PENAMPANG: Candidates sitting for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2026 examination have been urged to anchor their preparation on three core pillars: tireless effort, ceaseless prayer and unwavering self-belief.
In making the call, Penampang District Education Office (PPD) SiPartner Officer Clarice Mumpin reminded the students that the upcoming SPM examination is far more than a standard written assessment.
It serves as the ultimate platform to validate their capabilities.
“That is why they need to be reminded that preparation requires relentless effort, constant prayer and unshakeable self-belief. SPM is a field to turn all the knowledge gained from teachers, the advice poured out and the unwavering sacrifices of parents so that they do not go to waste,” she said.
She delivered this address while officiating the 2026 Form 5 and Special Education Integration Program (PPKI) Graduation Ceremony at SMK Bahang at Hongkod Koisaan KDCA Penampang on Wednesday.
The event celebrated 365 graduating SPM candidates from both mainstream classes and the PPKI programme.
Also present to witness the milestone were the Penampang District Education Officer, the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) Chairman, school administrators, teachers and parents.
This year’s SPM starts with the Bahasa Melayu Speaking Test on 26 October 2026. The written examination runs from 23 November to 17 December 2026.
Clarice called on students to adopt the principle of ‘consistent small efforts’, noting that incremental progress builds major changes over time.
She also reminded graduates not to measure their self-worth against others, but instead strive to become the best version of themselves.
“Aspects of discipline, efficient time management and high commitment are the main keys to excellence too. Students need to stay active in class, be diligent in doing exercises, not be shy to ask teachers questions and maintain good relationships with their fellow peers,” she noted.
Urging students to take immediate initiative rather than waiting for motivation to strike, she added, “Today marks an important turning point in your life journey. Do not fear your own weaknesses. Instead, turn your weaknesses into a reason to strive harder.
Success does not come to those who merely wait but to those who dare to begin.”
To keep students grounded, she shared actionable benchmarks, such as striving to answer more questions each day, reviewing unfamiliar topics until mastered and treating rest as a temporary pause rather than a stop.
She also paid tribute to the behind-the-scenes sacrifices of mothers who pray constantly, fathers who labour to provide and teachers who teach with endless patience, urging students to treat their future SPM results as a meaningful gift to them.
“Today marks an important turning point in your life journey. You have reached a phase very close to another major battlefield, which is the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia, or SPM 2026, examination.
“There may be those among you who feel you are not yet prepared enough. There may be those who have failed tests before. There may be those who have received results that were not as expected.
“Do not fear your own weaknesses. Instead, turn your weaknesses into a reason to strive harder. Success does not come to those who merely wait.
Success comes to those who dare to begin, are willing to work hard and do not easily give up,” she said.
Clarice shared motivational words with the candidates. “If today you are only able to answer 50 questions well, strive so that tomorrow you can answer 60 questions.”
“If today you have not mastered a topic, review it until you understand it. If you have failed, rise up again. If you have been disappointed, try again. If you feel tired, rest for a moment, but do not stop,” she added.
She advised all students to organise their time well, show commitment by attending school, pay attention when teachers are teaching, and ask teachers if they do not understand a topic.
“And most importantly, do not easily give up on yourselves. Some people succeed earlier. Some people take a longer time. What matters is that you keep moving forward.
“However, do not race to be greater than others. Race to become the best version of yourself. I also want to remind you that behind every child’s success, there are sacrifices made by people behind the scenes. There are mothers who never tire of praying and fathers who work hard to provide necessities,” she explained.
Clarice emphasised the dedication of teachers who never tire of teaching even when repeating the same things over and over.
“There are family members and friends who always offer support. Therefore, make your success in SPM a most meaningful gift for yourselves, your parents, your teachers and the entire school community.
“I am confident that with earnest effort, high discipline, continuous prayers and the support of teachers and parents, you are capable of producing proud 2026 SPM results.”
Meanwhile, SMK Bahang Principal Mohammad Fuad Abu Bakar, in his welcoming remarks, highlighted that the ceremony was designed to recognise student development, foster institutional pride and fire up candidates for the road ahead.
He praised the resilience and discipline of all mainstream graduates while extending special congratulations to the PPKI cohort.
“Your success proves that every individual has their own potential, strengths and unique way to shine. Continue to believe in yourselves, celebrate every progress and never stop learning. The school is immensely proud of you all,” he concluded.
