SMK Batu Lintang high achievers – Chong Pei Swee (left), Aiman Zulaikha (second right), Pang Xin Zing (second left) and Alison Lai Zhi Jie. — Photo by Chimon Upon
Alison Lai Zhi Jie capturing his happy moment through a selfie with his friends.
KUCHING: Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) should be the preferred choice for students after completing their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) as it is a qualification recognised all over the world.
It is accepted locally and internationally as a pre-university qualification as such most subjects have a School-Based Assessment (SBA) component, such as project and practical work, that will contribute to the final grade.
One of the high achievers met at SMK Batu Lintang, Pan Xin Zing, who obtained a CGPA of 4.00, said one of the fastest ways to pursue a degree was through STPM.
Despite claims it was hard to pass, a waste of time and the least favourable choice by students nowadays, STPM has its advantages as it is the cheapest pre-U option.
“It is a very good choice, and it is easier to enter local universities,” she said.
Another 4.0 CGPA achiever, Alison Lai Zhi Jie, said the new STPM modular format and assessment was more acceptable compared to previous formats because it is no longer a major exam that requires 18 months of intensive preparation as students are now assessed at the end of each of the three terms.
“As such, students can also improve their subject grade point by re-sitting for a paper during any of the three terms to get a better CGPA percentage. However, the fee to repeat each paper will be RM50,” said Alison, who is planning to pursue civil engineering at National University of Singapore.
“I always wanted to contribute something to the country and the world. Coming from a developing country, I find development is vital and what better way to contribute other than through engineering.”
Meanwhile, Aiman Zulaikha Mohd Fadzli, who obtained a CGPA of 3.75, said despite having STPM as her last choice, it was a decision worth making.
Through the new curriculum introduced in 2013, STPM students are taught various soft skills, such as communication skills, leadership, critical thinking, problem solving and ethics.
“Everything turned out well, and I have my result to prove it.”
Aiman hoped to take up a degree in Teaching English as Second Language (TESL) at Universiti Malaya.
Meanwhile, a total of 5,057 candidates sat for the STPM exam in the state last year. In 2014, the number of candidates was 4,978.
The Malaysian Examination Council (MPM) said a total of 41,987 candidates sat for the 2015 STPM.
Candidates can obtain their results through SMS by typing STPM RESULT <space> identity card number and send it to 15888 or online at MPM portal http;//www.mpm.edu.my