Proud smiles: (From left) Ananda Ishwary, Paarmitha and Muhamad Rafiuddin at the Top STPM 2023 Candidates Award Ceremony in Selayang. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
SELAYANG: Now that they have achieved top scores in the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM), these brilliant young minds are hoping to be accepted into the university of their choice to pursue their dream course.
Ananda Ishwary Solaiah Achary, 20, one of the nation’s 17 top students this year, is hoping to secure a spot at her preferred university and study law.
“I have applied to several public universities, but my biggest dream is to study abroad because of the benefits it can bring,” she said after the Top STPM 2023 Candidates Award Ceremony here yesterday.
“My father passed away when I was 13. My mother, who worked as a cleaner, raised my sister and me by working in two places during the Covid-19 pandemic. It was very difficult for us,” said Ananda Ishwary, from SMK Sultan Abdul Aziz in Teluk Intan, Perak.
She described her academic journey as “challenging because I come from a rural village with poor phone connectivity”.
“My motivation increased when the Education Minister encouraged me to become a lawyer while presenting the mock cheque to me on stage,” said Ananda Ishwary, who took home a Top Candidate award for the Orang Asli category.Paarmitha Panickiraji, from SMK Pasir Gudang 2, Johor, obtained the best student award for the History subject.
“I like History because the subject is not irrelevant. Whatever we have today is because of what happened in the past and if we understand that, we can understand what’s happening in the world now,” said the 20-year-old, who also aspires to be a lawyer.
“I’ve put a lot of effort into this and feel like I have done everything I need to get a place in a public university,” she added.
Muhamad Rafiuddin Mohamad Hisham, 20, who lost his vision at the age of three due to lymphoma, scored 4As despite his disability.
The former St John’s Institution student was among the top scorers in the special educational needs category.
He said having a strong and positive mentality is what drives a person to achieve their goals.
“Pursuing Form Six has many benefits, including international recognition and easier opportunities for studying abroad. I hope to major in Malay language studies,” he added.
Together with other top scorers, the trio each received RM1,000, a certificate and a plaque.
