Form 6 a competitive pathway, not 'second-class', says Fadhlina
NIBONG TEBAL: The Education Ministry remains committed to making Form 6 one of the top choices for students pursuing studies after the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM).
Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the rebranding of Form 6 is a strategic effort aligned with the aspirations of the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013–2025, aimed at strengthening a post-secondary pathway that is inclusive and competitive.
"Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) is not a second-class pathway.
"In fact, it is on par with international programmes such as Cambridge and is recognised by more than 2,000 universities worldwide.
"This is our commitment to ensuring that every Malaysian child has access to high-quality, high-impact education that can take them to the global stage," she said at the launch of the sponsorship programme.
To ensure continuity and equitable access to education, the government is also extending the Early Schooling Assistance (BAP) to Form 6 students starting in 2025, she said.
She said more than 100,000 Form 6 students have benefited from this initiative, with a total allocation of RM15 million.
"In the same spirit, we warmly welcome the STPM Student Scholarship Programme initiative by Farm Fresh Bhd, a form of corporate social responsibility that genuinely addresses the current needs of our Form 6 students."
The STPM Student Scholarship Programme targets Form 6 students from low-income B40 families, providing cash assistance of RM100 per month from May to December 2025.
A total of 500 students from 10 states in Peninsular Malaysia have been identified as initial recipients.
Fadhlina said between 70 and 80 per cent of the selected students are from the B40 group.
"I have been informed that this programme will continue until 2029, with a total estimated expenditure reaching RM2.8 million.
"This is a significant commitment that we truly appreciate and welcome," she added.
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