Determination to realise ambitions and change their future were key motivators for young offenders who achieved excellent results in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination.
Ramli (not his real name), who scored six As and one B, said his achievement proved that past mistakes did not define his future and he was now determined to pursue further education up to a master’s degree.
The inmate at Kluang Prison in Johor said his results had reignited his passion to pursue his aerospace engineering dream.
He expressed gratitude to educators at Sekolah Integriti Kluang for their dedication in teaching him and his peers.
Ramli said prior to his imprisonment, he had not performed well academically.
“I hope with this result, I can pursue my ambition of designing aircraft,” he told Bernama after being named best overall SPM student at the excellence awards ceremony in Kuala Selangor for Integrity Schools and Henry Gurney Schools under the Malaysian Prisons Department.
Also present at the ceremony was Deputy Commissioner-General of Prisons (Security and Correctional) Rosoman Abu Bakar@Che Din.
Another award recipient, Jackson (not his real name), said reflecting on past mistakes made him view education as a way to change his life and his family’s future.
The student from Sekolah Henry Gurney Keningau in Sabah said his achievement of getting six As would enable him to further his studies in education, to help other young people steer clear of trouble.
“My parents encouraged me to study, and for me, education is the only way out,” he said.
Rosoman, in his speech, said 99 students from Integrity Schools and Henry Gurney Schools sat for the SPM examination last year, maintaining a 100% certificate eligibility rate for four consecutive years since 2022.
He said the Prisons Department remained committed to realising its vision of “Safe, Liveable Prisons Inspiring Hope”, emphasising that prison was not just a place to serve a sentence, but also a space for self-improvement, to gain knowledge and build a more meaningful future.
“Success and opportunities do not come easily.
“Each student here is a symbol of resilience and discipline, and have a strong desire to change for a better future.
“We understand that even while serving sentences, education remains crucial in securing a brighter future when they return to their families and society.”
