SANDAKAN: Sandakan district has demonstrated remarkable educational progress, with both the 2025 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) examinations achieving better results than the previous year.
State Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk James Ratib attributed this success to the collective dedication of educators, school leaders, parents, and students in strengthening educational quality throughout the district.
The district’s SPM average grade improved from 5.06 in 2024 to 4.87 in 2025, while the STPM overall grade point average rose from 2.86 to 2.92, reflecting a growing culture of academic excellence among schools in Sandakan.
Speaking at the 2026 School Management Appreciation Ceremony, James cautioned against complacency, urging the education community to use these achievements as motivation to further enhance teaching innovation and produce students capable of competing nationally and internationally.
The Sabah State Government remains committed to ensuring equitable access to quality education through various assistance programmes, including the ‘Budi’ higher education registration aid, ‘Baik’ computer assistance, ‘Bakti’ special examination support, and ‘Bagus’ parent-teacher association activities funding.
James emphasised that education is the most crucial investment for human capital development and Sabah’s future progress, stressing the need for the education system to embrace digital transformation and artificial intelligence while maintaining strong moral values.
The minister also praised the Sandakan District Education Office for organising the appreciation ceremony, congratulating all award recipients and calling for continued collaboration among educators, parents, and the community to further strengthen Sabah’s education system.
Also present were Sandakan Municipal Council President Datuk Walter Kenson, Sandakan District Education Officer Datu Roslin Datu Siabok, Sandakan Secondary School Principals’ Association chairman Malaim Gumbina and OCPD ACP George Rakman. – James Leong
Walter Kenson (right), presents an award to a recipient.
