KUALA LUMPUR, 5 October 2026 – Dasein Academy of Art has launched “I Am A Teacher”, a creative initiative aimed at recognising the contributions of educators and highlighting their lasting influence on individuals and society through art, film and storytelling.

The campaign brings together teachers, students, artists, creative practitioners and members of the public to celebrate the people who have helped shape generations, while raising awareness of the challenges faced by educators in Malaysia.

Through a combination of visual storytelling, animation, digital content and public engagement activities, the initiative encourages Malaysians to reflect on the teachers who have made a difference in their lives.

Rather than focusing solely on academic achievements, the campaign explores the personal experiences and relationships that define the teaching profession.

According to Dasein Academy of Art, teachers play an important role beyond delivering classroom lessons, often influencing students' confidence, character and future aspirations.

The campaign centres on a question that many people can relate to: “What does a teacher leave behind?”

Celebrating Teachers Through Art and Storytelling

One of the key highlights of “I Am A Teacher” is its use of creative media to bring educators' stories to a wider audience.

The campaign features a dedicated film, short-form digital stories, an animation series and teacher-inspired artworks, each offering a different perspective on the teaching profession.

These creative works aim to capture the experiences, dedication and personal contributions of educators, particularly the moments that may go unnoticed outside the classroom.

By incorporating filmmaking, illustration, animation and storytelling, Dasein seeks to demonstrate how creative expression can be used to communicate meaningful social messages.

The campaign also creates opportunities for artists and creative practitioners to engage with real-life experiences, using their skills to highlight stories that resonate with the community.

A major component of the initiative is “Share Your Teacher Story”, an interactive activity that invites members of the public to share memories of teachers who have positively influenced their lives.

Participants are encouraged to recall educators who recognised their potential, provided guidance during difficult times or inspired them to pursue their ambitions.

These contributions will form a collective collection of personal stories celebrating the individuals behind Malaysia's education system.

The activity also provides an avenue for former students to express their appreciation towards teachers whose influence may have continued long after their school years.

Highlighting the Realities of Teaching

Beyond celebrating teachers' contributions, the campaign also seeks to draw attention to important issues affecting the teaching profession.

These include educators' workloads, staff retention and overall well-being, which remain important considerations in discussions surrounding the education sector.

Through the initiative, Dasein hopes to encourage conversations that go beyond statistics and education policies by placing greater emphasis on the experiences of teachers themselves.

The campaign officially began with the “I Am A Teacher Dialogue” held on 28 May 2026 at Dasein Academy of Art.

The session brought together teachers and education practitioners to discuss their professional journeys, motivations and experiences in education.

The dialogue provided a platform for educators to share their perspectives while encouraging greater public understanding of the responsibilities and challenges associated with teaching.

By incorporating these discussions into a wider creative campaign, Dasein aims to promote appreciation for teachers while recognising the importance of supporting their well-being.

Grand Finale Exhibition and Teacher Appreciation App

The campaign's programme was set to culminate in a Grand Finale Exhibition on 5 October 2026, at Dasein Academy of Art, located in Millerz Square, Old Klang Road, Kuala Lumpur.

The exhibition was planned to feature a showcase of teacher-inspired artworks, animation screenings and engagement activities involving educators, media representatives and community partners.

Organisations involved in the initiative include the National Union of the Teaching Profession Malaysia (NUTP) and the Malaysia Retailers Association (MRA).

The exhibition was designed to bring together the campaign's creative works and personal stories, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the contributions of educators through different artistic perspectives.

Another highlight of the finale was the planned introduction of “I'm a Teacher”, an appreciation and rewards application developed to recognise educators.

The application aims to provide an additional form of recognition for teachers, extending the campaign's appreciation efforts beyond its creative activities and public engagement initiatives.

Its introduction reflects the campaign's broader objective of encouraging continued recognition of educators within the community.

Connecting Creative Education With Social Impact

For Dasein Academy of Art, “I Am A Teacher” also reflects its approach to connecting creative education with real-world issues.

Established in 1996, the academy has incorporated industry collaborations, workshops and community initiatives into its educational programmes, providing students with opportunities to apply their creative skills beyond the classroom.

The teacher appreciation campaign builds on this approach by demonstrating how art and design can contribute to conversations surrounding education and social responsibility.

Through its combination of creative projects and community participation, the initiative also highlights the potential of the creative industry to communicate meaningful messages and engage audiences on issues beyond commercial work.

With the campaign extending to digital and community platforms, Dasein hopes to encourage more Malaysians to recognise the contributions of teachers and reflect on the individuals who have influenced their personal and professional journeys.

Ultimately, “I Am A Teacher” aims to bring greater recognition to the people behind education, reminding the public that a teacher's influence often extends well beyond the classroom.

More information about the initiative and its activities can be found through Dasein Academy of Art's official channels.

Discover Creative Talents from Dasein Academy of Art

Behind every aspiring creative professional is an educator who helped shape their journey. Explore the portfolios of Dasein Academy of Art's students and alumni on Rtist, and discover the next generation of Malaysian creative talent.

View their portfolios here: https://www.rtist.co/portfolios?school_id%5B%5D=dasein-academy-of-art