Reward for 22 Sabah SPM top scorers
Published on: Saturday, June 15, 2024
By: Crystal E Hermenegildus
From left: Tedorik, Avy Alvera and Jezreel Zachary.
Kota Kinabalu: A total of 22 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2023 top scorers in Sabah were rewarded during the Presentation of Excellence Awards for SPM 2023 by the Sabah Ministry of Education at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), here, on Thursday.
They were awarded under four categories - Category 11 subjects to achieve at least 8A+, Category 10 subjects to achieve at least 8A+, Category 9 subjects to achieve at least 8A+ and Category candidates with special educational needs to achieve at least 5A-.
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Raihan Camelia Mustapha of Sekolah Menengah Islamiah Tawau, who emerged top with 10A+ and 1A, credits her achievement not only to her effort but also the support she received from her parents, school principal, administrators and teachers.
The eldest of three siblings, Raihan said time management is crucial to being able to participate in curriculum activities and still have enough time to study.
“I set aside one to two hours every day to study, especially between midnight and 1am. During this time, I focus on memorising because most of the subjects I take require a lot of memorisation. After that, I concentrate on activities in the dorm.
“I do struggle with time management; however, my achievement today proves that I can manage my time properly,” she said, adding she plans to take up Islamic studies in the field of Fiqh and Usul at the University of Jordan.
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Afrina Saifuddin of SMK Agama Mohamad Ali Tawau, who scored 8A+, 2A and 1A-, never expected to score high, especially in difficult subjects like Additional Mathematics.
“I was able to bring my phone to school because I was a leader. I used it to watch study seminars and often woke up at 4am to study. Besides that, I frequently sought help from my teachers if I had questions, and I always prayed before studying,” said Afrina, from Kampung Lohan Ulu, Ranau.
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Hoping to become a psychiatrist, she said aside from studying and praying, having a positive attitude and believing in yourself is also important.
Hailing from Penampang, Tedorik Tonjumal Baduk of SMK St Michael, who scored 2A+, 4A, and 3A-, said he was proud for exceeding his target despite being blind in his left eye due to a worm infection in 2022.
“My disability does not interfere with my studies, although my eyes get tired faster and need more rest. Don’t let disabilities be your roadblock. Even with different disabilities, through your hard work, you will achieve the results you want,” he said.
Tedorik, who wants to become a computer engineer, said he plans to get a scholarship to further his studies in computer science.
Two students of SMK ST Dominic, Lahad Datu, Chen Meng Yie and Nur Laila Nabi, who scored 9A+ and 8A+ 1A, respectively, said their study method was to practise questions from past papers.
“After I read and understand the topic, I’ll make sure to revise it to strengthen my memory. Then I will leave the topic for a few days before revising it again,” Chen said.
Jezreel Zachary from Kg Kambau, Penampang, who scored 8A+ and 2A, said he studied consistently every night. “Every night I study consistently for two hours, pay attention to the teacher in class and do the assigned homework,” he said.
Avy Alvera Ramlee of SMK Tun Fuad Stephen, Tuaran, who scored 5A and 4A-, said taking tuition helped her understand some of her weaker subjects.
“Aside from asking teachers for help, I often do study groups with my friends. This way, we can help each other learn and master the topics,” said Alvera from Kg Rugading, Kiulu, who dreams of becoming a specialist doctor.
A total of 484 SPM 2023 candidates in Sabah obtained excellent results in all subjects.
Sabah Education Director Datuk Raisin Saidin said there was an increase in the number of candidates who obtained excellent results in 2023 compared to 2022.
“Out of 35,125 candidates, a total of 484 candidates obtained excellent results in all subjects in 2023, compared to 344 the previous year.
“It is hoped students will continue the culture of excellence in whatever field they venture into, in order to contribute to their families, society and further develop the country to a higher level,” he said.
Raisin also advised unsuccessful students to look for opportunities to create success in other fields in the future.
During the ceremony, a total of 29 schools received the 100pc Certificate Eligible School Award, where all candidates who sat for the exam at these schools are eligible to receive an SPM certificate in 2023.
The State Average Grade for SPM 2023 is 5.09, an increase of 0.13 compared to SPM 2022.
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