THE Penang government has rewarded over 300 students for obtaining excellent results in their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) examinations held last year (2019).
However, the recipients were unable to attend the ‘Excellent Students Award Ceremony for SPM and STPM 2019’ in Komtar today, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the health and safety of the students were utmost important.
“This ceremony would have been graced by the presence of the 331 students today, if it is not because of the pandemic.
“Regardless, the state would like to congratulate the students for their success and would like to urge them to keep up the good work,” Chow said during the ceremony today.
A total of 251 SPM students and will be receiving a RM500 incentive each; while 80 STPM students will take home RM1,000. The recipients will also be awarded a certificate of appreciation each.
The allocations of RM125,500 (for SPM students) and RM80,000 (for STPM students) will be disbursed accordingly via cheques from the Penang government.
Ten special students were also awarded the incentives under the special category today.
Five schools – SMJK (C) Jit Sin, SMJK (C) Chung Ling Butterworth, SMJK (C) Chung Hwa Confucian, SM Sains Tun Syed Sheh Shahabudin and SM Sains Kepala Batas – were also recognised for their performances.
Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy was delighted with the outstanding achievements attained by the schools and students.
“I would like to thank the parents and teachers for being the driving force and the backbone behind the success of the students.
“Penang is one of states in Malaysia that has seen a very healthy and positive growth in terms of SPM and STPM examination results,” Dr Ramasamy said during his speech.
Also present were state Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman, Women and Family Development, Gender Inclusiveness & Religions Other Than Islam Committee chairman Chong Eng, Domestic and International Trade, Consumer Affairs and Entrepreneur Development Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain and Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Law Suun Ting