More than 900 students in Johor did not sit for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) or the Malaysian Certificate of Education examination this year, with many believing they could still secure jobs in Singapore without it.
SPM is a nationwide exam taken by all Form 5 secondary school students in Malaysia as a requirement for university admission.
This issue has raised concerns among state authorities, as skipping the exam could limit future education and job opportunities within Malaysia.
Absentee Numbers Drop but Remain Worrying
Although the number of students skipping SPM has decreased from last year, the state government remains concerned about the trend.
Last month, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek revealed that around 10,000 students nationwide had not confirmed their attendance for the exam.
Authorities Urge Students to Complete Their Studies
Johor Education and Information Committee chairman Aznan Tamin stated that Singapore does not require the SPM for employment, making it less of a priority for some students.
“The challenge for us is that Singapore does not see the SPM as a requirement for work,” he said, according to NST.
Additionally, he urged schools to work closely with parents to stress the importance of completing secondary education.
Authorities Addressing the Issue
To address the issue, the Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC) was set up to provide alternative education pathways.
“JTDC is a platform to help these children. Even if they don’t finish their studies, we can send them to pursue TVET and hire them to work in Johor,” Aznan explained, Berita Harian reports.
SPM and Its Equivalent in Singapore
SPM is widely considered similar to Singapore’s GCE O-Level, though differences exist in curriculum and recognition.
While some institutions accept it as an equivalent, they are not identical in structure.
Other Reasons for Skipping SPM
Besides seeking jobs in Singapore, some students skipped the exam in favor of other career options, such as becoming influencers or working in other services that do not require SPM.
The strong Singapore dollar has also influenced these decisions, with the exchange rate making cross-border jobs even more attractive.
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