KUANTAN: Two years ago, Ammar Yasir Azmi managed to get only 3As in his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, leaving his childhood dreams of becoming a lawyer in limbo.
Undeterred by the setback, the 20-year-old decided to pursue the arduous Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) journey by studying Form Six at SMK Astana.
Fast forward to today, Ammar Yasir is all smiles after scoring a perfect 4.0 cumulative grade point average (CGPA) in the STPM examination.
Youngest of nine siblings, Ammar Yasir said he was left saddened after receiving his SPM results as his goal was to always attend law school and become a lawyer.
"If I had done well in my SPM then things might have been different but it seems to be a case of when one door closes another door opens.
"I do not like reading revision books but remained determined to do my STPM as I felt it was another path for me to pursue law.
"The last two years have been tough....I woke up at 4am to do my revisions, the heartbreak in the second semester when I scored low grades, spending long hours doing extensive reading, and revisions but finally everything has paid off," he told reporters after collecting his STPM result at the school here today.
Ammar Yasir dedicated his success to his parents Azmi Md Nor, 60, and Rohana Embong, 50, along with the teachers who had guided him and kept their trust in him to excel in STPM despite the outcome in SPM.
"Now, my dream to become a lawyer is back on track and I hope to secure a place at the International Islamic University Malaysia," he said.
Meanwhile, Aienur Salmalisa Mohd Jafri, 20, described the 4.0 CGPA as special as she had only set a target of 3.5 to secure a place at the Teachers Education Institute (IPG).
"I wanted to attend IPG after SPM but did not manage to secure a place. So, I decided to sit for my STPM and reapply for a place in the IPG. I want to become a history teacher.
"I have always been interested in history and found special ways to memorise lessons. Now, I want to become a teacher and share my knowledge with others....I am passionate about teaching," she said when met.
Third of six siblings, Aienur Salmalisa said her Felda settler father Mohd Jafri Harun, 54, and housewife mother Nurul Mastura Mohammad, 45, had been her pillar strength and their blessings, and guidance have helped her excel in her education.
Meanwhile, Pahang Education deputy director Ahmad Zamri Md Isa said a total of 106 STPM candidates in Pahang obtained a CGPA of 4.0 last year compared to 78 candidates in 2023.
He said a total of 1,936 candidates, or 99.69 per cent, managed to get full passes in at least one subject in last year's STPM examination.
He said 34 schools throughout the state achieved 100 percent passes while six schools recorded passes above 96 per cent.