Helping hand: Zainal (right) and Azizul (left) presenting a laptop to a participant from SMK Bukit Changgang, Selangor.
TWO hundred and forty outstanding students from 20 schools in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Sarawak will be joining the inaugural 18-month “Menuju Gemilang 2025” programme aimed at helping those from underprivileged households excel in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations and pursue opportunities in higher education.
The programme for Forms Four and Five students is an expansion of the flagship Maxis eKelas community initiative - an after-school digital learning initiative aimed at improving academic performance, particularly in underserved communities.
Launched on July 22 in partnership with the Education Ministry, “Menuju Gemilang” participants were identified from a competitive pool of qualified students based on encouraging academic performance, active participation in extracurricular activities and leadership qualities.
The programme is structured around four pillars to provide comprehensive student development. These include academic support for SPM excellence, leadership training, community building, and guidance on scholarship applications for tertiary education.
Education deputy director-general (School Operations) Zainal Abas, who officiated the event, said the ministry was proud to support public-private partnerships that provide students with valuable opportunities to succeed in the classroom and further their education.
“By combining Maxis’ support with our educational framework, we are equipping high-potential students with the tools they need to become Malaysia’s future innovators and leaders.
“We encourage students and teachers and seize this opportunity to shape a brighter future,” he said in a press release.
Maxis chief corporate affairs officer Azizul Abdul Rahman said academic achievement should be matched with the right guidance and resources.
“By supporting exceptional students from underprivileged backgrounds, Maxis aims to create a pathway to connect them to their aspirations through higher education.
“We thank the parents for allowing us this opportunity, the teachers for their dedication, and especially the students for their commitment,” he said.
The “Menuju Gemilang” programme commenced with an engaging onboarding session designed to inspire a sense of ownership and long-term vision.
Students were asked to articulate their academic and future ambitions, creating a benchmark for their success by the end of the programme. At the end of the session, each student pledged their commitment to the programme in their journey towards academic excellence and personal growth.
In preparing for the SPM examinations, students will receive additional tutorials in Bahasa Melayu, English, Mathematics, History, Additional Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. They will also be given a mock examination on these eight subjects, along with an SPM Sprint workshop session in the final stretch.
To ensure every participant has the tools to succeed, Maxis is also providing each participant with a refurbished laptop for the 18-month duration, which they can keep upon completing the programme.
For details, visit www.ekelas.com.my.
