By KT Leong
A total of 41 high-achieving 2025 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) students from the Pasir Pinji state constituency received recognition and a cash incentive of RM500 each during the Pasir Pinji State Constituency Schools 2025 SPM Excellence Appreciation Ceremony held yesterday morning.
The event was organised by the Office of the Member of Parliament for Ipoh Timor in collaboration with the Pasir Pinji State Assemblyman (ADN) as a mark of recognition for the hard work and outstanding achievements of students who secured straight As in the SPM examination.
In his speech, Howard Lee stated that the nation’s future development requires more young people who are capable, visionary, and possess the spirit to contribute to society and the country.
He noted that students should not only pursue personal success but are also encouraged to consider their roles in national development.
“When planning for the future, students should not only think of their own success but also how they can be part of the generation that builds the country’s future,” he said during the ceremony.
He also expressed his concern regarding students’ educational planning following the completion of the SPM. According to him, students have several educational pathways, such as entering matriculation programs or continuing their studies in Form Six (STPM), with each path offering its own advantages.
Howard Lee stated that he personally supports students who choose the STPM pathway, as its academic standards are internationally recognized and offer broad opportunities for university admission.
Furthermore, the government is also attentive to student demand for matriculation programs. Through the MADANI Government policy, efforts are underway to increase the number of matriculation colleges to accommodate the growing number of eligible students.
He also informed that many students remain unclear regarding their educational options after secondary school. Accordingly, his service center will organize a carnival titled “Jom Masuk ke IPTA” (Let’s Enter Public Universities) tomorrow to help students obtain further information on study options.
Additionally, he announced an essay writing competition themed “Malaysia 100 Years,” which is open to the students in attendance today. Students are invited to write an essay of approximately 1,000 words regarding their views and hopes for the future of Malaysia, with a RM1,000 cash prize available for a single winner.
Meanwhile, Goh See Hua stated that a total of 41 students from five schools in the Pasir Pinji area successfully obtained straight As in the 2025 SPM examination, reflecting the students’ hard work as well as the dedication of teachers and support from parents.
According to him, among the notable achievements were four students from SMK Jalan Pasir Puteh who secured straight As, following a three-year period where the school had no straight-A students.
He stated that this success proves that the continuous efforts of the school and teachers in guiding students have yielded results.
“Every student’s success today does not belong to them alone, but is also the result of the sacrifices of parents and the commitment of teachers who tirelessly guided them,” he said.
In this regard, he encouraged students to always remember the contributions of their schools and teachers who assisted them throughout their educational journey.
He added that when students achieve success in the future, they are encouraged to return and contribute to their respective schools so that more of the younger generation can enjoy better educational opportunities.
He also encouraged students to continue striving for knowledge and to be brave in stepping out of their comfort zones when progressing to higher education or entering the workforce.
The 41 students who received the incentive comprised nine students from SMK Raja Perempuan, 17 from SMK Perempuan Methodist Ipoh (MGS), one from SMK Pinji, four from SMK Jalan Pasir Puteh, and 10 from SMJK Perempuan Perak (PGS).
