STPM Students From Poor Households Excel in Exams
In a surprising turn of events, the majority of Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) students who achieved top scores are from the B40 group, representing 89.7% of the total. This impressive number reflects a significant improvement compared to the previous year’s results.
Last year, out of the 1,184 candidates who obtained a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.0, an astounding 1,009 were from the bottom 40% of households (B40). This shows a considerable increase from 2021, where only 874 candidates achieved a perfect 4.0.
Furthermore, the number of candidates who achieved 5As in all five subjects has risen to 38, with 26 of them belonging to the B40 group. Additionally, 933 out of 1,158 candidates who scored 4As were from the B40 group.
Results indicate that nearly 10% of all candidates attained a CGPA of 3.75 and above, while 43% achieved a CGPA of 3.00 and above. Moreover, 57% managed a CGPA of 2.75 and above, and a significant 89.8% obtained a CGPA of 2.00 and above.
Datuk Dr Mohd Ekhwan Toriman, the chairman of the Malaysian Examinations Council, expressed his satisfaction with these overall improvements, stating, “With more candidates achieving these CGPAs, it is hoped that there will be no obstacles for them to receive offers to study in public universities.”
Dr Toriman also highlighted the minimum requirements set by the Higher Education Ministry Public Institutions of Higher Learning Enrolment Division for STPM holders, which include a CGPA of 2.00 with a minimum C for three subjects, including General Paper.
All 23 subjects offered in the examination saw more than two-thirds of candidates achieve grade C and above, indicating a pass. The total number of candidates who sat for the exam was 41,701, with only 9.6% representing science stream subjects, and the remaining candidates studying social science subjects. The General Paper, which is compulsory, had the highest number of candidates sitting for the subject.
The Education Minister, Fadhlina Sidek, commended the outstanding performance of the B40 candidates, emphasizing that they have proven their capability to excel despite their challenging circumstances. She also affirmed that their access to education has always been a priority.
Furthermore, Fadhlina emphasized that the STPM is not limited to those with limited options, stating that it is a prestigious examination recognized by overseas institutions. STPM holders have successfully pursued higher education in countries such as Russia, Singapore, and the UK.
During the ceremony to honor the top scorers, Fadhlina presented awards to the 20 highest-performing candidates in the examination.
Candidates received their results from their respective schools starting at noon yesterday, while private candidates will receive theirs through the post. Alternatively, the results can be checked via SMS by typing “STPM (space) MyKad number (space) roll number” and sending it to 15888 until noon on July 23.
