While most students fear the pressure of exams, Mohamed Adam Baihaqi Mohamed Zadro was battling something far more life-threatening — cancer.
Diagnosed in March 2023, the 19-year-old thought he wouldn’t live long enough to sit for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exam.
Yet against all odds, he was named the top scorer at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Bachok in Kelantan, achieving straight As despite missing nearly a year of school due to treatment.
A native of Kampung Telok, Mohamed Adam had to make regular hospital visits for chemotherapy sessions at Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II (HRPZ II), which caused him to lose his hair and strength.
Yet he never let his battle with cancer become an excuse to give up.
Back to school and back on track
I felt devastated when I saw my friends sitting for SPM and going on to further their studies, while I was still in treatment,” he told Sinar Harian.
But in July 2024, doctors declared him cancer-free.
He then returned to school and made a bold decision in sitting for SPM in order to chase his dream of becoming a teacher.
Fueled by family sacrifices and unshaken faith
Mohamed Adam said his determination was inspired by his parents’ sacrifices.
According to Astro Awani, his father, Mohamed Zadro Mohd Salleh, is a coconut milk vendor while his mother, Suzila Abdullah, is a housewife.
“Cancer treatment is expensive, but they gave everything for me,” he said.
Despite limited classroom time, he aced all seven subjects:
- Bahasa Melayu (A-)
- Sejarah (A-)
- Mathematics (A)
- English (A)
- Geography (A)
- Pendidikan Islam (A)
- Science (A)
Mohamed Adam credits his teachers and friends for their constant support and guidance, which helped him stay focused and catch up academically.
Next stop: Teacher training institute
Mohamed Adam now hopes to pursue his studies at the Teacher Education Institute (IPG) and sees his SPM success as a gift for his family and supporters.
“Every challenge is not a barrier to success,” he said.
“What’s important is to maintain a good relationship with our parents, teachers, and friends.”
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