TENZIN LHAKI | Thimphu
On 15 October 2025 in Bangkok, Chimi Dema, a teacher at Peljorling Higher Secondary School in Samtse, made history as the first Bhutanese educator to be awarded the prestigious Princess Maha Chakri Award (PMCA). The award honours teachers whose exemplary work has made ‘deep and enduring contributions to their students, their schools and wider communities.’
Institutionally, Bhutan was invited to join the PMCA programme in 2023, making Dema’s selection in 2025 especially significant.
The PMCA website outlines Dema’s guiding principle as: ‘Being the Champion by Championing Every Child.’
She holds a Master of Arts in English and a Bachelor of Education in IT/English from the Royal University of Bhutan. In 2021 she published the novel Dvija: Twice Born, which helped spark a writing movement among her students.
She led free online English courses during summer vacation and a month-long intensive English programme that boosted her school’s national ranking in English to 9th. She initiated an evidence-based research project, “Role of Discipline in Academic Performance of Students of Peljorling Higher Secondary School: A Gender-Based Study”, and ensuing recommendations led the school to revise its discipline policy to better support students.
Beyond classroom teaching, she volunteered as a “Desuup” — a national service volunteer — during the COVID-19 pandemic, serving on the frontlines and providing offline instructional materials and online engagement.
“I felt deeply blessed and humbled to be selected as the first recipient of the PMCA from Bhutan. This recognition, to me, symbolizes the collective effort, dedication, and spirit of every teacher and student in our country,” said Chimi Dema. “This award is the highest honor I could ever imagine. It fills me with immense pride and reinforces my commitment to His Majesty the King’s noble vision for education” she added.
On 15 October in Bangkok, 14 teachers from ASEAN member states and neighbouring countries were honoured. Chimi Dema’s selection marks a historic milestone as Bhutan’s first recipient of this prestigious international award.
Officials noted that Bhutan’s nomination process saw 33 submissions from dzongkhags and thromdes, from which ten finalists were shortlisted, culminating in Chimi Dema’s selection.
Her initiative titled ‘Artistic Champions’ aligns with her broader mission to encourage young writers and artists to explore creativity, identity and purpose. This is consistent with the PMCA foundation’s description of her as someone who guided her students to write and publish their own books helping them develop confidence as young authors.
“In my classroom, I strive to be a friend and mentor to my students, However, maintaining the fine balance between connection and discipline is essential—respect and boundaries must guide our relationships to ensure learning remains purposeful” exclaimed Chimi Dema.
“The biggest challenge is staying updated. What was enough yesterday is not enough today. To meet my students’ evolving needs, I must keep learning, unlearning, and improving every single day” she added
Her message to fellow Bhutanese teachers, “Bhutanese teachers are extraordinary. They go far beyond their assigned duties, driven by compassion and a deep sense of purpose. We must continue to innovate, create, and produce students who are not only skilled and competent but also compassionate and grounded in our values.”
“We must create our own brand of education—rooted in Bhutanese values yet open to global perspectives. Doing it with heart and authenticity will make our system unique and influential beyond borders,” said Chimi Dema.
Chimi Dema’s recognition puts a spotlight on Bhutan’s education sector internationally. Her selection signals that Bhutanese teachers can compete and shine on a global stage, aligning with national visions of education rooted in competence, character and service.
Her methodologies—mentoring students to publish, designing intensive English courses, undertaking action research within her own school—offer a model that other schools may adapt.
It also highlights the value of teacher professionalism, continuous professional development and innovative, student-centred pedagogy in shaping learner outcomes.
As the first Bhutanese recipient of the PMCA, Chimi Dema carries a symbolic mantle—not just of her own achievement but of the possibilities for Bhutanese educators. Her path invites other teachers to consider how creativity, service and research can be woven into everyday teaching.
For Peljorling Higher Secondary School, and for other schools in Bhutan, her recognition might catalyse further innovation in pedagogy, mentorship programmes, and student engagement beyond standard classroom instruction.
Her story also invites policymakers and educational leaders to reflect on how teacher recognition, professional development and student-centred initiatives can be scaled across the country.
The Princess Maha Chakri Award (PMCA) was established in 2015 to commemorate the 60th birthday anniversary of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Presented biennially, the award recognises one outstanding teacher from each participating country. Bhutan, along with Bangladesh and Mongolia was invited to join the PMCA in 2023, making Chimi as the Bhutan’s first recipient.
