IN AN effort to make learning English fun, primary school teacher Matthew Ong developed a game populated by knights and armies that sees his pupils conquer territories on a map.

The game acts as an incentive for student, who gain rewards, like bigger armies, for doing things such as writing the best poem in class.

'I try to get my students to see the importance of English and how they can use it to their advantage in different contexts,' said the Anglo-Chinese School (Junior) teacher.

On Wednesday, the innovation landed the 28-year-old Mr Ong an inaugural Inspiring Teacher of English Award.

He joined eight others in winning the first national award to recognise teachers who have helped their students improve their English skills.

Jointly presented by The Straits Times and the Speak Good English Movement, the awards were handed out at a ceremony last night at the Plaza of the National Library.

Each winner received a trophy and a cash prize worth $2,000 from Rear-Admiral Lui Tuck Yew, Senior Minister of State for Education and Information, Communications and the Arts.

The winners beat 154 other teachers nominated by students, parents and colleagues. They emerged following a rigorous selection process that included classroom evaluations and interviews with judges from The Straits Times, the Speak Good English Movement and the British Council.

Read the full story in Thursday's edition of The Straits Times.