Curtin SuCCESS Mentors boost SPM readiness through Mathematics Workshop

Miri, Sarawak – 9 October 2026 – Seventy-four Form Five students at SMK Dato Permaisuri, Miri, are heading towards the 2026 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations with greater confidence after completing a four-session Mathematics Workshop led by Curtin University Malaysia’s (Curtin Malaysia) SuCCESS Mentors.

The workshop, designed to strengthen students’ mathematical skills while building confidence and motivation, brought together 14 Curtin Malaysia student mentors under the guidance of academic team members Jameson Malang, Lukman Mohd. Najib, Puteri Nurul Fatihah Mohamad Azli and Dr. Fong Ai Ling.

What began with a relatively small turnout and hesitant participation grew into an increasingly lively learning environment, with more students attending subsequent sessions, actively asking questions and engaging with the mentors.

The programme was developed in close collaboration with SMK Dato Permaisuri’s mathematics teachers, who identified topics that students found particularly challenging. The mentors then developed two Mathematics worksheets and a dedicated test paper tailored to these learning needs.

Across the four sessions, the students were guided through difficult concepts, introduced to alternative problem-solving approaches and equipped with practical techniques for answering examination questions.

The programme kicked off on an energetic note with an interactive Kahoot Mathematics activity, giving the students an opportunity to test their knowledge in a relaxed setting. The three highest-scoring participants received prizes, adding an element of friendly competition to the learning experience.

As the sessions progressed, the mentors saw a marked improvement in student engagement. Students who were initially quiet and reluctant to participate became more confident in asking questions, discussing solutions and tackling topics they had previously found difficult.

Many students also expressed appreciation for the mentors’ practical answering methods and examination tips, which helped them understand and approach challenging mathematical concepts more effectively.

The final session, held on September 12, concluded with a Mathematics assessment to gauge the students’ progress. Seven of the highest-scoring students were subsequently recognised with prizes during a closing ceremony.

The teachers at SMK Dato Permaisuri commended the commitment of the Curtin Malaysia lecturers and student mentors, particularly their dedication to the programme while managing their own university studies.

They also highlighted the value of having PETRONAS engineering scholars from Curtin Malaysia serve as mentors. As scholarship recipients who have successfully progressed to university, the mentors provided students with relatable role models and first-hand perspectives on how academic effort and perseverance can open pathways to higher education and future careers.

Beyond Mathematics, the mentors shared their university experiences and encouraged students to remain focused on their educational goals.

Initiated in 2024 by Jameson Malang, the SuCCESS project has since reached numerous schools around Miri, strengthening Curtin Malaysia’s engagement with the local school community.

Through the SuCCESS Mentors, Curtin Malaysia continues to connect university students with secondary school learners, providing academic support and positive role models while empowering Curtin students to share their knowledge, experiences and aspirations with the next generation.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or follow Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn or TikTok.

Curtin Malaysia mentors, students and teachers celebrate the workshop’s successful completion.

Mentor Muhammad Hazmi Zawawie guides a student through a mathematics problem.

Curtin Malaysia mentors explain challenging concepts and exam techniques.