Latest news with #FormSix
The Sun
9 hours ago
- General
- The Sun
Form Six breaks barriers, gets major boost
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 300 scholarships will be awarded to outstanding Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) graduates to pursue education degrees at public universities and teacher training institutes, said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. She said the initiative is part of the Education Ministry's efforts to create more pathways for high-achieving Form Six students and to cultivate a new generation of qualified and passionate educators. 'Previously, only SPM holders were eligible to enrol in public teacher education institutes,' Fadhlina said during the excellence appreciation ceremony for the national-level STPM, MUET (Malaysian University English Test) and SKBMW (Malay Language Proficiency Certificate Test for Foreign Citizens) on Tuesday. 'Now, STPM graduates have the opportunity to undergo formal training to become future educators. 'We want to nurture individuals with the drive, commitment and integrity to uplift the teaching profession and become exemplary leaders in the field.' The announcement comes as the ministry intensifies efforts to reposition Form Six as a competitive and respected post-SPM option. This year's STPM results saw the nation's highest-ever cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.85, with 1,266 candidates scoring a perfect 4 – the highest score since the current exam format was introduced. 'With this encouraging performance, and considering STPM's global recognition for academic quality, I strongly urge more SPM school-leavers to view Form Six as a serious academic route.' Fadhlina said the ministry has rolled out various initiatives in recent years, including curriculum enhancements, leadership development, financial support and closer integration with the higher education sector to strengthen the Form Six ecosystem. Among the most notable is the Form Six university transition pilot programme, launched earlier this month in collaboration with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and Universiti Sains Malaysia. 'The initiative places Form Six students in residential university campuses, where they gain full access to facilities, laboratories, academic activities and digital infrastructure. 'While they continue preparing for their STPM examinations, the immersive university environment helps ease their transition into tertiary education. 'We hope to expand this model to more public universities in the future.' To further promote student engagement and leadership, Fadhlina announced the upcoming formation of a national-level Form Six student council, with elections scheduled to take place after the new intake completes registration. The council is expected to be formalised by October. 'The council will give Form Six students a platform to voice their views and bring them closer to the ministry. It's about building character and leadership beyond academic achievement.' Fadhlina said financial support also remains a core focus. 'All Form Six students now receive RM150 in early school assistance, while 500 B40 students are currently receiving RM100 monthly stipends under the Farm Fresh STPM student bursary programme, launched in May and continuing until December 2025. 'We are working to reduce financial barriers so that students from all backgrounds can thrive.' In recognition of academic excellence, 14 schools with top achievements under the STPM Modular System 2 and 3 will each receive RM80,000 in support from the Malaysia Examinations Council and Bank Islam. Fadhlina also reminded the public that STPM represents more than just an academic qualification – it is a platform for holistic growth and national contribution. 'STPM is not just about grades. It's about resilience, vision and the strength of character our young people carry with them. 'And if anyone is still wondering who stands behind these students, let it be known that the Education Ministry is with them every step of the way.' Separately, in response to concerns over matriculation entry criteria, Fadhlina clarified that an A- is still considered excellent, and there is no policy that excludes students based on this grade. 'Let me be clear: we never said an A- is not an A. Entry into matriculation is based on merit. All qualified students will go through a fair and transparent process.' Noting that 86% of matriculation applicants sat for nine subjects while 14% took 10, she also called for fairness in evaluating all students, regardless of the number of subjects taken. A total of 42,861 candidates registered for the 2024 STPM examination. Of the figure, 41,434 (96.67%) sat for all three semesters. The majority of the candidates were from the Social Science stream.
The Star
11 hours ago
- General
- The Star
Sharp rise in top STPM scorers after previous year's dip
Honouring the best: Fadhlina (centre) with Prof Md Amin (second from left) interacting with awardees during the STPM top scorers' award presentation ceremony. — Low Lay Phon/The Star SELAYANG: The number of candidates scoring a 4.00 cumulative grade point average (CGPA) in the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) 2024 examination has recorded a significant increase, rebounding from the noticeable decline seen the year before. Overall, 1,266 (3.06%) of the STPM 2024 candidates scored a perfect 4.00 CGPA, the highest in the examination's history. In 2023, the number of 4.00 scorers were 1,116. The number of candidates who scored 5As in all five subjects also increased from 41 in STPM 2023 to 53 this year. Meanwhile, those who achieved 4As rose to 1,228 candidates, up from 1,087 in 2023. About 10.71% of all candidates had a CGPA of 3.75 and above, 44.97% had a CGPA of 3.00 and above, 58.96% had a CGPA of 2.75 and above, and 90.10% had a CGPA of 2.00 and above. This marked an overall improvement from 2023, said Malaysian Examinations Council (MPM) chairman Prof Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff. '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,' he said at MPM's office here yesterday. All 23 subjects offered, he said, saw more than 60% of candidates achieving grade C and above – a full pass. He added that with the increase in the national CGPA by 0.01 from 2023 to 2.85 this year, and with STPM's internationally recognised standards and quality, he urges more SPM students to consider STPM as their first choice. A total of 41,434 candidates sat for the examinations for all three STPM 2024 semesters. During the award presentation ceremony to top scorers, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek reaffirmed the government's commitment to making Form Six a top post-SPM choice for students. 'Hopefully, with these better results, along with improved incentives and initiatives, we can continue to enhance the quality of Form Six students in the coming years,' she added. She also announced the formation of the Form 6 Madani generation representative council under her purview. 'We are streamlining the Form Six council, where all Form Six student associations will operate under its umbrella,' she said. Fadhlina added that through this effort, the ministry aims to build a Form Six leadership team, particularly to nurture the next generation of national leaders. 'These students will be given the opportunity to be with me and experience the leadership process through an internship programme we call 'Sanggar Bitara',' she said. She said the students will observe how leadership operates and how policy decisions are made, adding that programmes like this – along with the Form Six council – must be supported to help shape these students into future leaders as part of Malaysia's regeneration programme. Meanwhile, Fadhlina also said that 300 scholarships are reserved for outstanding STPM graduates pursuing education degrees in public institutions. She said the ministry is focusing its attention on supporting talented and competent individuals who have achieved good STPM results to further their studies in the field of education. 'I hope that STPM graduates will apply and look into this offer to further their studies in the field of education,' she said. Separately, Fadhlina also stated that the MPM will be implementing a mechanism referred to as 'patching', which enables STPM students to retake selected subjects within the same academic year to improve their grades and university admission prospects.
The Sun
a day ago
- Politics
- The Sun
MOE Clarifies No Circular on A- Grade Exclusion in Matriculation
KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry (MOE) has never issued any circular stating that an A- grade is not considered an excellent result or that students with such grades are ineligible to apply for the matriculation programme. Minister Fadhlina Sidek dismissed the claims as baseless and stressed that all students with excellent academic achievement are eligible to apply for the programme under the existing merit system. 'We have never issued any circular stating that A- is not equivalent to an A, or that A- is not excellent. We have never said such a thing,' she said. She was speaking to reporters at the 2024 Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM), Malaysian University English Test and Malay Language Proficiency Certificate for Foreign Nationals Outstanding Student Award Ceremony here today. Fadhlina said this year's matriculation intake process was among the most orderly and smooth, conducted transparently by taking into account various factors, including the number of subjects taken and the stipulated merit points. She added that programmes focusing on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) continue to prioritise student selection based on academic performance and merit, including through the Physical Activity, Sports and Co-curriculum Assessment (PAJSK) system. 'I hope this explanation clears the air. We have conducted this process fairly to ensure that all students are given opportunities based on priority and the allocated quotas,' she said. She also said that automatic admission into MOE's matriculation programme is given to students who obtain 10As and above (A+ and A grades). In another development, Fadhlina said the ministry will establish a Form Six Council by October to strengthen student leadership and serve as a voice for students nationwide. She said the council will bring together student leaders from across the country once school-level leadership elections are completed. 'Once new students register for Form Six, we will begin the leadership selection process for their associations. The selected leaders will then be brought together under the Form Six Council,' she said. Fadhlina said the establishment of the council aims to foster closer engagement between students, the ministry and its top leadership. 'This council will undoubtedly enhance Form Six student leadership. It will serve as their voice and bring them closer to the MOE and the minister, as it will be placed under the Education Minister's purview. 'We will build a strong Form Six team spirit... they will also be given opportunities to work with me in the office, gaining exposure to processes and internship programmes,' she said.
The Star
6 days ago
- General
- The Star
Youth want answers on matriculation entry change
PETALING JAYA: The government's silence on the new matriculation entry requirement for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) school leavers has put the life of students on hold besides causing them a lot of frustration. Hafsah Yaseer, 17, from Petaling Jaya said any changes in grading should be announced long before the exams to prepare students on what they can achieve and target. She said even though matriculation is a fast-track programme costing less, the issue should not have been brought up at this time. 'I have appealed but I don't have high hopes. I'm currently applying to Universiti Malaya through Saluran Satu,' said Hafsah, who obtained 8As in total, including A+ and A- for SPM. 'I'm not sure if they truly understand our feelings or what we went through while studying for our SPM and looking for placements,' she added. As for a Johor Baru top scorer who only wants to be known as Foo, failing to get into matriculation has left her feeling regretful. 'I scored 9A+ and a merit point of 98, yet I still did not get accepted despite putting in all that hard work. Many of my classmates who got all As except for one A- also did not get in. 'I have submitted an appeal but I have not heard back from the Education Ministry. 'From what my seniors told me, it is tough for those who get in after their appeals are accepted because by then, about five weeks would have passed and the students will have to catch up on the lessons,' the 18-year-old said. Foo considered herself lucky because shortly after getting rejected, she received a full scholarship at a private university to study pharmaceuticals, which is her choice course. 'My classmates however are willing to put their life and future on hold, in hopes of getting in because of their family's financial situation. Not everybody can afford private universities as an alternative,' she said, adding that they also have to worry about living expenses besides tuition fees. Another SPM leaver Teng Chin Hoon, 18, from Johor Baru also voiced her frustration 'After receiving my SPM results of 3A+, 5A and 2A-, I felt that the possibility of entering matriculation was slim, especially after the Education Ministry suddenly changed the requirement of not recognising A-. 'They should have told us earlier,' she said, adding that she decided to enrol in Form Six after weighing her chances. The Education Ministry stated that matriculation applicants who were not offered a place may submit an online appeal until tomorrow. The results of the appeal will be announced on June 30. MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong had criticised the Education Ministry's revised entry criteria, which no longer recognises A- as equivalent to an A. Under the new policy, only students with 10 straight A+ and A grades will be automatically offered matriculation places for the 2025/2026 session. Dr Wee said the change marks a major shift from last year's policy, which considered students with 10As and above for matriculation, following a commitment made by the Prime Minister. The Ayer Hitam MP said students had prepared based on last year's criteria, only to find the goalposts had shifted, a move he described as unfair. He added that MCA has received hundreds of appeals from students and parents who are confused and disheartened by the change.
The Sun
10-06-2025
- The Sun
Kedah JPN to monitor teacher couple in UPSI bus crash
NIBONG TEBAL: The Kedah State Education Department (JPN) has been tasked with monitoring the condition and welfare of a teacher couple and their two children who were injured in the fatal bus crash that claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students in Gerik, Perak. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the family of four, who were travelling in a Perodua Alza when it was reportedly rear-ended by the bus, are currently receiving treatment at Baling Hospital, Kedah. 'Their welfare is now under the ministry's supervision and immediate assistance will be provided,' she told reporters during a visit to Universiti Sains Malaysia's engineering campus for a Form Six student intake event today. The crash occured early Monday morning when a chartered bus carrying UPSI students from Jertih, Terengganu to Tanjung Malim, Perak, veered off course and collided with the Alza driven by 37-year-old Mohd Lutfi Radzi. Fadhlina also extended her condolences to the families of the victims, especially the UPSI students, describing the loss of life as a major blow to the future of the country's teaching profession. While the bus involved was privately chartered by students, she stressed that the ministry has strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) in place for student travel, including mandatory safety checks. On a separate matter, Fadhlina said the event today also marked the launch of the Form Six University Campus Education Programme, a pilot initiative jointly implemented with the Higher Education Ministry involving Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Under the programme, students will undergo 18 months of pre-university study in a university campus setting. 'A total of 100 places are offered at UKM and 60 at USM. Over 30 students have registered today and we expect more to fill the remaining places,' she said.
