THE Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB) hosted a special ceremony to honour top scorers (Tamil students) of the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2024 examinations at Kompleks Masyarakat Penyayang today.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow expressed pride and optimism for the future of the state’s youth and was heartened to celebrate the achievements of students who had excelled in last year’s SPM.
“I am truly grateful to be here today to honour the hard work and excellence shown by our students.
“Their accomplishments reflect the strength and potential of Penang’s youth,” he said in his speech earlier.
The event, which also served as an education and career guidance platform for SPM and STPM school leavers, was praised by Chow as a timely and commendable initiative.
He expressed appreciation to PHEB for its efforts in both celebrating academic success and guiding students toward post-secondary pathways.
Highlighting Penang’s commitment to nurturing talent, Chow reaffirmed the state government’s focus on human capital development under the Penang2030 Vision, which includes strengthening access to quality education and expanding opportunities for all.
“I have always believed that every young person in Penang holds immense potential.
“What they need is the right support, guidance, and the willingness to seize opportunities. Education is a powerful enabler, and we are committed to ensuring no one is left behind,” he said.
According to statistics shared by Chow, 819 students in Penang achieved straight A’s in the 2024 SPM examinations, an increase from 755 the previous year.
The state’s average grade point (GPN) improved to 4.39 compared to 4.49 in 2023.
Additionally, the percentage of students eligible to receive their SPM certificates rose to 93.67%, up from 92.64%.
While proud of these improvements, Chow urged students to view their SPM results not as an endpoint, but as the beginning of a lifelong learning journey.
“Success in SPM is only the first step. Continue striving, continue learning.
“Your talents are needed not only to fill job vacancies, but to drive innovation, uplift the economy, and improve the quality of life in our nation,” he said.
Chow also emphasised the importance of skilled talent in the high-tech era, stating that Malaysia’s future depends on the younger generation’s commitment to personal and national development.
In recognition of outstanding academic performance, PHEB has disbursed approximately RM1.5 million to 1,217 students in Penang as of May 2025.
During the event, a total of RM70,200 in awards was distributed to 167 top-performing students from 37 schools who achieved 7As and above in the 2024 SPM.
Chow extended his heartfelt congratulations to all award recipients, attributing their success to hard work, discipline, and the unwavering support of parents and teachers.
“Let today’s success be the foundation upon which you build an even brighter future.
“To the Class of 2025, I wish you all the best, stay resilient, stay focused, and never stop believing in the power of education to transform your life and your community,” he added.
Also present earlier were PHEB chairman R.S.N Rayer and its deputy chairman Senator Dr R.A. Lingeshwaran, and state Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis