Latest news with #SijilPelajaranMalaysia
Barnama
12 hours ago
- Science
- Barnama
Maxis, MOE Partner To Drive B40 Students' Excellence Through Menuju Gemilang 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, July 22 (Bernama) -- Maxis Bhd (Maxis) today launched its inaugural 18-month Menuju Gemilang 2025 programme, an expansion of its flagship eKelas community initiative aimed at empowering students from B40 backgrounds to achieve academic success and pursue higher education Maxis, in a statement, said the programme, held in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MOE), is set to create a pathway for underprivileged students to excel in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination and pursue opportunities in higher education. 'The programme is structured around four pillars to provide comprehensive student development, namely academic support for SPM excellence, leadership training, community building, and guidance on scholarship applications for tertiary education,' the statement read. The launch of the programme was officiated by MOE deputy director-general (School Operations Sector), Zainal Abas and attended by selected students from the pilot cohort and their teachers. The full cohort comprises 240 academically outstanding Form Four and Five students from 20 schools in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Sarawak. The 20 schools were specially selected by the MOE for the inaugural programme, with participants chosen from a competitive pool of qualified students based on strong academic performance, active involvement in extracurricular activities, and demonstrated leadership qualities. According to Maxis, students participating in the Menuju Gemilang programme were asked to articulate their academic and future aspirations to serve as a benchmark for their progress, culminating in a pledge of commitment towards academic excellence and personal growth. In preparation for the SPM examination, students will receive additional tutorials in eight subjects -Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mathematics, History, Additional Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. They will also sit for a mock examination in these subjects, followed by an SPM Sprint workshop in the final stretch of the programme. 'To ensure every participant has the tools to succeed, Maxis is also providing each participant with a refurbished laptop for the 18-month duration, which they can keep upon successfully completing the programme. 'This contribution builds upon Maxis' long-standing commitment to provide students in rural and underprivileged communities with the tools needed for digital learning, ensuring they can access resources like Maxis' eKelas platform,' it said.
Barnama
2 days ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Contributions, Visits To Schools Must Follow MOE Guidelines — Fadhlina
KUALA LUMPUR, July 21 (Bernama) -- All forms of contributions or external involvement, including by dignitaries and politicians, in institutions under the Ministry of Education (MOE) must comply with existing guidelines, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said today. She said all forms of contributions or public funding must be channelled in accordance with the provisions outlined in the MOE's Circular Letter No. 3 of 2018: Guidelines on Channelling and Receiving Contributions from the Private and Non-Private Sectors to Government Schools and Government-Aided Schools under the MOE, dated March 29, 2018. 'These contributions are also meant to ensure professional interaction within educational institutions and to prioritise the safety, well-being and welfare of the school community,' she said during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat. She was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz (PN-Tanah Merah) regarding the procedures for organisations, such as companies, foundations, or elected representatives, to make contributions to schools. Fadhlina said any visit or involvement by dignitaries and politicians is also subject to compliance with MOE's Circular Letter No. 4 of 2023: Guidelines on Invitations or Visits by Dignitaries and Politicians to Educational Institutions under the MOE, dated Feb 21, 2023. 'These two sets of guidelines are important to ensure that contributions and external involvement are conducted prudently, with a focus on educational benefits and in line with the principles of transparency and harmony within the school ecosystem,' she said. In response to a supplementary question from Datuk Lo Su Fui (GRS-Tawau) on the assurance that the MOE would review the syllabus to align with current market needs, Fadhlina said the ministry has a system to help students choose educational and career pathways that match their qualifications and interests. 'These students are guided by counsellors and teachers, and based on their academic results and co-curricular involvement, they are able to identify suitable courses to pursue, especially after SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia),' she said. Earlier, in response to Lo's original question, Fadhlina said the MOE is strengthening efforts to improve graduate employability through the Malaysia Education Development Plan (PPPM) 2026–2035, with a focus on the use of artificial intelligence (AI), and strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in line with current needs and global competition.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
Move over brides: This Pak Andam gives grooms their wedding-day glow-up
AT first glance, Megat Mat Akhir Megat Mohamad seems like just any other successful entrepreneur, proudly running a well-known charcoal factory in Kuala Sepetang, a coastal town in Perak. But behind the business-like exterior is a man with an unexpected passion; one that involves shimmering powders, makeup brushes and wedding-day magic. Fondly known online as Megat Tan, he has been taking the Internet by storm with his wedding transformations, infectious energy and unwavering confidence. Not for brides, as you might expect — but for grooms. For the 57-year-old father of eight and grandfather of 12, the path to becoming a respected Pak Andam, a traditional term for makeup artists and stylists for Malay weddings, was neither conventional nor easy. In a field largely that's largely dominated by women, Megat had to carve out a space for himself through sheer passion and resilience. Smiling, he confides: "People online used to call me effeminate. But my children know that their father is a strong man. If I really were effeminate, I wouldn't have survived working in a mangrove charcoal factory." HUMBLE BEGINNINGS Long before he became a familiar face on TikTok and a go-to name for grooms on their big day, Megat was just a simple kampung boy from Matang Merbau, Sungai Tinggi in Trong, Perak. The eldest of seven, he grew up in a modest household where survival hinged on daily labour. His late father worked as a mangrove woodcutter and his mother was a full-time homemaker. "We lived hand-to-mouth — kais pagi makan pagi, kais petang makan petang. That was our reality," he says softly. Even sitting for his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination was nearly out of reach. The fees were too much for his family to afford, and if not for the generosity of neighbours and relatives, he might not have sat for it at all. He completed his primary education at Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Tinggi before moving on to Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tat Beng. "I couldn't continue my studies because I felt sorry for my late father," he shares, adding: "So, I started working to help ease the burden of supporting my six younger siblings, who were still very young at the time." After finishing school, Megat worked with his father in the mangrove wood industry, chopping logs and helping transport them to charcoal kilns. Within a year, his dedication earned him the position of kepala, or site supervisor. "From there, I started earning a bit more than usual. I had the woodcutting income plus a supervisor's allowance. That's when I began dreaming of becoming a mangrove wood and charcoal entrepreneur," he recounts. In 2000, Megat applied for a licence as a Kup Kayu Jaras Bakau (KKJ) operator. His application was approved by the Forestry Department, granting him the legal right to operate. That marked the beginning of his journey as a licensed mangrove harvester. Before long, he began delving deeper into the charcoal industry and eventually expanded into Kup Arang Kayu Bakau operations. With the licence secured, he successfully expanded into charcoal production — a business he still runs today. Yet, what many don't know is that his parallel journey as a Pak Andam also began around the same time. MAKING OF A GROOM STYLIST In the mid-1980s, Megat was one of only four young men in his village frequently chosen to serve as wedding groomsmen. He often found himself responsible for preparing the groom — adjusting outfits, calming nerves and even applying light makeup. It was an unpaid role, typically rewarded with food and bunga telur, but it quietly laid the foundation for a lifelong passion. "At that time, there was no such thing as a makeup artist for grooms," he recalls, adding: "The groomsmen had to do everything — from makeup to dressing the groom in traditional attire." Megat quickly became the go-to person for these tasks. Whether it was pinning the tengkolok or offering a last-minute touch-up, he was always ready. At first, he didn't think much of it. "Preparing a groom can be tricky. It involves a lot of tools. I wasn't really interested in the beginning," he admits, continuing: "But over time, the ideas started coming. I began to figure out how to enhance a groom's glow and picked up knowledge about the products along the way." Weddings then were formal, guided by strict religious customs. "If you wanted to be a groomsman or a Pak Andam, you had to know a bit about the religious side of things too," he says with a chuckle. Makeup was also much simpler. "We didn't have all the products available today. I only had four or five basics — face powder, an eyebrow pencil, lipstick and a bit of kohl." What began as a favour soon turned into fascination — and that fascination blossomed into a full-fledged passion, one that would quietly anchor his life for the next 40 years. Under the guidance of seasoned peers like Shaharudin Mat Nayan, Mohamad Haroon and Halim Bakar, Megat gradually mastered the craft the traditional way — slowly, patiently and with heart. Encouraged by a close friend who shared his passion, Megat also began to explore the world of makeup more deeply by studying skin tones, product formulas and the subtle art of enhancing rather than masking. Today, he is a seasoned Pak Andam, a groom stylist with four decades of experience under his belt and a reputation for making men look and feel their best on one of the most important days of their lives. "I don't just want to put makeup on faces. I want to bring out confidence in men to make them feel like they belong on the wedding dais just as much as the bride," he says. Passionately, Megat adds: "And for that, sincerity is everything. Without it, no matter how expensive your products are, the result will always look… flat." Unlike others who learnt the trade through formal courses or apprenticeships, Megat honed his craft one wedding at a time. He arrives at weddings not just in full traditional attire, but also with brushes in hand and a quiet determination to get it right. "Both paths — charcoal and makeup — have supported my family," he reflects with pride, adding: "It's been almost 40 years in both fields now… and all to put food on the table." In his 40s, he even enrolled in a distance-learning diploma in business management at Open University Malaysia. But midway through, he had to give up to support his eight school-going children. Today, Megat stands proud. Not just as a businessman or stylist, but as someone who carved his own path with grit, resilience and heart. TIKTOK FAME AND VIRAL STARDOM It wasn't until Megat began documenting his process on social media, especially TikTok, that things took a dramatic turn. With videos that now reach up to 5.6 million views, his flair for transformation quickly caught the attention of Malaysians across generations. The views translated into bookings. Where he once only received two or three clients a month, Megat now gets two to three bookings a week, earning him a supplementary income of RM1,000 to RM3,000 per month solely from his services. And with service charges starting at RM250, excluding transport and lodging, his rates are considered affordable, especially given the premium cosmetics he uses. "I only use international brands," he explains, adding: The full kit I carry costs around RM5,000. But I want the best for my clients, they deserve it. These products are more comfortable on the skin and reduce the chances of breakouts." BUILDING A WEDDING EMPIRE Today, Megat proudly helms a growing wedding empire that includes deejay and emceeing services, his own equipment, a bridal boutique and full-service wedding packages. Despite his success, Megat believes there's still space — and a real need — for more men in the field. He feels the role of Pak Andam, particularly for grooms, is one where a male presence can offer genuine comfort and make a meaningful difference. "When you're helping the groom dress or applying skincare, there's a certain comfort when it's another man," he says, adding: "I hope more young men realise that this is a dignified profession and there's nothing to be ashamed of." It's a message that resonates with a new generation unafraid to break free from gender stereotypes. And if Megat's journey proves anything, it is that passion and authenticity will always outshine outdated labels.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Dharma Harun's son disappointed, offered indecent work for RM1k
PETALING JAYA: The second son of veteran actor Dharma Harun, Muhammad Al Syafiq, 36, revealed he once considered dropping out of the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (Aswara) to find stable employment. However, Syafiq said he abandoned that idea because he was unwilling to work with only his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) qualifications, and also due to moral support from various parties urging him to complete his studies. "Honestly, I thought about quitting my studies many times. But the dean, lecturers, and everyone else told me the same thing. They said I was different, that there was value in being at Aswara, which made me hesitate to quit. "My friends also told me it would only take a short while more, and if I quit, I'd be earning an SPM-level salary. I've managed to support my family by working while studying all this time," he said. Syafiq admitted he was embarrassed to publicly discuss his family's financial struggles. But he was desperate as his earnings from part-time work while studying were insufficient to support them. "Do you want to know the sad story about why I shared the post? The landlord told us to move out. The landlord was kind, but there were debts. "My salary was small. I truly hope the 'Deko Ibadah' programme could be aired on TV so we'll have financial resources. "Because things weren't going well, the landlord asked me to vacate within a month. I tried to find another house. But when they heard we'd be paying with help from Baitulmal, people weren't interested. "Whether I liked it or not, I decided to tell the public about our hardships. Thank God, after that, some aid came in, and the landlord said as long as I could pay, we could stay. I could use any donations for that purpose, but I did not stop working," he said. Earlier, Syafiq expressed his displeasure at criticism from netizens who accused him of being idle and hoping for his 69-year-old father, Dharma, to return to work to support the family. Syafiq clarified that he had undertaken numerous part-time jobs as a barista, model, and actor to support his family all this time. However, his monthly income of less than RM1,000 was simply not enough. Syafiq also revealed that he had received various indecent job offers that compromised his self-respect. Among them was an individual who brazenly offered RM1,000 for sexual favours. "I received all sorts of offers. For example, someone wanted to 'rent' my body for RM1,000. I just got that message early this July. There were even worse offers, but I don't think it's appropriate to share them publicly," he said. He admitted he wasn't surprised by such an offer, given his work as a model. According to him, the offer might have stemmed from posting photos from his portfolio on social media. Yesterday, producer Richard Ung organised a special screening of the action film 'Felai Fx', starring both Dharma and Syafiq, while also channeling donations to their family. Ung said that the event, held at the National Film Development Corporation (Finas), was primarily to help collect donations for Dharma due to their difficulties, rather than to promote the 'Felai Fx' film.
The Sun
14-07-2025
- General
- The Sun
Anak Kita programme boosts academic success for at-risk students in Penang
NIBONG TEBAL: The Anak Kita Programme (PAK) has successfully uplifted the academic performance of at-risk students in Penang, with 460 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2024 candidates from 11 schools showing marked improvement. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek confirmed the programme's effectiveness, noting that 99% of participants sat for the exams, while 93% obtained their certificates, particularly excelling in Bahasa Melayu and History. PAK, a national intervention initiative, is a collaboration between the Ministry of Education (MOE), the Ministry of Finance (MOF), and strategic partners. Fadhlina highlighted its structured approach, combining online tuition and small-group learning to provide targeted academic support. As of mid-2025, PAK has benefited 1,280 students across 64 schools in Penang. Results indicate significant progress, with 71% improving in Bahasa Melayu and 44% in History. Even in challenging subjects like Mathematics, 13% saw grade enhancements. The programme adopts a holistic strategy, offering tailored interventions, personal coaching, and psycho-social support. 'We believe this approach will have a lasting impact and plan to expand it further,' Fadhlina said. Launched in September 2024, PAK focuses on three key areas: 3M (literacy and numeracy for primary students), SPM support for secondary students, and reintegration for at-risk students. Spearheaded by Yayasan Hasanah and Khazanah Nasional, it aims to reduce dropout rates and strengthen educational outcomes. Additionally, Sekolah Kebangsaan Nibong Tebal and SMK Taman Widuri have been designated as MADANI adopted schools, reinforcing the government's commitment to grassroots education support. - Bernama
