STUDENTS must pursue their studies with determination but not allow academic demands to overwhelm them, says Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.
“Make the world of learning a world filled with enjoyment, but not full of pressure.
“When we enjoy learning, we will take on any difficulties in our studies as challenges to make us even better,” he said at a tuition fee sponsorship presentation ceremony for the nation’s top Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) 2025 performers at the Higher Education Ministry in Putrajaya on Sept 7.
He added that challenges are an inevitable part of life and should not automatically be viewed negatively.
“Remember, in life, there must be challenges.
“But to make us better, we must take on the challenges positively. If we take on the challenges negatively, that is where mental health issues come in,” he said.
Zambry also advised students to balance academic excellence with personal development, stressing that education should ultimately produce good human beings.
“Learn diligently, the opportunity is there.
“The space is wide open for all of you to learn to become good people, build good personalities and good morals,” he said, adding that this is in line with a “humanity-centric” approach to education, where students should strive for excellence without losing sight of character.
“You can fly high, but at the same time, you need to remain grounded.
“What is the purpose of education if you pursue your education to the highest possible level but, at the end of the day, it is not accompanied with good character?” he said.
At the ceremony, 27 of the nation’s top STPM 2025 students received sponsorships to pursue bachelor’s degree programmes at 18 public higher education institutions (IPTAs).
The sponsorship covers tuition fees in various fields, including medicine, engineering and education.
The sponsorship initiative was initially extended to 18 students in June before being expanded by another 12, bringing the total number of students offered sponsorships to 30 from 19 IPTAs.
Hailing the students as important assets to their families and the nation, Zambry said the sponsorships are part of efforts to support all students.
“We want to ensure access by providing learning opportunities for everyone regardless of their background, because all of them are our Malaysian children,” he said.
He also congratulated the students’ parents for supporting them throughout their academic journey, describing the occasion as a proud moment for their families.
