Khidir honoured as outstanding student in Chinese school

Many hold the perception - or perhaps even a stigma - that Malay students find it challenging to compete with Chinese students in Chinese vernacular schools.

However, 17-year-old Ahmad Khidir Ahmad Nazri has proven otherwise.

The student recently garnered attention when he was named the Outstanding Student of the Year at the SMJK Heng Ee Graduation and Awards Ceremony 2024 in Penang.

He received the 2024 Outstanding Student Award (Academic) after securing first place in his class and form (arts stream).

In addition, Khidir (above), who serves as the deputy head prefect at the school, was also recognised as the top scorer in Bahasa Melayu and Islamic Studies.

Speaking to Malaysiakini, Khidir shared the secret to his success: consistently performing the solat sunat Subuh (optional pre-dawn prayers) before school and the solat hajat (optional prayers for specific hopes) before studying.

“I also always seek my mother’s blessings and ensure my teachers bless the knowledge they impart by showing them the utmost respect,” he said.

‘Give and take’ approach

According to Khidir, he is grateful that his hard work has finally borne fruit, especially since competing with Chinese students, who generally excel academically, is no easy feat.

“I worked extremely hard to earn these awards, both academically and in co-curricular activities. Alhamdulillah, I managed to showcase a satisfactory performance,” he said.

Khidir added that he created a study schedule, participated actively in co-curricular activities, and engaged in group studies to enhance his learning process.

“My friends and I practised a group study concept called ‘give and take,’ where I taught them History and Bahasa Melayu, and they helped me with Accounting and Mandarin,” he explained.

A surprise for mum

The youngest of six siblings, Khidir said he is the only family member sent to a Chinese school since kindergarten.

“My mother believed that I would have more career opportunities if I attended SMJK,” he added.

As such, he dedicated his award to his mother, Fudla Yusof, 55.

Khidir revealed that he surprised his mother by not telling her beforehand about the award.

“My mother had no idea about the Outstanding Student Award. So, I decided to surprise her. She cried tears of joy when she was invited on stage by the school prefect,” he said.

The student credited his mother as his source of inspiration, always reminding him to persevere and never give up.

“Even though my mother does not have a high level of education, she inspires me to move forward. Mistakes teach us the values of life. Don’t give up, and remember the people we love,” he said.

Apart from hard work, Khidir believes his success is also the result of his mother’s prayers. He added that his mother even prayed for his success while performing umrah in Mecca, which made him feel at ease during his exams.

“I felt very calm when answering the SPM trial exams. I am grateful that my mother’s prayers were answered. It made me realise even more that parents are the root of our prayers,” he said.

Outstanding academic performance

Khidir scored 7As in his SPM trial exams, achieving an A+ in Bahasa Melayu and Islamic Studies, an A in English, Science, and Economics, and an A- in History and Mathematics. He also earned a B grade in Accounting and Mandarin.

Khidir aspires to further his studies through a matriculation or foundation programme at public universities such as Universiti Utara Malaysia or Universiti Malaya in the field of management. He hopes to eventually earn a degree and a master’s in human resources.

He also shared words of encouragement for this year’s SPM candidates, particularly Malay students in vernacular schools, urging them to work hard to succeed.

“Never give up. The journey to excellence is never easy.

“You must put in 200 percent effort because competing healthily with the majority (Chinese students) is not simple.

“But do it for your own good. Remember those who support you. Don’t be lazy, and self-discipline is key,” he told Malaysiakini.

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