The education ministry will expand support for Helpie, a mental health application developed by SK Putrajaya Presint 11(1), following the school’s victory in the 2025 World’s Best School Prize.
The Helpie app was launched in 2023 to make mental health support accessible, engaging and fun for students.
Education minister Fadhlina Sidek said the ministry would explore the nationwide adoption of the app, provide continued backing for the school’s leadership and teachers, and establish the school as a reference model for others, reported Bernama.
Fadhlina, who said the school’s win sets a new benchmark in national education, added that Helpie had proven effective in reducing stress and strengthening psychosocial support among students.
“First, we will look at how the app’s capabilities can be expanded. Second, we will continue to support the headmaster and teachers in developing further innovations. Third, we will ensure that the school is recognised as an exemplary institution whose practices can be shared with other schools,” she told reporters last night.
The World’s Best School Prize recognises institutions that inspire positive change through innovative practices that can be emulated by schools worldwide.
The prize is awarded in five categories: community collaboration, environmental action, innovation, overcoming adversity, and supporting healthy lives.
SK Putrajaya Presint 11(1) was named the global winner in the supporting healthy lives category by T4 Education, making it the first Malaysian school to clinch the top prize.
Helpie’s development was led by student developer Muhriz Marzuki, now 14, with guidance from teachers.
Project coordinator Saharudin Setapa said the app had helped reduce stress among students and increase their awareness of their emotional wellbeing.
“Students have become more confident and open in sharing their problems,” he said.
The app’s development team has now expanded to include former students, ensuring the continuity of collaboration and innovation.
Fadhlina also said the recognition was proof that Malaysia’s education system could produce world-class innovations and should inspire other schools to follow suit.
