Earlier this week, it was reported that a total of 10,160 out of 383,685 students were absent from 1 of the most significant exam papers in their lives, Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM).
Malaysians have since shared their belief that it could be because of a certain career paths that apparently do not require education.
According to a report by BERNAMA, the students’ choice to not sit for their SPM papers have been attributed to social media influencers promoting the mindset that you do not need education, or in this case SPM certifications, in order to become successful and rich.
Parent Action Group of Education (PAGE) chairperson, Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim, shared that students are being swayed by ‘attractive career paths’ such as becoming influencers as they are not receiving proper guidance.
“These students view becoming influencers as a shortcut to earning money without the need for education or qualifications. Some even believe they can forgo SPM because they can earn a decent income as food delivery riders,”
“Although skipping the SPM examinations after completing Standard 1 through Form 5 is a significant loss, for individuals lacking interest, academic inclination and proper guidance, this period merely represents a phase in their life journey,” she said.
In September 2023, a doctor and guest speaker received the shock of her life when a hall full of Form 3 students shared their ambitions to become TikTokers and YouTubers.
“Being a TikToker isn’t a job! Those who do business on TikTok are entrepreneurs like Khairul Aming, they are not TikTokers, they are businessmen. Those who do business can use platforms like TikTok and Facebook to generate sales. Those who work, can use these platforms for side incomes.”
“But, if you want to live by being a full-time TikToker, your life will be filled with instability. One second the income could be high, the next second there could be no income at all for months. If that’s not enough, the reality is that influencers’ lives are unstable because many people will ask for free reviews, to go to fashions shows for free, become models for free, create content for free and so on,” she told the students.
What do you think of the students’ choice to skip out on their education to become influencers? Do feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.
Also read: SPM 2023: Pendidikan Quran & Sunnah Records Highest ‘A’ Percentage, Ad-Maths Highest ‘Gagal’
