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Free Malaysia Today
2 days ago
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
Student questions lack of recognition for prestigious international events
Arishah Rusydan, portraying a Malawi delegate, emerged as the best delegate at the conference but her achievement has gone unrecognised in Malaysia. (Asia Youth International Model United Nations pic) PETALING JAYA : A secondary school student has questioned the education ministry's policy of awarding marks for co-curricular activities only for recognised programmes, after failing to receive any credit for participating in an international youth conference. Arishah Rusydan, 17, said she was denied marks under the Psychometric Assessment and Assessment of Physical Activity Co-curriculum (PAJSK) despite emerging with the 'Best Delegate' award at the 16th Asia Youth International Model United Nations in Kuala Lumpur recently. The event, which brought together 1,000 participants from 38 countries, was not endorsed by the ministry and therefore did not qualify for PAJSK consideration. 'Imagine winning first place in a prestigious international competition, only to be dismissed because it wasn't endorsed by the ministry,' the SMK Convent (M) Kajang student told FMT. Arishah said teachers advised her to focus instead on programmes that were 'worth her time' – referring to ministry-approved events. Under PAJSK, only activities endorsed by the ministry qualify for co-curricular marks, which account for 10% of the merit score used in university admissions and scholarship applications. External certificates, even from rigorous or internationally recognised events, are not accepted. Arishah pointed out that the policy could discourage students from taking part in global events that help build practical skills and self-confidence. 'The system should allow a process for recognising unendorsed competitions and certificates. It would help validate students' efforts and promote self-driven learning,' she said. She urged the ministry to review PAJSK guidelines to reflect real-world achievements rather than limiting recognition to a fixed list of approved activities. 'If this strict system continues, students who push beyond its boundaries will remain unrecognised. It disheartens us,' she said. She said her experience may reflect the frustrations of other students who feel sidelined despite meaningful achievements outside the classroom. 'Let students build real skills, not just chase marks. Recognising our achievements can unlock potential and help us grow – which is what PAJSK was meant to do in the first place,' she said. Arishah said she contacted the education ministry via email to seek clarification. In reply, the ministry said PAJSK marks are only granted for programmes by external agencies that follow official procedures. These procedures include submitting an application at least 45 days before the event and obtaining formal recognition – rules the ministry said are in place to protect students and ensure proper oversight. Participation in programmes under other ministries, such as the higher education ministry, does not automatically qualify one for PAJSK marks. However, Arishah said it was 'ridiculous' to expect international organisers to be aware of such procedures and apply for recognition when hosting events in multiple countries. The ministry did not respond to further queries on the matter.
The Star
24-04-2025
- General
- The Star
Students share secrets to getting top scores
Proud smiles: Lhekha (second from left), posing for a photo alongside (from left to right) mother Meenaloshini, sister Tasha Raviendran and father Raviendran Sarasanantharajah, after collecting her SPM results. — AZMAN GHANI/The Star KAJANG: While the road to success may be different for everyone, the ingredients are often the same. Determination, faith and a belief in one's own potential are what will lead to good grades, said the 2024 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) top scorers from SMK Convent Kajang. Lhekha Raviendran, 18, said scoring 9A+ was the fulfilment of a long-standing dream. 'I honestly wanted this for so long, and I worked really hard for it. 'I tend to set really high expectations for myself. 'So when I feel like I might not meet them, I get anxious. And I was worrying that I wouldn't achieve the 9A+ I was aiming for,' she said yesterday, adding that despite this, she stayed motivated and wanted to make her parents, teachers and herself proud. Her mother, Meenaloshini Satgunam, 47, attributes Lhekha's academic success to her unwavering commitment. 'She's a very hardworking and consistent student,' she said. Lhekha advised students preparing for the SPM to stay consistent and never give up. 'And always pray. Have faith in God that you can do it.' For Maya Devi, 18, receiving 8As for SPM was no easy feat, as her daily schedule often stretched from 6am to 9pm, packed with school and tuition classes. 'I feel so happy and proud. I honestly didn't expect these results, especially for Bahasa Melayu and Maths – those were always my weaker subjects. 'It was a really tiring year, but I kept going because I wanted to make my parents and teachers proud,' Maya Devi said. Her secret to pushing through was seeing the exam as part of a larger journey. 'Treat it like a game, not a challenge. That way, you will enjoy every process of it,' Her father, Aravinthan Manogan, 42, shared how proud he was for his daughter, who will be pursuing business law, and said that her exam results were well deserved. Meanwhile, Nurqistina Muhammad Fattahillah, 18, who scored 9As shared that she always listened to her teachers and diligently did past year's papers. Teo Jia Ern, 18, who scored 8As and 1B+ said one of her biggest challenges came during midterms when she fractured her hand, but her determination to acquire a scholarship kept her going. 'I wanted a scholarship – that goal pushed me to try harder,' she said, adding that she is now considering applying for a scholarship with PETRONAS and advised future SPM takers not to procrastinate and start revising early. Another student, Darsha Ravichandar, said her main motivation after obtaining 7As and 1B+ came from wanting to make her parents proud and fulfilling her goal of entering college. 'Study hard and whatever results you get, just accept it. It is not the end, you still have more to go.' Overall, the school saw 23 students who obtained straight As in the 2024 SPM.
New Straits Times
24-04-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
Hard work, discipline pay off for SMK Convent Kajang's SPM high-flyers
KAJANG: A total of 140 students at SMK Convent Kajang received their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) results today, with several achieving straight As. Fazreen Farizal, 18, who scored straight A+, said consistency was key. "Even with a packed schedule, you must set aside time every day for each subject. Stay disciplined and don't let things pile up," she said. She plans to study medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RUMC). Her mother, Rizana Ismail, 49, a project manager at ExxonMobil, described Fazreen as highly self-driven. "She didn't need reminders. Even during holidays, she brought her books. She knew what she wanted and worked for it," she said. Rizana added that this year's compressed academic calendar added pressure. "They started Form Five in April, and by August they had trials. It was intense, but she stayed focused." Nurin Zahrra Hilmy, 18, who also scored straight As, credited prayer, discipline, and support from teachers and family. "Put in the effort, pray, respect your teachers and parents. Support your friends too - it's not just about you," she said. She plans to study medicine at Universiti Malaya (UM). Her mother, Sharifah Nur Farrahiyah, a teacher at SK Convent Kajang, said Nurin was unwell during the exams. "She had a fever early on, so we didn't expect straight As. But she kept going, and I'm proud of her." Nurin studied through online tuition and with guidance from a retired teacher. Teo Jia Ern, who scored eight As and one B, said she was surprised by her results. "I only got around five As in the trials, so I'm happy with this outcome," she said. Biology, she added, was her biggest challenge. She hopes to pursue law through a matriculation programme and is exploring scholarship opportunities. Her father, Teo Guan Kiang, project planning general manager at MKH Berhad, said "I thought she'd get five or six As. She surprised us. We didn't pressure her, but she often studied until midnight. We just supported her where we could." Maya Devi, who earned eight As, said persistence helped her overcome her weakest subject. "I used to get a C in maths. I stayed back after school every day - it was exhausting, but worth it," she said. Maya, who aspires to be a business lawyer, said she learnt to be proud of even the small wins. Her father, Aravinthan Manogaram, 42, a senior manager at FoodPanda, said he was deeply moved by her determination. Additionally, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek visited the school to personally congratulate the students, following news that her own daughter had scored eight As at another school. A total of 402,956 candidates registered for the SPM examination, which was conducted at 3,337 examination centres nationwide. However, Education Ministry director-general Datuk Azman Adnan said a total of 1,789 candidates, or 0.5 per cent of those who sat for the 2024 SPM examination, failed.
The Sun
24-04-2025
- General
- The Sun
Fadhlina urges use of current pin-style Jalur Gemilang badges amid parents' safety concerns
PETALING JAYA: Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek urged parents to continue using the current pin-style Jalur Gemilang badges provided by the Education Ministry, despite concerns over students' safety. She was addressing parents' requests for sewable Jalur Gemilang badges, citing concerns that the pin-on versions may pose a risk of injury to students who have yet to learn how to handle sharp objects. ALSO READ: Wearing the Jalur Gemilang badge fosters national pride among the young - Education DG 'We've already given them out for free — the type that you pin on. Use those first,' she was quoted as saying after announcing the 2024 SPM results during a visit to SMK Convent Kajang. The use of the Jalur Gemilang badge on school uniforms was made compulsory from April 21 and is being implemented in stages at all educational institutions under the ministry. This includes government and government-aided schools, matriculation colleges, and the Malaysian Teacher Education Institute. The initiative aims to instil patriotism among students and educators alike. According to The Star, she also addressed questions about Malaysia's language policy in schools, amid the proposal to introduce more elective foreign languages including Mandarin, Tamil and ASEAN languages such as Thai, Khmer, and Vietnamese. 'There is German, French and many other languages. In vernacular schools, Tamil and Mandarin remain core languages, alongside Bahasa Melayu as the main medium. So I don't see any issue because the language we are proposing is merely an alternative or elective,' she stated.
The Sun
24-04-2025
- General
- The Sun
Fadhlina urges use of current pin-style Jalur Gemilang badge
PETALING JAYA: Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek urged parents to continue using the current pin-style Jalur Gemilang badges provided by the Education Ministry, despite concerns over students' safety. She was addressing parents' requests for sewable Jalur Gemilang badges, citing concerns that the pin-on versions may pose a risk of injury to students who have yet to learn how to handle sharp objects. ALSO READ: Wearing the Jalur Gemilang badge fosters national pride among the young - Education DG 'We've already given them out for free — the type that you pin on. Use those first,' she was quoted as saying after announcing the 2024 SPM results during a visit to SMK Convent Kajang. The use of the Jalur Gemilang badge on school uniforms was made compulsory from April 21 and is being implemented in stages at all educational institutions under the ministry. This includes government and government-aided schools, matriculation colleges, and the Malaysian Teacher Education Institute. The initiative aims to instil patriotism among students and educators alike. According to The Star, she also addressed questions about Malaysia's language policy in schools, amid the proposal to introduce more elective foreign languages including Mandarin, Tamil and ASEAN languages such as Thai, Khmer, and Vietnamese. 'There is German, French and many other languages. In vernacular schools, Tamil and Mandarin remain core languages, alongside Bahasa Melayu as the main medium. So I don't see any issue because the language we are proposing is merely an alternative or elective,' she stated.
