The release of the Malaysian SPM (O-levels equivalent) results in March 2017 has prompted an outcry from high performing students with another policy change from the Public Services Department (PSD). A new 9A+ Sponsorship Programme was introduced but it left some students dejected due to its stringent requirement.

Initial media reports pointed out the stringent criteria listed on PSD’s website – announcing that only students who obtained A+s in all subjects they have sat for will be entitled to the scholarship, instead of achieving a minimum of 9A+s. This means a student who scored 9A+s and an additional A in the tenth or eleventh subjects would not qualify for the scholarship.

This announcement has resulted in an outcry from students, parents and other stakeholders, prompting the Public Services Department to review and revise their requirement. It is subsequently decided that all SPM 2016 students who obtained a minimum of 9A+ will be eligible to apply for the scholarship. The scholarship will fund prospective scholars at both the pre-university and undergraduate degree level at recognised higher education institutions in Malaysia. Although foreign branch campuses are included in the list, twinning programmes and double degree programmes are not eligible.

Other on-going overseas sponsorship programmes by the Public Services Department include:

• National Sponsorship Programme which are now available to 102 top scorers of the SPM 2016 to study overseas, instead of 20 in 2015
• The King’s Scholarship Programme is available to 12 prospective scholars, with 6 each at the Masters and Doctorate levels, for studies locally or overseas, in science and technology, economics, law, and Islamic finance
• The Japan, South Korea, France and Germany Special Engineering programme is available to 200 outstanding students to pursue engineering studies in the said countries

Commentary by Jennifer Wan, British Council Malaysia

A drastic reduction of scholarships announced in early 2016 has left a large number of Malaysian students devastated and resulted in a sharp decline in number of sponsored students sent overseas. This reduction of scholarships has largely been due to the fall in oil prices and to save the government some money. Although the National Sponsorship Programme is still open, students are required to apply and gain admission to only the top-10 universities by subject in the QS World University rankings. In the Public Services Department’s (PSD) list of ‘approved’ universities, only five UK universities have made it to the list.

Looking at the current economic condition, it is highly unlikely that the PSD and other sponsorship bodies will be reconsidering their decision and continue to send large numbers of students overseas. With the huge provision of transnational education programmes and institutions available in Malaysia, it is likely that these scholars be required to complete their studies locally.