KUALA LUMPUR – Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, the Queen of Malaysia, graced a special ceremony at Istana Negara today to celebrate the academic success of the country’s top-performing students. The event specifically honored those who excelled in the 2025 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia (STAM) examinations.
The ceremony recognized 210 high-achieving students, all of whom come from B40 families. This royal initiative highlights the importance of academic perseverance regardless of a student’s socioeconomic background. During the event, Her Majesty personally presented contributions to 66 selected recipients as a gesture of encouragement for their future studies.
The group of honorees included the top ten students from various categories. These categories spanned across national schools, MARA Junior Science Colleges (MRSM), and government-aided religious institutions. Students from Johor, Putrajaya, and the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur were among those invited to the palace to receive their awards.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek attended the two-hour event alongside Ministry of Education Secretary-General Datuk Dr. Aminuddin Hassim and Education Director-General Datuk Dr. Mohd Azam Ahmad. Their presence underscored the government’s commitment to supporting excellent students from lower-income households.
This royal recognition serves as a significant milestone for the 2025 cohort. By hosting these students at Istana Negara, the Queen has sent a powerful message about the value of education. For many of these young achievers, the ceremony is not just an award but a vital motivation to continue their journey toward higher education and professional success.
