Top STPM scorer with 4.0 CGPA rejected by 6 public universities

A top scorer in the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) has voiced his frustration after being turned away by six public universities despite achieving a near-perfect academic and co-curricular record.

Wong speaking at a press conference at Wisma MCA on Sept 8, alongside MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong after being rejected by six public universities despite a 4.0 CGPA STPM — *Wong speaking at a press conference at Wisma MCA on Sept 8, alongside MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong after being rejected by six public universities despite a 4.0 CGPA.*
Image credit: Wee Ka Siong (Facebook)

Rejection despite 99.9% merit result

Edward Wong Yi Xian from Penang, secured a flawless 4.0 CGPA, straight A’s, and scored 9.9 out of 10 in co-curricular activities, giving him a merit score of 99.90%.

However, his applications for Bachelor of Accounting through the UPU system for:

Universiti Malaya (UM)
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM)
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)

Were all rejected. However, he was accepted into USM’s Management programme, which was his fifth choice.

*Official UPU result slip showing Wong offered a place in USM for the Bachelor of Management with Honours programme.*
Image credit: Edward Wong (Facebook)

Wong said that when he began Form Six, his dream was to be accepted into UM’s Accounting programme. He explained that although the university later revised its entry requirement from three core subjects to two, which he had fulfilled with Accounting and Economics, his new application was still rejected.

“I poured in all my energy, time and effort, fighting through the most challenging syllabus in the country. I never gave up because I believed that if we gave our all, the results would come,” he said.

Wong revealed that UM later extended an offer to him for the same Accounting programme through the Saluran Terbuka Universiti Awam (SATU) admission channel, but at a staggering cost of RM83,800 in tuition fees, compared to just RM8,000 if admitted under UPU.

Edward Wong addressing the media, accompanied by his father Wong Hooi Yik, who expressed disappointment over the result.
Image credit: Wee Ka Siong (Facebook)

Ministry defends admission process

According to Kementerian Pendidikan Tinggi, the Higher Education Ministry explained that UM’s Accounting course had received 2,291 qualified applicants, with 1,127 achieving a perfect 100% merit score.

Wong, despite his 99.9%, ranked 1,129th on UM’s list. The ministry disclosed similar results from other universities where he applied, 1724 out of 4154 in UPM (100 spots available), 1288 out of 2595 in UUM (350 spots), and 1062 out of 2292 in UTM (55 spots).

“Accordingly, the candidate was offered a place based on merit and programme choices, just like all other applicants,” the ministry said.

*A rejection notice fromUSM informing Wong that he was not shortlisted for an Accounting interview for the 2025/2026 academic session.*
Image credit: Edward Wong (Facebook)

Wee vows to fight for fairness

Dr Wee insisted that the system must be reformed to restore fairness and public confidence.

“Together with the MCA team, I will do my best to help Edward seek justice for himself, as well as for other Malaysian children who face the same situation. If our system is flawed, then it must be corrected for the sake of our children – the future leaders of our nation.” he said.