Orang Asli Girl From Perak Overjoyed To Score Straight 9A's In SPM Without Tuition
Besides excelling in her studies, the 17-year-old also plays chess at the state level.
By May Vin Ang — 28 May 2024, 10:24 AM
An Orang Asli student from Tapah, Perak never expected to score 9A's in the 2023 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination
Fifi Nurfatin Marjaidi Hirwan, from the Semai tribe in Kampung Sungai Segenting, Chenderiang, told Bernama that she and her parents cried tears of joy after she checked her results online at home when they were released yesterday morning, 27 May.
The 17-year-old had obtained A+ in Bahasa Melayu, Islamic Education, History, and Mathematics; A in English, Physics, and Chemistry; and A- in Additional Mathematics and Biology.
As she could hardly believe her eyes, she had rushed to her school, Sekolah Menengah Sains Tapah, to obtain the official SPM result slip
"I am very grateful for this success, which I hope will inspire more Orang Asli children to excel in studies after this," said Fifi, who aspires to become a teacher like her aunt.
The student shared that she did not attend tuition in preparation for the examination, but had only focused on lessons in school, attended extra classes there, and sought help from teachers when she personally did not understand a topic.
"I often study late into the night and wake up bright and early, like 4am, to continue studying. I really didn't think I could get A in all subjects, because I only obtained 3A's in the SPM trial exam," she happily divulged.
Meanwhile, her parents proudly expressed that their eldest daughter of four has always been a hard worker
"She was diligent in studying from an early age, and was exposed to various activities including sports," said her father, Marjaidi Hirwan Sinak, 40, who is a gardener by profession.
Marjaidi said he and Fifi's mother have always reminded their daughter not to compare herself to other students or to ever feel inferior due to their background.
Besides excelling in her studies, he said Fifi also plays basketball at the district level and chess at the state level.
He thanked the Orang Asli Development Department (JAKOA) for granting them a RM700 scholarship that had helped pay for Fifi's schooling needs.
