From a "icon of failure" to a "icon of success" - that's what a proud teacher said about his former pupil.
Chemistry instructor Mohd Nizar related the story of a Form 6 student who had failed twice at the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) at Sekolah Tinggi Kluang in a heartwarming video that he uploaded to TikTok.
In spite of the setbacks, the student barely passed the test and was accepted to Universiti Tun Hussein Onn (UTHM).
He has actually taken advantage of this chance and is currently succeeding at the school, as evidenced by his second semester cumulative grade point average of 3.54.
They referred to him as a 'symbol of failure.' According to the video title, "it was predicted that he would never enter university."
The former pupil was invited to offer some advice when he recently returned to his school and was reunited with his teacher.
"STPM is hard, but with effort, you will find university and it will feel easier," he stated.
@msaifdan Dulu Beliau Digelar 'Ikon Kegagalan'. Beliau diramal tak dapat masuk universiti. Tapi kuasa Allah Jua, Beliau Bangkit #tingkatanenam #stpm #chemistry #spm #foryou #fypシ Pelangi Petang - Dato' Sudirman
The young man's tenacity was praised by many internet users. "A good role model," Kuchela70, a user, said.
"Congratulations! A wonderful individual was born as a result of everyone's hard work," user Fatimah Hussain wrote.
Some concurred that the challenging nature of the STPM curriculum has created competent graduates who are ready to succeed in postsecondary education.
According to user and fellow educator Nurul Hikmah, "I also tell my students that STPM is far more difficult than college."
Others expressed gratitude for the instructor's dedication to his students' future. The user Abg Jai stated, "The difference between a teacher and an educator."
Nizar himself provided insight into what success and thankfulness really imply.
It was bittersweet, he said, when his best students never came to see him, probably because they were too busy with their own life, while the one who received a reprimand looked for him once again.
Despite this, Nizar is unwavering in his commitment to his students.
"Taxpayers pay me." I will continue to be dedicated as long as I am alive and my students desire me. I'll leave if they decide they don't want me anymore," he declared.
