An Orang Asli student from Tapah, Perak, never expected to achieve 9A's in the 2023 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination.

Fifi Nurfatin Marjaidi Hirwan, from the Semai tribe in Kampung Sungai Segenting, Chenderiang, shared with Bernama that she and her parents cried tears of joy after checking her results online at home on the morning of May 27th.

The 17-year-old earned A+ in Bahasa Melayu, Islamic Education, History, and Mathematics; A in English, Physics, and Chemistry; and A- in Additional Mathematics and Biology.

Hardly able to believe her eyes, she rushed to her school, Sekolah Menengah Sains Tapah, to obtain the official SPM result slip.

"I am very grateful for this success, which I hope will inspire more Orang Asli children to excel in their studies," said Fifi, who aspires to become a teacher like her aunt.

She revealed that she did not attend tuition classes in preparation for the examination, relying solely on school lessons, extra classes, and assistance from teachers when needed.

"I often studied late into the night and woke up as early as 4 a.m. to continue studying. I never thought I could achieve A's in all subjects since I only obtained 3A's in the SPM trial exam," she happily shared.

Her parents proudly expressed their joy, noting that their eldest daughter of four has always been a diligent student.

"She has been dedicated to her studies from an early age and has participated in various activities, including sports," said her father, Marjaidi Hirwan Sinak, a 40-year-old gardener.

Marjaidi added that they always reminded Fifi not to compare herself to others or feel inferior due to their background.

Besides excelling academically, Fifi also plays basketball at the district level and chess at the state level.

He thanked the Orang Asli Development Department (JAKOA) for granting them a RM700 scholarship, which helped cover Fifi's schooling needs.