Learning in session: Students engaging in a lesson.
WITH the new academic session starting this week, some 100 students transitioning to secondary education will begin their journey armed with greater self-confidence.
These students from underserved communities were recently recognised in a special ceremony for their efforts in improving their academic results in Year Six.
As part of the 2025 Impian Gigih Dermasiswa programme, the students received 12 weeks of additional tutorial classes from June to October, coupled with free premium access to digital learning tools.
Organised by GXBank together with online learning platform Pandai, the initiative aimed to help Year Six pupils prepare for their final-year assessments.
The efforts saw over 40% of the students improve their average scores, with the highest increase in Mathematics.
Rosmafatimawati Othman, a mother of a participant from SK Taman Medan in Selangor, expressed her appreciation for the initiative.
“Watching your child struggle without being able to afford help is heartbreaking. This programme changed that. It wasn’t just better grades; it was seeing his confidence grow.
“It touches my heart to see people we don’t know investing so deeply in our children’s education. The programme didn’t just teach him; it made him believe in himself again,” she said.
GXBank deputy chief executive officer and chief operating officer (COO) Hildah Hamzah said the bank hopes to continue igniting a love for learning, especially in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, to drive social mobility and build resilience.
“We are committed to breaking the cycle of poverty, standing with them from their first examination to their final degree,” she said.
Pandai COO Suhaimi Ramly said building good learning habits early, along with support from the community, can make all the difference.
“We’re encouraged to see organisations championing early education, and we hope education continues to be a national focus – ensuring every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential,” he said.
At the concluding ceremony held on Nov 29, the students received back-to-school kits, helping alleviate the financial burden on their families as they prepared for the year ahead.
