Latest news with #SijilTinggiPersekolahanMalaysia
The Star
19 minutes ago
- Politics
- The Star
Public varsity placements for STPM holders rose by 90% over seven years, says Zambry
KUALA LUMPUR: The number of Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) and equivalent certificate leavers offered placements in public universities increased by 90.1% over the past seven years, the Dewan Rakyat was told. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir said a total of 4,530 STPM and equivalent leavers were offered placements for the 2018/2019 academic session while as many as 8,612 were offered for the 2024/2025 academic session. He also said there are open or commercial pathways that operate on an 'over and above' principle and do not interfere with projections for the main intake. 'Open channels will also have to undergo an evaluation process and adhere to qualifications, alongside compliance with academic conditions, language skills and programme criteria. 'There is no compromise on standards set by accredited bodies,' he said in a written reply on Wednesday (July 30). Zambry added that the open channel model shows the growing maturity of the higher education system, noting the rapid developments in the academic world. 'This requires universities to be quick on their feet and have their own financial resources,' he said. He stressed that the ministry is committed to ensuring access to tertiary education continues to grow and benefit all Malaysians. He was replying to Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (BN-Ayer Hitam), who asked why fewer STPM top scorers were admitted through the Unit Pusat Universiti (UPU) system compared to matriculation and foundation students since 2018. Dr Wee also asked about a lack of government funding, forcing public universities to overcome the shortcomings through open channels, resulting in higher tuition fees.
The Star
14-07-2025
- General
- The Star
Inspiring feat as woman finally completes her STPM journey
Compiled by C. ARUNO and RAGANANTHINI VETHASALAM DESPITE facing learning difficulties and with no prior formal lessons in the language, a woman in Sibu, Sarawak, attained a B- in the Chinese Language subject in the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) 2024, China Press reported. Huang Yu Yin, who is a slow learner, managed to complete her journey in getting her STPM qualification despite it taking her several years to do so. According to one of Huang's teachers, the subject is challenging as it requires candidates to have knowledge of classical and contemporary literature. Candidates are also required to demonstrate their logical skills and provide an analysis. The teacher commended Huang, saying that she is a keen and diligent student. To her teachers, young people like Huang are the reason they joined the teaching profession. 'She started learning Chinese from scratch. This meant she had to read hundreds of literature texts from the pre-Qin dynasty period up to the modern era. 'Not only that, but she was required to write essays of more than 1,000 words on the subject,' the teacher said. According to her mother, Zhan Shu Quan, Huang was required to have a passing grade in the SPM Chinese Language exam before she was allowed to take the subject in Form Six. As such, Zhan arranged for her daughter, who had never attended Chinese classes, to go for a two-month intensive course during the Movement Control Order a few years ago. 'I had never imagined that learning the Chinese language could be so fun,' Huang said. The course allowed her to sit for the Chinese Language SPM exam as a private candidate. She passed and successfully enrolled in Form Six. However, her journey was not smooth sailing as she was diagnosed with depression due to stress from her Form Six studies. Despite the challenges, Huang was determined to persevere. Her mother helped her arrange for tuition, besides getting information on university enrolment requirements. Huang has now applied for a Bachelor of Education course with the hope of becoming a Chinese Language teacher one day. For those keen on a similar career path, she said: 'As long as you believe in yourself and are willing to work hard, you can succeed.' The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a, it denotes a separate news item.
The Sun
11-07-2025
- General
- The Sun
Free STPM Tamil guidebook for 700 students nationwide
KLANG: A total of 700 students taking the Tamil subject in the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) examination will receive a free specialised guidebook to support their studies. Deputy National Unity Minister K. Saraswathy announced the initiative, highlighting the guidebook's coverage of all three semesters' syllabi. The resource was developed by a team of academics, including professors and Form Six teachers. Saraswathy emphasised that the guidebook will be distributed annually to STPM Tamil students nationwide, particularly those without access to Tamil language teachers. She noted that the Ministry of Education had previously published a similar guidebook in 2018. 'This new publication continues the government's efforts to expand Tamil reference materials and mitigate teacher shortages,' she said during the launch of 'Buku Panduan STPM Bahasa Tamil'. The International Association for Tamil Research (IATR) spearheaded the guidebook's publication, which is not yet commercially available. Saraswathy urged schools to acquire copies to assist students ahead of the STPM exams. At the event, she presented the guidebook to 100 students, stating, 'This book will serve as a vital reference and help bridge gaps in Tamil language education.'
The Star
04-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Only scorers of 10As or A+ get direct entry to matriculation
SELAYANG: Only students who score 10 straight As, comprising only A+ and A grades in their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), will be given automatic admission into matriculation colleges, Fadhlina Sidek clarified. However, the Education Minister said those with A- grades can still apply to matriculation institutions and are not excluded from being eligible for matriculation programmes. 'We never made any statements that A- is not an A or that an A- is not excellent. We never said that at all,' she told reporters after an award presentation ceremony for the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia top scorers yesterday. She also said that 86% of students applying for matriculation programmes took nine subjects, while only 14% took 10 subjects. 'We must be fair to the 86% who sat for nine subjects. Only 14% took 10 subjects,' she said. She added that the ministry's focus on merit remains, especially since matriculation is a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) pathway. 'We give priority to that. But we never said that students with A- are ineligible to apply for matriculation. 'They can still apply and will go through the normal merit-based process,' she said. Fadhlina said other factors, such as Physical Activity, Sports and Co-Curriculum Assessment, are also considered during selection. 'We want to ensure that all students are given opportunities based on merit, set priorities and the quota system. ... We are making sure that all students are given placements based on a fair assessment of their circumstances,' she said. The clarification comes in response to public concern that students with A- were being sidelined in this year's matriculation intake. Previously, SPM students with 10As and above were guaranteed a place in the matriculation programme, as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in June last year. However, a new circular issued on April 30 stipulates that only those with 10 straight As, comprising only A+ and A grades, qualify automatically for the 2025/2026 intake. On May 30, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong criticised the Education Ministry's revised entry criteria, which no longer recognises A- as equivalent to an A. Dr Wee said the change marks a major shift from last year's policy, which considered students with 10As and above for matriculation, following a commitment made by the Prime Minister. He added that MCA has received hundreds of appeals from students and parents who are confused and disheartened by the change.
Sinar Daily
04-07-2025
- General
- Sinar Daily
Top STPM 2024 student credits academic success to Quran memorisation
ANYONE who excels in their studies must have their own unique strategies for success, and that's precisely what sets them apart. For Muhammad Irham Mazlan, 18, one of the eight top scorers in the 2024 Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM), his approach is deeply rooted in discipline, faith and consistency. The Kelantan-born student, who scored 5As and a perfect cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.00, attributes much of his academic success to his long-standing commitment to Quran memorisation. Image for illustrative purposes only. He began memorising the Quran in Form 1 at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama (SMKA) Tok Bachok under the Tahfiz Model Ulul Albab programme, mastering 26 juzuk. Even after transferring to Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tengku Panglima Raja in Pasir Mas in Form 6, he remained istiqamah (consistent) in his efforts to continue his memorisation. According to Irham, the process of Quran memorisation not only instilled discipline but also sharpened his focus and memory, directly benefiting his academic performance. "If you can repeat a page of the Quran 40 times, revising academic subjects becomes much easier. Hafazan (memorisation of the Quran) trains the brain to focus and retain information," he told Sinar. Inspired by the same techniques used in his tahfiz journey, Irham adopted a structured study method for his academic revision, repeating notes, doing practice questions consistently and forming effective study habits. Irham, who is also Pre-University Student Representative Council president also credits his success to a small, committed study group he formed with his peers. He said although he was a day scholar and did not stay in the hostel, he and his friends received permission from the school principal to study late into the night, up to 11pm for boys and 7pm for girls, making full use of spaces like the surau, seminar hall and academic blocks. "We also implemented a mentor-mentee system and continuously drilled ourselves with past questions," Irham added. The Islamic values deeply embedded in the school's culture further supported his academic journey. Despite not being a religious school, the daily routine was rich in spiritual practices. Mornings began with Quran recitation, sunnah prayers and short tazkirah (sermon), while the afternoons included reciting Surah al-Waqiah, a routine he believes helped calm the soul and strengthen the spirit. Remarkably, he had already completed three full recitations of the Quran under the guidance of an ustazah (religious teacher) by the time he entered secondary school. To Irham, the Quran is more than a source of spiritual peace, it is a guide that provides structure, discipline and inner motivation to persevere. Looking ahead, he aspires to further his studies in law and syariah at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), hoping to continue his journey of balancing academic excellence with spiritual growth. To students out there striving for excellence, Irham's story is a powerful reminder that success doesn't come by chance, it's built on discipline, consistency and a clear sense of purpose. His approach, rooted in faith and smart study habits, shows that with the right mindset and effort, achieving top results is possible. Perhaps by adopting some of his tips, whether it's revising consistently, forming focused study groups, or staying grounded through daily spiritual practices, you too could be like Irham, achieving flying colours in your exams and making your own mark.
