DISABILITY IS NOT A BARRIER TO ACHIEVE EXCELLENCE IN STPM - TOP SCORERS

KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 (Bernama) -- A visually-impaired student at St John’s Institution Kuala Lumpur is among the 17 Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) 2023 candidates who obtained a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.00.

Muhamad Rafiudin Mohamad Hisham, 20, was named STPM 2023 top scorer for the blind category after obtaining 4As and the perfect score.

The student who was confirmed blind at the age of three due to lymphoma cancer said he never lost hope despite facing various challenges, especially when completing coursework as he needed to be in the field.

“But my parents helped me to finish the STPM coursework. When teachers provided me with materials, my friends assisted by reading out the materials for me to understand,” he added.

Minister of Education Fadhlina Sidek presented the Best Student Awards for candidates with special needs to Muhamad Rafiudin during a ceremony hosted by the Malaysian Examinations Council (MPM) today. MPM chairman Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Ekhwan Toriman was also present.

The top scorer under the Orang Asli category, S.A. Ananda Ishwary from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Sultan Abdul Aziz, Teluk Intan, Perak, who obtained 4As with a CGPA of 4.00, said this achievement is a motivation for her to chase her dream of pursuing studies in law. 

Recipients under all categories received RM1,000, a plaque, and a certificate.

The categories included top scorers for science and social science streams, candidates with special educational needs (visually impaired, autistic, and spastic), and Orang Asli. 

A student at Haji Zainul Abidin Sixth Form College in Georgetown, Penang, Tan Jun Sheng, 20, who is half blind, said he wanted to prove to society that persons with disabilities can achieve what others can, albeit with some assistance.

Tan said he intends to continue his studies in political science at a local university.

-- BERNAMA