TRIPLE AMPUTEE, ORANG ASLI EXCEL IN SPM 2023 DESPITE ADVERSITIES

JOHOR BAHRU, June 23 (Bernama) -- Despite being a triple amputee with no hands and right leg, relying solely on her left leg for daily activities, How Xue Qi, 18, achieved an A- in Visual Arts and passed all subjects in the 2023 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination.

Xue Qi, who received the Inspirational Award, expressed her gratitude for the award and was deeply indebted to her school, teachers, friends and family, especially her parents and twin sister, How Xue Thing, 18, who always helped and encouraged her throughout her schooling.

“The teachers gave a lot of assistance because I draw using my left foot. While waiting for the SPM results, I was very anxious but I am grateful to have passed all subjects and received an A in the subject I am passionate about.

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“I am really interested in art; I draw whatever comes to mind and colour everything from the heart," she said when met by reporters after the 2024 Johor State SPM Excellence Awards Ceremony at KSL Hotel here today.

At the event, 60 students who achieved excellent results in the 2023 SPM examination were honoured with awards presented by Johor Education and Information Committee chairman Aznan Tamin.

The eldest of four siblings, Xue Qi said she would continue attending Form Six at the same school, and aspired to become an interior designer one day.

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She also hoped that her story could serve as a source of motivation for others in similar situations.

“My advice is to live life as usual, keep yourself happy and believe in your abilities,” said the student from SMK Taman Daya here.

Meanwhile, Anna Maria Ahmad, 18, a recipient of the Excellence Award in the Orang Asli category, who achieved 5As and 2Bs, expressed her surprise and disbelief at her good results and being honoured at today's event.

“Honestly, I felt nervous and was shocked and happy because my hard work paid off. While at school, I faced family problems and fell behind, but the teachers provided a lot of support.”

“The key to success is to ask teachers and those around you if there is something you don't understand. I also bought many books for revision,” said the student who achieved As in Bahasa Malaysia, English, History, Moral Education and Visual Arts.

The SMK Taman Rinting student intends to pursue higher education and ultimately achieve her dream of becoming a successful lawyer one day.

“I truly aspire to be a lawyer because I want to help the Orang Asli community and everyone else.

“My advice to the Orang Asli community is to go to school because education will enable us to help ourselves and our community in the future... and another thing is to maintain our manners while seeking knowledge, respect our teachers and parents, and that is what I hold on to,” she said.

-- BERNAMA