A Malay student who emerged as the top student at a Chinese school – Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan (SMJK) (C) Chung Cheng)  – in Kota Bharu, received a four-year sponsorship offer from a Chinese businessman to pursue his higher education at the Xiamen University, Malaysia branch in Sepang, Selangor. 

Muhamad Aidil Mohd Anis, 18, who scored 9A+ including in the Mandarin language for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), lives with his single mother, Ramiza Abdul Rahman, 49, at Taman Uda Murni, Pengkalan Chepa, here.

News of Muhamad Aidil’s excellent results in SPM drew the attention of businessman Gan Leong Piow who was impressed with the former’s ability to excel in his studies, including mastering the Mandarin language.

Muhamad Aidil, when met by reporters, said he was overwhelmed by the offer and grateful for the pledge by the businessman who would not only take care of his expenses at the university but also pay for his accommodation (RM500 a month) whilst he studied at the university.

"I was drawn to the Mandarin language when I was in pre-school at the age of six. I was initially taught Mandarin by a teacher known as Miss Chong. 

"When I started my studies at the SRJK (C) Chung Cheng primary school and later SMJK Chung Cheng, I was told to be a good student to avoid being transferred to a kebangsaan school. I took it as a challenge to study hard," he said.

He said he studied hard and through the motivation and inspiration provided by his mother, managed to excel in his studies and later become the top student in the school.

"I pledge to study hard and repay the faith that everybody has placed on me, especially businessman Gan who has offered to sponsor my studies. After my father’s death three years ago, I had to depend heavily on my mother for support," said Muhamad Aidil whose ambition is to become a journalist who specialised in business reporting.

Meanwhile, Gan said he was amazed by Muhamad Aidil’s ability to excel and emerge as the top student in a Chinese school. 

“That is the main reason I decided to come forward an assist Muhamad Aidil. Such students are a rare breed. He is very talented. I am very confident that he will become a very successful person in the future,” he said.

According to Gan, he came to know about Muhamad Aidil's plight through a social media friend who had informed him that an excellent student needed financial support.

- Bernama