Two SPM 2025 candidates with disabilities, including an autistic student, achieved outstanding results through perseverance and strong support systems.
KOTA BHARU: Students with disabilities have proven that limitations are no barrier to academic success after achieving outstanding results in the 2025 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination.
Autistic student Nur Syahirah Syazwani Zailani, 18, from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Naim Lilbanat scored 1A+, 6A, 3A- and 1B, surpassing her initial target of eight As.
The youngest of three siblings said she did not expect such results as she faced various challenges throughout her studies, having been diagnosed with moderate autism at the age of 16.
She told reporters that she revised three to four hours daily, focusing on Physics and Biology, while also attending paid online tuition and school-organised classes.
Nur Syahirah said she had struggled with stress and social interaction but learned to manage her emotions, especially ahead of the examination, by calming herself with Quranic verses.
She plans to pursue foundation studies in Information Technology at Universiti Teknologi MARA and is currently undergoing follow-up treatment at Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II.
Meanwhile in Seremban, physically disabled student Muhammad Naazir Danesh Mohd Khairuddin, 18, from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Dato’ Sheikh Ahmad scored 11As despite obtaining only 6As in his trial examination.
The eldest of four siblings, who has a calcium deficiency condition causing brittle bones, said he did not expect the results and attributed his success to perseverance and faith.
He said his father, Mohd Khairuddin Zihan, a teacher at the school, had been instrumental in supporting him, including assisting his mobility throughout his schooling years.
Muhammad Naazir aspires to become an information technology specialist to contribute to the development of the disabled community.
Also sharing similar success, Nursaibah Al-Humairah Omar, 18, from the same school scored 11As after improving her Additional Mathematics grade from an E in previous tests to an A in SPM.
She said last-minute revision and strong support from teachers helped her achieve the results and she hopes to become a lecturer in the future.