25/06/2025

WEDNESDAY | JUNE 25, 2025

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Form Six breaks barriers, gets major boost

STPM reclaims its stature Ű BY DEEPALAKSHMI MANICKAM & FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com PETALING JAYA: STPM is shedding its “last resort” reputation and gaining ground as a competitive, respected choice among school leavers, education experts say. National Association of Private Educational Institutions (Napei) secretary-general Dr Teh Choon Jin said that while STPM was traditionally viewed as a fallback option, it has since evolved into a recognised and structured pathway to tertiary education. “STPM graduates are considered well-prepared for university-level studies and private institutions value the strong academic foundation they bring. “While some students may opt for foundation programmes or A-Levels due to factors such as duration or specific degree requirements, STPM remains a credible and widely accepted qualification across the private higher education sector,” he told theSun. Teh said STPM’s affordability and broad recognition – both locally and internationally – make it an appealing option, especially for students from lower-income backgrounds. However, he said that public perception remains a challenge, with STPM often seen as less competitive compared with matriculation or foundation programmes. “There’s a belief that STPM is only for those aiming for public universities, when in fact it opens doors to both public and private institutions. “At the end of the day, it’s about finding the right fit. For many students, STPM has been a strong stepping stone. It’s all about knowing your options and choosing what aligns best with your goals.” Teh also pointed out that many private institutions offer generous scholarships and fee waivers for high-achieving STPM students, further adding to its appeal. “Despite many students opting for foundation or matriculation after secondary school, STPM remains just as highly recognised. “Internationally, STPM is respected in countries like the UK, Australia and Singapore. However, awareness and structured support for these international pathways can be limited. “With stronger outreach and better guidance, STPM students could be better positioned to compete on a more level playing field in the broader tertiary landscape.” Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia education sociologist Dr Anuar Ahmad said demand for STPM is rising, bolstered by the increasing number of sixth form colleges and national efforts to widen enrolment. “We’re seeing more applications, even from high-performing SPM students. Form 6 is no longer just for average students.” Anuar added that STPM’s accessibility is a major draw compared with matriculation or foundation programmes, which are limited in capacity and offered only at select institutions. “For many families, proximity matters. Students can continue their education close to home, and that’s often a key factor in their decision-making.” He also noted that outdated stigmas around STPM have largely dissipated. “There used to be an assumption that you needed matriculation or foundation to enter university, but that’s no longer true. “STPM provides the same opportunity. As long as students perform well, they’ll gain admission into public or private universities.” Echoing these views, UKM associate professor Dr Salleh Amat stressed that STPM is a rigorous academic route, particularly for students who may not have secured places in their preferred pre university programmes. “Some students aren’t offered spots in matriculation or foundation programmes, so they pursue STPM instead. In many cases, that turns out to be a wise decision,” he said, adding that STPM is a respectable qualification for most employers.

Fadhlina said financial support also remains a core focus. “All Form Six students now receive RM150 in early school assistance, while 500 B40 students are currently receiving RM100 monthly stipends under the Farm Fresh STPM student bursary programme, launched in May and continuing until December 2025. “We are working to reduce financial barriers so that students from all backgrounds can thrive.” In recognition of academic excellence, 14 schools with top achievements under the STPM Modular System 2 and 3 will each receive RM80,000 in support from the Malaysia Examinations Council and Bank Islam. Fadhlina also reminded the public that STPM represents more than just an academic qualification – it is a platform for holistic growth and national contribution. “STPM is not just about grades. It’s about resilience, vision and the strength of character our young people carry with them. “And if anyone is still wondering who stands behind these students, let it be known that the Education Ministry is with them every step of the way.” Separately, in response to concerns over matriculation entry criteria, Fadhlina clarified that an A- is still considered excellent, and there is no policy that excludes students based on this grade. “Let me be clear: we never said an A- is not an A. Entry into matriculation is based on merit. All qualified students will go through a fair and transparent process.” Noting that 86% of matriculation applicants sat for nine subjects while 14% took 10, she also called for fairness in evaluating all students, regardless of the number of subjects taken. A total of 42,861 candidates registered for the 2024 STPM examination. Of the figure, 41,434 (96.67%) sat for all three semesters. The majority of the candidates were from the Social Science stream.

o Education Ministry rolls out scholarship plan, unveils new pathways to empower top achievers and uplift STPM prestige: Minister

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

“With this encouraging performance, and considering STPM’s global recognition for academic quality, I strongly urge more SPM school-leavers to view Form Six as a serious academic route.” Fadhlina said the ministry has rolled out various initiatives in recent years, including curriculum enhancements, leadership development, financial support and closer integration with the higher education sector to strengthen the Form Six ecosystem. Among the most notable is the Form Six university transition pilot programme, launched earlier this month in collaboration with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and Universiti Sains Malaysia. “The initiative places Form Six students in residential university campuses, where they gain full access to facilities, laboratories, academic activities and digital infrastructure. “While they continue preparing for their STPM examinations, the immersive university environment helps ease their transition into tertiary education. “We hope to expand this model to more public universities in the future.”

KUALA LUMPUR : A total of 300 scholarships will be awarded to outstanding Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) graduates to pursue education degrees at public universities and teacher training institutes, said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. She said the initiative is part of the Education Ministry’s efforts to create more pathways for high-achieving Form Six students and to cultivate a new generation of qualified and passionate educators. “Previously, only SPM holders were eligible to enrol in public teacher education institutes,” Fadhlina said during the excellence appreciation ceremony for the national-level STPM, MUET (Malaysian University English Test) and SKBMW (Malay Language Proficiency Certificate Test for Foreign Citizens) on Tuesday. “Now, STPM graduates have the opportunity to undergo formal training to become future educators. “We want to nurture individuals with the drive, commitment and integrity to uplift the teaching profession and become exemplary leaders in the field.” The announcement comes as the ministry intensifies efforts to reposition Form Six as a competitive and respected post-SPM option. This year’s STPM results saw the nation’s highest-ever cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.85, with 1,266 candidates scoring a perfect 4 – the highest score since the current exam format was introduced. KUALA LUMPUR: Despite living without electricity or the internet, 20-year-old Roziana Tan Beng Hai of SMK Tanjung Gemok, Kuala Rompin in Pahang, defied the odds to score the perfect cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4 in the STPM examination. An Orang Asli student from Kampung Mentelong, Roziana faced immense challenges in her academic journey. “My village is far from school – it takes about an hour, so I had to stay in the hostel. “There’s no internet at home, I have to walk some two to three kilometres to get a stable signal.” Her village also lacks electricity, and a generator is used just to charge phones. Hostel students were only allowed home once every two weeks. Her uncle, Lanco Lumuan, 59, said Roziana had always been committed to her studies, inspired by her older siblings, including a sister who graduated from a polytechnic. “She’s the second of three siblings and wants to study at UKM. As Orang Asli, we want our children to stand equal with others.” Form Six teacher Yus Amirul Afzan, 39, described Roziana as focused and determined. “She aimed for a perfect score from the start. After the trial exams, we knew she had the potential. When the results came, we were all proud.” Roziana is one of two SMK Tanjung Gemok students to achieve a 4 this year, and the only Orang Asli student to do so. Asked about her success, Roziana said discipline, consistency and asking questions

To further promote student engagement and leadership, Fadhlina announced the upcoming formation of a national-level Form Six student council, with elections scheduled to take place after the new intake completes registration. The council is expected to be formalised by October. “The council will give Form Six students a platform to voice their views and bring them closer to the ministry. It’s about building character and leadership beyond academic achievement.” Orang Asli student defies odds to score perfect CGPA

Roziana, the best student in the indigenous people category, with her parents during the awards ceremony for the best student in STPM, MUET and SKBMW 2024 at the Malaysia Examinations Council complex in Kuala Lumpur. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

were key. “STPM was tough, but I set clear goals and managed my time.” She plans to pursue economics at UKM. “It’s one of the top universities, and it is my

first choice. “I want to improve my social status and stand tall as a successful Orang Asli. I want to prove that we too, can achieve great things.” – by Harith Kamal