Kuala perlis: At 61, Hamidan Yahaya from Kampung Bohor Tui has demonstrated that age is no barrier to education by sitting for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination as a private candidate since 2022. His efforts culminated in achieving a B in Mathematics, showcasing his enduring passion for learning and self-improvement.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Hamidan, a former driver for the 504th Regiment of the Territorial Army Camp, embarked on this educational journey not for career advancement but out of a profound interest in testing his intellectual limits. Despite retiring last year after a 27-year career, Hamidan's commitment to education remained unwavering. His academic performance has varied over the years, with notable achievements including an A in Mathematics in 2022 and consistent improvements in Science and Mathematics in subsequent years.

Hamidan, a father of five and grandfather of three, pursued his studies independently, relying on reference books to prepare for the exams. He attributed the excitement of the exams to the yearly variation in questions, which kept him engaged. Despite facing setbacks, such as a minor accident just before the exams last year, Hamidan persevered and continued to achieve commendable results.

Reflecting on his past, Hamidan shared that he became an orphan in Form One and faced significant challenges in attending school. These early hardships fueled his determination to pursue education later in life. He emphasized the importance of education and encouraged the younger generation to seize educational opportunities and strive for excellence.

Hamidan is among the oldest SPM candidates in Perlis, and his story serves as an inspiration to many, proving that learning is a lifelong journey.