BUKIT MERTAJAM: They studied together for the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) exams and had been a pillar of strength for each other over the years.
After scoring an identical 4.0 in cumulative grade point average (CGPA) in the STPM last year, 20-year-old twins Yeap Kai Wen and Yeap Kai Wei will go their separate ways.
Kai Wen, the older of identical twins, has been accepted by a university in Singapore to study chemical and biomolecular engineering.
He scored As in Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics and General Studies (Pengajian Am).
As for Kai Wei, he hopes to pursue either medicine or pharmacy at a local university.
He obtained As in Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology and General Studies.
Kai Wen said the two were always together while preparing for the exams and could not bear the thought of being separated from his brother for the first time in his life.
“We keep each other on our toes, and remind one another if we are slacking. We are extremely lucky to have each other and supportive parents.
“But since we have our own ambitions, separation is bound to happen.
“I can only wish my brother the best of luck,” he said after the two received their exam slips at SMJK Jit Sin yesterday.
Kai Wei said they were grateful to their parents, teachers and friends.
“Without them, we won’t be getting such great results. It is a dream come true,” he said.
On his secret for success, Kai Wei said: “You must always have the will to study, and focus to achieve your dreams.
“Besides making time for studies, I also had my own ‘me’ time which I feel is important.
“Don’t stress yourself or you will burn out, and this will affect your health and subsequently, affect your results,” he said.
The pair also scored 10As in their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination, and straight As in their PT3 and UPSR examinations.
Special student Ho Hua Ze, who is suffering from lazy eyes (amblyopia) and short-sightedness, was elated upon scoring As in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry and an A- in General Studies.
The SMJK Jit Sin student, however, felt that he could have done better.
“I was expecting a four-flat CGPA, but I think I did quite well with a 3.92 CGPA,” he said.
Ho, who was born with normal eyesight and only started having problems when he was four or five, said he preferred studying online as he could see better compared to conventional classrooms.
“My disability is never a reason for me to not work hard. I want to excel not only in exams but also in life,” he said, adding that he planned to study engineering locally.
A total of 82 STPM candidates from Penang scored a CGPA of 4.0 in their exams.
Penang Education Department deputy director (district education offices, planning and management sector) Wan Sajiri Wan Hassan said SMJK Jit Sin emerged as the best school with 18 of its students scoring a CGPA of 4.0.
A total of 11 schools in Penang achieved 100% passes where all their students were eligible for STPM certificates.
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