THE Penang government rewarded its high achievers in both the STPM and SPM 2020 examinations today with incentives as a gesture of appreciation as well as to further boost their motivation to excel in life.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow commended the efforts undertaken by teachers and parents in leading the students towards success despite facing the challenges in terms of teaching and learning during the Covid-19 pandemic.
In all, the state government has approved a total of RM220,000 as incentives for the students – RM82,000 for 82 STPM students from 22 schools and RM138,000 for 276 SPM students from 41 schools.
“The state government takes pride in the achievements of our beloved students.
“My heartiest congratulations to them and my appreciation also goes to the teachers and parents for their dedication in ensuring that the students stayed focused on their studies during this challenging time,” said Chow during a mock cheque presentation ceremony held at Komtar today.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P Ramasamy, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng and the representatives from the respective schools.
The incentives will be paid via electronic fund transfer (EFT).
They are given to STPM high achievers in three categories, namely ‘STPM Best Achiever Award’ with CGPA 4.0 ‘ (Anugerah Pelajar Cemerlang STPM- PNGK), ‘STPM Best Achiever Award for respective races’ (Anugerah Pelajar Cemerlang STPM Mengikut Kaum’) and ‘STPM Special Student Best Achiever Award’ (Anugerah Pelajar Khas Terbaik STPM).
The STPM Best Achiever Award with CGPA 4.0 saw a total of 62 recipients who will each be given RM1,000 and a certificate of appreciation.
Fifteen students qualified for the STPM Best Achiever Award for respective races and five students obtained the STPM Special Student Best Achiever Award. Each student will receive RM1,000.
Besides the incentives for students, the ‘Top School Award’ was also given to the top three high performing schools. The winners are Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Chung Hwa Confucian, followed by Sekolah Menengah (J) Kebangsaan Jit Sin and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Al-Mashoor (Lelaki).
For the SPM high achievers, the awards were given to two categories – the ‘SPM Best Achiever Award’ (Anugerah Pelajar Cemerlang SPM) and the ‘SPM Special Student Best Achiever Award’ (Anugerah Pelajar Khas Terbaik SPM).
A total of 271 students qualified for the ‘SPM Best Achiever Award’ and five students qualified for the ‘SPM Special Student Best Achiever Award’. They will receive RM500 each.
Similarly, there was also a ‘Top School Award’ for the top three high performing schools in the SPM examination. The top three prizes went to Sekolah Menengah (J) Kebangsaan Jit Sin, Sekolah Menengah Bukit Jambul and Sekolah Menengah Sains Kepala Batas respectively.
Meanwhile, Ramasamy said it is high time for the country to come up with ways to enhance learning via online in this digital era.
“The Federal Government should upgrade its communication and digital infrastructure to enhance internet accessibility and at the same time ensure it is affordable for all the students throughout the country.
“They must also ensure that students from the B40 group are equipped with the necessary learning devices for a smooth online learning process.
“Online learning will also help students to develop digital skills which is vital to prepare them for the digital era and the Industrial Revolution 4.0.
“The state government, through its ‘E-Learning Computer Programme’, has recently collaborated with the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) to provide nearly 1,550 laptops to the students from the B40 families,’’ Ramasamy added.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis