M’sian Teen Battles Cancer and Scores Straight As in SPM After Missing a Year of School!

In Malaysia, the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exam is very important. It marks the end of secondary school and often decides what students do next, whether it's going to university, starting work, or taking other courses. 

Photo via Facebook (Norma Yasim)

Every year when SPM results are released, many Malaysians remember their own experiences. This year, we saw many touching reactions online that all Malaysians, especially those who have gone through SPM, can relate to.

One story that caught everyone’s attention was from Kelantan.

Mohamed Adam Baihaqi Mohamed Zadro, a 19-year-old student, proved that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. In March 2023, Adam was diagnosed with cancer and had to stop attending classes for about a year while getting treatment at Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II.

At the time, he never thought he would live long enough to sit for SPM.

Things changed for Adam when he was declared cancer-free in July 2024. He quickly made plans to take the SPM exams that December. Adam used every day to study and revise, motivated by his parents’ sacrifices to support his cancer treatment.

Thanks to his hard work, the help of his teachers, and support from friends, Adam scored 7As in his SPM, “I didn’t expect this at all,” Adam said, adding that every hardship is a test, and that success comes from having a strong relationship with God, parents, teachers, and friends.

Congratulations to Adam and to all Malaysian students who sat for SPM! You’ve made the nation proud.