Kuala lumpur: The performance of 2025 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) candidates in Sabah and Sarawak has recorded encouraging improvements, making them valuable assets to national development. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Sabah and Sarawak) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud announced that Sabah's results demonstrated a significant jump across almost all key indicators, particularly with the State Average Grade (GPN) improving from 5.00 to 4.85.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this achievement marks the first time for Sabah to move out of the GPN 5 range, a significant milestone in the state's education performance history. The improvement reflects not only an enhancement in quantity but also quality, as the achievement gap between urban and rural areas has been successfully narrowed. The percentage of candidates eligible to receive certificates in Sabah increased to 95.60 percent, with 605 students obtaining straight As. Additionally, the number of candidates achieving at least a credit rose significantly.
Commenting on Sarawak's performance, Mustapha noted that the state also recorded positive progress with a GPN of 4.79, the best achievement since 2013. A total of 853 candidates obtained excellent results of straight As, and the number of candidates achieving at least a credit increased. Furthermore, 27 schools recorded a 100 percent pass rate, including those in rural areas, proving that access to quality education can produce excellence beyond geographical constraints.
Meanwhile, Mustapha encouraged SPM leavers to be bold in exploring various education and career pathways, including Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), artificial intelligence (AI) technology, and the semiconductor industry, which are now strategic sectors for the country. In line with developments in global energy conflicts, they are also encouraged to explore opportunities in new and renewable energy sectors such as solar, hydro, and green technology.
Mustapha emphasized that these fields would not only offer high-skilled job opportunities but also open up chances for Sabah and Sarawak youths to become global leaders in the digital economy, high-technology industries, and sustainable development.