Gladys Tan Yee Kim - Malaysia's best student SPM 2009

Sarawakian lass, Gladys Tan Yee Kim was named the top Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia, SPM examination, student in Malaysia in 2009.

She not only passed with flying colours but also nobody can beat her super extra-ordinary results of 10A+’s.

The SMK Green Road student said she was very happy and proud with her results, which exceeded her expectations.

“All I hoped for was straight As and anything better than that would be a bonus. I never dreamed of getting A+ for all my subjects, and becoming the top student was definitely unexpected.

“In fact, it still hasn’t sunk in,” she told The Star - the local Malaysian daily.

Gladys obtained A+ in Bahasa Melayu, English, Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, History, Moral, Science, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

“I want to thank God for His blessing and also my parents and teachers,” she said, adding that she planned to apply for a scholarship to further her studies in a science-related field.

Asked for her advice to fellow students, she said it was important to pay attention in class, listen to the teachers and do homework.

Her advice and recipe for success is simple - “Just be a good student and do your best,”..

In April 2010, Gladys and 29 other students who excelled in their studies, was announced as one of the recipients of the inaugural 2010 national scholarship.

She and the 29 others who scored ‘A+’ in all subjects will pursue studies in the disciplines of their choice at leading universities of the world recognised by the government, said a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.

The scholarship was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak when he tabled the 2010 Budget in Parliament in October last year to reward students who excelled in their studies.

The 30 students who received the scholarship are described as the 30 creme de la creme students.

Selection was strictly based on merit to enable them to further their education in world-renowned universities.

As of 2010, the government had decided to sponsor most outstanding SPM students to pursue education for their first degree at leading universities in the country and abroad.

This sponsorship programme is aimed at providing prestigious scholarships for outstanding SPM students in the effort to produce quality human capital to ensure the nation’s continuity capabilities in the future.