Strong Resolve, Perserverance And Discipline Key To Amanda And Ivan's Success In STPM

KUCHING, June 24 (Bernama) -- Armed with strong resolve, extraordinary discipline, perseverance and unwavering family support, Amanda Dania Arthur from SMK Green Road emerged as one of the outstanding candidates for the 2024 Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) examination.

Despite the pressure and challenges of one of the toughest examinations in the country, Amanda achieved brilliant success by obtaining a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.0, placing her among the top students at the state level.

According to Amanda, there was no great secret behind her success, but determination, consistency, respect for teachers, and parents' blessings played a significant role.

"I practice studying two hours every day and make a study timetable to ensure my time is well-managed. That timetable is very important because it helps me focus and not waste time," she told reporters after the STPM Results Announcement Ceremony here today.

Another impressive and unusual practice of Amanda's is her routine of waking up as early as 3 am every day to revise her lessons.

"At that time, my mind is fresher and ready to absorb information. I also use memorisation techniques through keywords to aid my memory. I avoid holding my phone while studying; my focus is solely on reading and understanding.

“After revising in the morning, I'll get ready, and on my way to school, I'll try to recall what I read earlier," said Amanda, who plans to pursue Economics at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

Another outstanding student from the same school, Ivan Jong Zhen Jin, who also achieved a CGPA of 4.0, described consistency as the key to his success.

"STPM is indeed a very challenging examination, but I believe with continuous effort and not giving up, we can succeed. I give full attention to my studies from Monday to Friday, while I use the weekends to rest and refresh my mind and emotions.

"I joined the Boys' Brigade, and that helped me balance co-curricular activities and academics. Every time I returned to school after the weekend, I would readjust my mood for studying," said Ivan, who intends to pursue Accounting at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM).

Sarawak Education Director, Omar Mahli, said that this year, out of 5,717 candidates who sat for the STPM examination, 92 candidates achieved a CGPA of 4.0, compared to 88 candidates in 2023.

He added that one of them, Kong Wei Hang from SMK Sungai Merah, Sibu, was awarded the Best STPM 2024 Science Stream student.

"This student has been invited to receive recognition at the Malaysian Examinations Council today in Putrajaya," he said.

--BERNAMA