KOTA KINABALU, 24 July 2026 – A total of 180 Sabah students have proven they can hold their own on the international stage, thanks to their outstanding performance in the STPM and MUET examinations.
According to Deputy State Secretary Datuk Mohd Hanafiah Mohd Kassim, the globally recognised STPM standard, combined with English proficiency through MUET, gives these students a solid foundation for both higher education and international careers.
He attributed this success to consistent effort, determination, and a willingness to push their own limits.
But he also made a point to acknowledge the unsung heroes behind these results. “Behind every top student stands a teacher who never tires of guiding them,” he said during the STPM and MUET Excellence Awards ceremony (MAKEPS), organised by the Sabah Education Department on Thursday.
Teachers, he added, often go beyond their call of duty—spending extra hours after school, running additional classes, giving one-on-one coaching, and always believing in their students’ potential.
Hanafiah stressed that a nation’s strength lies in the quality of its human capital, not just physical infrastructure. For that reason, he said, investment in education must continue to be strengthened so that every child in Sabah, regardless of background, has access to quality learning.
Sabah, he noted, needs a generation that is not only academically bright but also possesses integrity, critical thinking, communication skills, and a strong sense of unity.
He also reminded the students to view this achievement as merely the beginning of a much bigger journey. “Continue seeking knowledge with humility,” he urged. “True success isn’t just about how far we go, but how we use our knowledge and abilities to benefit our families, communities, and the nation.”
At the event, Ahmad Mursyied Umair Darwis from Sekolah Menengah Agama Kota Kinabalu received the National Best STPM 2025 Student Award for the Social Sciences stream.
Meanwhile, Kolej Tingkatan Enam Kota Kinabalu and Kolej Tingkatan Enam Tawau were honoured with the National Best Form Six College Award for 2025.
Also present was Indang Kasi Sibin, Deputy Director of the Planning and Management Sector at the Sabah Education Department.
