli (sixth from right) during the 17th National Academic Awards (AAN) ceremony in Klang, Selangor, in this photo published on October 30, 2026. (Photo: UPSI Corporate Communications / The Malaysia Times)

Global Recognition and National Honors

Between 2014 and 2025, Dr. Saipolbarin’s pedagogical innovations have secured 25 international and national recognitions, comprising 16 gold, 7 silver, and 2 bronze medals. His accolades at UPSI include the Transformative Teaching Innovation Award, Immersive Face-to-Face Learning Award, and the Academic Advisory Award under the Akademia Bitara Awards (AKIRA).

The 17th AAN honor carries a cash prize of RM50,000, an official trophy, and a certificate of commendation, presented by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir.

Established in 2006, the National Academic Award represents the country’s premier recognition for higher education academicians across teaching, research, publication, and creative arts.

. The Malaysia Times .

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