SPM grads encouraged to explore TVET, AI, semiconductor career pathways

KUCHING (April 1): Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) graduates have been encouraged to explore diverse education and career pathways, including Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), artificial intelligence (AI), and the semiconductor industry, as part of efforts to meet the evolving demands of the national economy.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said such fields are among the strategic sectors driving Malaysia’s growth, offering high-skilled employment opportunities and positioning young talents at the forefront of the digital and high-technology landscape.

“In line with current global energy challenges, graduates are also encouraged to explore opportunities in the new and renewable energy sector, such as solar, hydro, and green technologies.

“Sabah and Sarawak have immense potential in this sector, and the younger generation must be prepared to become the skilled workforce that will lead the nation’s energy transition towards a more sustainable future,” he said in a statement.

Mustapha noted that these emerging sectors not only promise rewarding careers but also provide a platform for youths from both states to become leaders in sustainable development and the global economy.

On the SPM 2025 results, he described the overall performance of candidates in Sabah and Sarawak as encouraging, with notable improvements recorded across key indicators.

“In Sarawak, performance has shown positive progress with the State Average Grade (GPN) recorded at 4.79, the best since 2013.

“A total of 853 candidates achieved straight A’s, with more students attaining at least a credit,” he said.

He added that there were also 27 schools in the state which recorded a 100 per cent pass rate, including schools in rural areas.

“This demonstrates that access to quality education can produce excellence beyond geographical limitations,” he said.

In Sabah, he said the GPN improved from 5.00 to 4.85, marking the first time the state has moved out of the GPN 5 range.

“In addition, the percentage of candidates qualifying for certificates increased to 95.6 per cent.

“More impressively, a total of 605 students achieved excellent results with straight A’s, while the number of candidates obtaining at least a credit also rose significantly,” he said.

He said these achievements reflected not only better overall results but also a narrowing of the performance gap between urban and rural students.

Mustapha congratulated all SPM 2025 candidates on their achievements and that their improved performance serves as a valuable asset to the nation.

He reminded graduates that their examination results mark only the beginning of their journey, urging them to continue building their skills and seize opportunities that will shape a brighter future.