Samsung Electronics Australia has today announced the winner of its inaugural STEM Teacher of the Year Awards, with local Pymble Ladies College teacher Mr. Asaph Becker being crowned the overall winner following a nationwide call-out.

Samsung designed the award to recognise the hard work and positive impact STEM teachers have on today’s young minds and future leaders. This follows research commissioned earlier in the year by Samsung, which showed that 59% of Australians agree that STEM teachers should receive more recognition than they currently receive¹.

Current and former students, fellow teachers, parents and industry experts were asked to nominate a teacher who makes STEM feel less like a subject and more like an adventure against specific criteria.

Mr. Asaph Becker, the Head of Robotics at Pymble Ladies College, said, “I’m incredibly honoured to receive the Samsung STEM Teacher of the Year Award, especially knowing it comes from the students I’m so passionate about supporting. My goal has always been to empower students, particularly women, to pursue STEM with passion and purpose and to build a supportive community where everyone feels they can make a meaningful impact. This award reflects the hard work of my students, who inspire me every day to make a difference.”

The entries were judged by a panel of industry experts, including Astrophysicist and STEM advocate Dr Kirsten Banks. The judges selected the winners based on how the teacher has positively impacted their students and the industry and how they continue to demonstrate their commitment to and passion for STEM.

Phil Gaut, Senior Director and Head of Display at Samsung Electronics Australia, said, “Samsung is delighted to celebrate the exceptional educators who have been awarded the STEM Teacher of the Year Awards. These teachers are at the forefront of inspiring curiosity, creativity and a love for learning in STEM, empowering the next generation to achieve incredible things. We are proud to recognise their invaluable contributions to education and their lasting impact on students and communities across Australia.”

Dr Kirsten Banks, Astrophysicist and STEM advocate, said, “I have experienced first-hand the profound impact STEM teachers have on young minds, helping them develop essential skills like critical thinking, creativity and communication. Congratulations to the inaugural winners of Samsung’s STEM Teacher of the Year Awards—this recognition is a true testament to their hard work, dedication, and the positive impact they have on shaping the innovators of tomorrow. It’s inspiring to celebrate these educators who play such a pivotal role in fostering the next generation of thinkers and problem-solvers.”

The competition received over 360 entries from across the country, with judging proving difficult because of the high calibre of entries and nominees.

The winning teacher was awarded two Samsung Galaxy Tab S9, one Galaxy Buds3 Pro and a Galaxy Fit3. The runner-up teacher, Mr. Henk Plaggemars from Woodville High School, received one Galaxy Tab S9 FE and a Galaxy Fit3, and the winning student from Pymble Ladies College received a Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+.

¹ Pure Profile research commissioned by Samsung Electronics Australia surveying 1,003 Australians aged 18+, October 2024