Kota Kinabalu: Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Sanzac has proven to be a driving force for the future success of its students in areas such as innovation, STEM, sports and creative arts.
Established in 1969, SMK Sanzac was named in honour of the Sabah, Australia, New Zealand Army Corps (Sanzac) that served in Sabah during World War II. It has now become a symbol of educational excellence.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});The school’s five-decade journey reflects its commitment to developing students who are not only capable but also competitive, well-prepared to face the challenges of the modern world with solid knowledge and skills.
One of the highlights of 2024 was the international success of SMK Sanzac. Two student teams won the prestigious International Atomic Melody Competition 2024, organised by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The team, including Muhammad Irfan Roslan, Josephine Lavung Kubik, Fefy Mashita Shamsul, and Elvera Anabel Alexander Diaz, was named among the seven best winners, earning a fully-funded trip to Japan in 2025. Muhammad Irfan credited the team’s success to their close collaboration with teachers.
In addition, 17-year-old Muhammad Danish Agunawan earned third place in the Unesco Clubs Worldwide Youth Multimedia Competition for his creative video, N4C: Nuclear for Change.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});This achievement, along with guidance from his teacher Kuit Vui Ket and Principal Ajmal Jumah, led him to a study trip to Vienna, Austria.
Further success came from Nur Emily Fazli Low and Putri Khairina, both 18, who participated in the International Seed In Space Comic Book Contest. Their digital comic, focusing on seed conservation for food security, earned them spots among the top 10 finalists globally.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Four teachers achieved success in the IAEA Challenge: Innovative Ideas to Attract and Develop Young Talents in STEM, securing third place for their project NST-Stream Clusive.
This victory earned them a trip to Moscow for an academic tour. Kuit Vui Ket, a science teacher at SMK Sanzac, stressed the importance of teachers participating in innovation competitions to keep education relevant and forward-thinking.
In sports, Muhammad Khairani Fauzan Muhammad Khairul Anam, a student from the Integrated Special Education Program (PPKI), made history by winning four gold medals at the 2024 WSSA Asian Open Sport Stacking Championship in Shah Alam.
His success highlighted the potential for students with special needs to compete on the international stage when given the right opportunities.
In taekwondo, Mohammad Daniyal Adizan Yuzaidi triumphed in the 9th International Open and Invitational Taekwondo Championship in Sabah, strengthening his reputation as a young talent. Muhammad Nur Azhar Zunaide won the men’s doubles at the MSSM 2024 Badminton Championship, earning a place in the 2024 Sri Lanka International Series.
In swimming, 16-year-old Sharlinie Valerie Voo Wen Qin, also from the PPKI program, won three gold medals at the Para Sukma 2024 in Sarawak. Meanwhile, 14-year-old Mohammad Danish Hakim Fadzilah made his mark in international bowling, finishing second in the 2023 Peter Yap Cup National Championships.
Principal Ajmal Jumah acknowledged the school’s success to the combined efforts of students, dedicated teachers, and strong support from parents and key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Education Malaysia, the Sabah State Education Department and the Kota Kinabalu District Education Office.