Eighteen SEA Games-bound athletes will still sit for SPM exam

One up for students: SEA Games chef de mission Nurul Huda Abdullah posing for a photo with the national track cyclists in the background during centralised training at the National Velodrome last week. — Bernama

PETALING JAYA: The Youth and Sports Ministry have ensured that the 18 young athletes who will compete in the SEA Games in Thailand this December will still sit for their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations despite the clash in schedules.

Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said they have received feedback from the Education Ministry following discussions with the National Sports Council (NSC).

“The SEA Games will be held in Thailand in December, and so far, we have 17 candidates from government schools and one private candidate. The NSC discussed the matter with the Education Ministry and agreed that the SPM exams will be held at the NSC after they return from the competition,” said Hannah.

“The Youth and Sports Ministry want to ensure that all 18 athletes have the opportunity to sit for their SPM. They are not wasting time, but representing Malaysia. So we will assist them in every possible way.

“This may seem like a small issue, but it is important for their future.

“We want athletes who excel not only in sports but also in their studies,” added Hannah.

The Education Ministry have agreed to prepare a special examination paper for the 17 candidates from government schools, while the private candidate will have to submit an application directly to the Examination Board for further coordination.

All 18 athletes will sit for their SPM examinations at the NSC in Bukit Jalil after the conclusion of the biennial Games.

Earlier, chef de mission Nurul Huda Abdullah expressed concern over the matter as the SEA Games and SPM dates draw near, but said there had been no official response from the Education Ministry on how to assist the affected athletes.

Parents of the athletes have also voiced concern about their children’s studies, saying they are torn between academic priorities and national duty.

The SPM exams are scheduled from Nov 3-Dec 23, while the SEA Games in Thailand will take place from Dec 9-20.