Students skipping SPM exams sparks call for reforms
PETALING JAYA: With thousands of students missing their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations each year, urgent reforms are needed to make the education system more inclusive and responsive to the diverse challenges faced by Malaysian youths, says an educationist.
National Association of Private Educational Institutions secretary-general Dr Teh Choon Jin said early and comprehensive support is key to helping at-risk students, with a focus on attendance, academic performance and behaviour to identify those needing intervention.
Speaking to theSun, he said the current system is overly rigid and exam-centric, and does not accommodate students facing learning difficulties, mental health struggles, family issues or financial pressures.
'Not all students learn the same way, and not everyone has a smooth journey in life. We need a more flexible and compassionate system – one that recognises diverse learning styles and life circumstances, rather than punishing students for things beyond their control.
Teh emphasised the need for well-resourced intervention programmes in underserved and rural schools, and for teachers to be trained in socio-emotional and trauma-informed approaches.
He said many students who skip SPM are not disinterested in education, but are driven by personal or socio-economic hardship. Financial pressure is a major factor, particularly for students from B40 families who feel compelled to enter the workforce early.
During the 2024 SPM results announcement, Education Director-General Datuk Azman Adnan revealed that more than half of the 6,246 students who skipped the exam last year had already started working. Of the number, 57.8% were employed outside their school zones, 35.5% faced family-related issues and 4.7% were dealing with health problems.
'Instead of labelling them dropouts, we need to recognise that many are being pushed out by circumstances they can't control.'
He added that some families and employers may not understand the long-term value of an SPM qualification, often prioritising on short-term income. As such, clearer and more relatable public awareness campaigns are needed to explain how the SPM certificate can open doors to better jobs, vocational training and further education.
'When more students leave school without completing their SPM, the impact goes beyond the individual. It affects society as a whole,' he said, adding that without the basic qualification, many youths are trapped in low-paying and unstable jobs.
Teh warned that this deepens social inequality and limits Malaysia's potential in a fast-changing, knowledge-driven global economy.
'To bring dropouts back into the education system, the process must be flexible, accessible and non-intimidating. Not everyone can complete SPM at 17 – and that's okay.'
He proposed the setting up of more community learning centres, options for blended and online learning, and recognition of prior learning. Free resits, waiving of exam fees and collaborating with NGOs and employers can also help ease the path back to education.
'Most importantly, we must change the mindset that SPM is only for teenagers. It should be seen as a second-chance opportunity for anyone, at any stage of life.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
14 hours ago
- The Star
Embassy hosts Aidiladha celebration for Malaysians in Bangkok
- Photo: Malaysian Embassy in Thailand BANGKOK: (Bernama) The Embassy of Malaysia in Thailand hosted a gathering for Malaysians abroad and local guests on Saturday (June 6) to mark this year's Hari Raya Aidiladha. Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of Malaysia to Thailand, Bong Yik Jui, said while Aidiladha signified the values of sacrifice, devotion, and unity among Muslims worldwide, it also solemnly reflected to the duty and dedication carried out by the mission, in upholding Malaysia's interests overseas. The embassy also welcomed a visiting delegation from the Royal Military College (RMC), comprising 32 Putera cadets and five officers at the celebration. The delegation, led by its Commandant, Brig Gen Shaiful Azuar Ariffin, is currently in Bangkok for a one-week student exchange programme with Thailand's Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School (AFAPS). Bong noted that the visit offered RMC students a unique opportunity to experience Hari Raya celebration away from their families and friends. "The celebration served not only as a religious gathering but also as a meaningful occasion to strengthen the bonds among Malaysians in Thailand,' he added. - Bernama
The Star
17 hours ago
- The Star
Kadazan man told not 'Malaysian enough' to rent room in Puchong
KOTA KINABALU: When Kinney Junior Clarence applied to rent a room in Bukit Puchong, he anticipated the usual questions from agents, such as location, job, budget, and race. What the 37-year-old customer service specialist from Sabah did not expect was to be indirectly told that he was not "Malaysian enough." Clarence, who has lived and worked in the Klang Valley for about five years, shared a conversation on Threads that left many netizens both amused and annoyed. He had applied for a room via a rental site and, as per routine, filled in his details, listing his ethnicity as Kadazan. To his surprise, the property agent replied that the unit was "reserved for local Malaysians only." "I was stunned. I replied, 'Kadazan is Sabahan, sister! I'm Malaysian too," Kinney told The Star. Despite his explanation, he said the agent never responded after that. Rather than getting angry, Clarence chose to laugh it off. "It was funny and a bit infuriating at the same time, because it is such a basic thing. Kadazan is not even a rare ethnicity. Imagine if I had mentioned some of the lesser-known races in Sabah," he said. Clarence added that this was not the first time he had encountered such ignorance. "People in the peninsula often confuse ethnic groups in Sabah and Sarawak. Some think Iban is from Sabah, or Kadazan from Sarawak. It is common, but still disappointing," he said. Originally from Penampang, he returned to the Klang Valley to build his career after the Covid-19 pandemic, having previously studied there. He said he was looking for a room in Bukit Puchong simply because it was closer to his office. Fortunately, Kinney has since found a better place, which he described as "closer to work, better, and with no issues like that." His post has since gone viral, receiving over 1,700 likes and 298 comments, many from fellow East Malaysians sharing similar experiences. One Sarawakian said the issue extended beyond house hunting, recounting job interviews where she was told, "Sorry, we only hire Malaysians at the moment." Another recalled being welcomed to "Malaysia" by fellow university students on her first day of class, despite being from Sabah. One commenter from rural Sarawak joked that as a Kenyah, they were mistaken for someone from East Africa's Kenya. Others questioned how such confusion could still happen, with one suggesting the agent "retake her History and Geography papers." Despite the humour, Clarence hopes Malaysians, especially in Peninsular Malaysia, will make more effort to understand the country's cultural and ethnic diversity. "Come on lah, it's 2025. We should not still be asking if someone from Sabah is Malaysian," he said.
The Sun
17 hours ago
- The Sun
Modern challenges of adult bonds
PETALING JAYA: While the phrase 'best friends forever' (BFF) is as commonly used by adults as teenagers, its meaning becomes more nuanced and sometimes bittersweet with age. What once symbolised endless laughter, shared secrets and unwavering loyalty gradually transforms into fleeting messages, occasional catch-ups and friendships shaped more by convenience than connection. As people move into their 30s and 40s, life becomes increasingly occupied with careers, marriage, children and caring for aging parents, leaving little space for the deep, spontaneous bonds of youth. For many, the once-cherished ideal of a lifelong BFF evolves into something more practical and at times, more distant. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia senior lecturer in anthropology and sociology Dr Velan Kunjuraman said the nature of friendship has shifted in the fast-paced, globalised society of today. Speaking in conjunction with World Best Friends Day today, Velan said adult relationships in Malaysia have become increasingly situational and why the longing for meaningful connection still runs deep. 'While Malaysian adults in their 30s or 40s may refer to someone as a 'best friend,' in reality, many of these relationships have become more superficial,' he said, adding that adult friendships are no longer defined by constant interaction or physical presence, as they were in youth. 'The concept of a BFF evolves with age. It depends greatly on the personality, lifestyle and values of a person.' Velan said a major factor behind this change is the growing weight of adult responsibilities. 'Friendships in adulthood are influenced by multiple factors – career demands, business networks, entertainment preferences and emotional support needs.' While personal values play a role in shaping friendships, responsibilities such as marriage and parenthood often reduce the time and emotional capacity available for maintaining close social ties. 'Sometimes, these obligations create barriers to sustaining long-term friendships.' Social connections are increasingly built around proximity and convenience, such as relationships with co-workers, neighbours or members of local communities. Velan also highlighted the influence of collectivist culture in Malaysia, especially on women, adding that historically, cultural expectations place a heavy domestic burden on women, limiting their social interactions beyond the household. On the impact of migration for work, study or marriage, Velan acknowledged that such transitions could disrupt longstanding friendships. 'When women move into the household of their husband, cultural expectations may make it hard to maintain connections.' Velan said while some manage to stay in touch, many friendships fade as new routines and responsibilities take precedence. 'Technology, while beneficial, could also be a double-edged sword. Social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram and TikTok help adults stay connected. 'However, the nature of these interactions can sometimes feel performative or superficial, depending on how individuals engage with them,' he said, adding that forming new friendships in adulthood is also a growing challenge. 'Once people enter the workforce or take on family responsibilities, their social circles often shrink.' Adults may also become more selective in choosing friends, seeking those who share similar values or lifestyles. 'The absence of meaningful friendships in adulthood could negatively affect mental health, increasing the risk of loneliness, stress and depression. Friendship offers emotional support and a sense of belonging, both of which are essential for psychological resilience.'
