In 2024, Malaysia celebrated its best SPM results since 2013, with a national average grade of 4.49 and 14,179 students scoring straight As. However, this academic win came with a concerning twist: 10,160 students out of 383,685 registered candidates chose to skip at least one paper of this crucial national exam. The reason? Many point to a growing belief among today’s youth that SPM no longer matters, especially if you want the parade to become influencers.
Fueled by viral content on TikTok and Instagram, more and more youngsters are convinced they can find fame, money, and success without ever sitting for exams. Some influencers themselves have boldly declared that qualifications are outdated, reinforcing the idea that anyone can make it big online with just a smartphone and creativity. As this mindset spreads, the traditional value of education is being questioned, especially by those hoping to follow in the footsteps of their favourite influencers.
But while some may glamourise skipping school for fame, several of Malaysia’s most beloved and successful influencers stand as proof that academic achievement is not only still relevant; it’s powerful.
Let’s explore the stories of high-profile Malaysian influencers who didn’t just pass their SPMs, they aced them, and used their education as the foundation for meaningful, sustainable careers.
Dr. Nur Amalina Che Bakri
In 2004, Dr. Nur Amalina Che Bakri made national headlines when she scored 17 1As in her SPM, a record that still stands today. Born and raised in Johor Bahru, she earned the prestigious Kijang Emas Scholarship from Bank Negara Malaysia and pursued her medical studies in the UK.
She graduated from the University of Edinburgh, later earned her MPhil from the University of Cambridge, and is now completing her PhD at Imperial College London, all while working as a general surgeon. Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Amalina has become a vocal advocate on social media for public health, women’s rights, and education.
Khairul Aming
Khairul Aming was an excellent student from the start. He scored 6 A+ and 4 As in his SPM, placing him among the top scorers in the country. That academic performance paved the way for something greater: a place at the prestigious Vanderbilt University in the United States, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
In 2021, Khairul Aming launched Sambal Nyet Berapi, and the response was explosive. His product routinely sold out within minutes. What sets Khairul AMing apart isn’t just his ability to cook or entertain. It’s his understanding of systems. He built his business from scratch with end-to-end control: from recipe testing to packaging design, from supply chain to customer service. That kind of thinking? It comes from a mindset shaped by education.
Neelofa
Long before becoming one of Malaysia’s most recognisable celebrities, Neelofa was one of the top students at MRSM Langkawi. In 2006, she scored 10As in SPM, followed by A-Levels at Kolej Damansara Utama and a degree in International Business and Marketing from Sunway University.
Today, Neelofa is not just an actress and TV host, she’s a successful entrepreneur, brand ambassador, and founder of several fashion and lifestyle ventures. Despite her fame, she never downplayed her educational background. In fact, she credits it for helping her manage the business side of her career with confidence and clarity.
Dr. Soo Wincci
Soo Wincci isn’t just a beauty queen, she’s a brainy one. The singer, actress, and model scored 7As and 2Bs in her SPM. She went on to complete a Law degree from the University of Reading, followed by an MBA, and eventually earned her PhD in Business Administration from Open University Malaysia.
She became the first Miss World Malaysia to earn a doctorate, gaining recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records. Soo Wincci proves that beauty, talent, and intelligence are not mutually exclusive, and that discipline from school days can take you very far.
Rachel Tan Weng Kim
Rachel Tan Weng Kim is the perfect embodiment of brains, beauty, and bold ambition. She scored 10As (8 A1s and 2 A2s) in SPM, earned a law degree from the University of Sheffield, and followed it with a Master’s degree from the University of Cambridge.
In 2003, she was crowned Miss Chinese International, representing Malaysia on a global stage. But unlike many who fade into glamour alone, Rachel used her platform wisely. She transitioned into a successful career in modeling, television hosting, and public speaking, using her eloquence, legal knowledge, and poise to build a career that spans both media and intellect.
Mira Filzah
Mira Filzah isn’t just one of Malaysia’s favourite sweethearts on screen, she’s also a certified academic achiever. Long before gracing magazine covers and drama sets, Mira was acing her exams. In 2010, while studying at SMK Aminuddin Baki, Kuala Lumpur, she scored 8As in SPM, proving early on that she had both talent and tenacity.
Her success wasn’t built on overnight fame. Mira, whose full name is Nur Amirah Filzah Badioezaman, took a balanced path. After SPM, she pursued a degree in International Business at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), equipping herself with both creative and business knowledge.
Mira first made waves as a model and emcee before rising to national fame through hit dramas like Pujaan Hati Kanda and Sweet Dreams. Her roles often mirror her real-life personality: warm, composed, and intelligent. But what many fans may not know is that behind the elegance is someone who worked hard in school, and stayed grounded.
Mat Luthfi
Mat Luthfi, isn’t just one of Malaysia’s most beloved YouTubers, he’s also a stellar example of how academic excellence and creativity can go hand in hand. Back in school, he was a straight-A student, scoring an impressive 11 A1s and 1 A2 in SPM. He furthered his studies in Australia, where he pursued a degree in Architecture at Curtin University, and began creating short videos that tackled everything from Malaysian culture and politics to religion and relationships, with his signature wit and depth.
His ability to blend humour with social commentary made him stand out from the sea of content creators who focused solely on entertainment. But Mat Luthfi didn’t stop at viral videos. In 2020, he co-founded ML Studio, a content production company that creates long-form YouTube series, interviews, and commentary with a mature, thought-provoking edge.
Larissa Ping Liew
Larissa Ping Liew is more than just a crown holder, she’s a changemaker with a mission rooted in justice, education, and inclusivity. Crowned Miss World Malaysia 2018 at just 19 years old, Larissa quickly captivated the nation not only with her poise and beauty, but also with her conviction and intellect.
A proud daughter of Kuching, Sarawak, Larissa stood out academically long before entering the pageant world. She earned straight As in her SPM, proving early on that she had both beauty and brains. With her eyes set on advocacy and impact, she pursued her foundation studies at HELP University, and later secured a place at University of Malaya, where she completed her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree
Deeply passionate about education, Larissa has worked closely with indigenous communities, especially in Sarawak, to promote learning, digital inclusion, and empowerment through knowledge. Her journey is a heartfelt reminder that education can be a tool for transformation, not just for ourselves, but for others too.
The Real Flex? Education
In today’s fast-paced digital world, it’s easy to think that all you need to succeed is a phone, a ring light, and a bit of luck. But these Malaysian influencers are here to remind us that substance still matters.
Behind the curated feeds and viral videos are individuals who once sat in classrooms, took their studies seriously, and walked into the exam hall with big dreams, and came out with big results.
These influencers didn’t have to choose between ambition and academics. They embraced both. Their stories prove that SPM isn’t just a piece of paper; it can be a powerful launchpad when paired with vision, passion, and discipline. From building businesses to winning international crowns, their academic foundation became a quiet yet crucial part of their journey.
So while some may say education is no longer relevant, these influencers are living proof that success built on brains, not just buzz, is what truly lasts. Because at the end of the day, the real flex isn’t just getting noticed, it’s being prepared for whatever comes next.
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