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Success with purpose: SMIS students earn global recognition
Four students from Stella Maris International School (SMIS) were recognised in the Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards 2024. Jun 20, 2025
The students with their parents and school personnel.
KUALA LUMPUR: Four students from Stella Maris International School (SMIS) were recognised in the Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards 2024. This is an honour that acknowledges the top IGCSE performers around the world. These awards represent more than academic success; they speak to the determination, resilience, and genuine love of learning that shape the school's community.
Among this year's recognised students, Joel Mok Wen Xuan and Hayley Gan Shin Hui received Top in the World awards. Joel earned a perfect A* in Foreign Language (Mandarin Chinese) during the June 2024 exams—an accomplishment that required careful study and thoughtful insight beyond his native fluency. Hayley matched this with a flawless A* in Mathematics in November 2024, and was also honoured at SMIS with the Archbishop Dominic Vendargon Award, which recognises a student who shows excellence in academics, leadership, cocurricular activities, and character. Their achievements reflect not only talent but also humility, discipline, and a heartfelt commitment to learning and the November 2024 cohort, Luke Joel Sta Maria and Ethan John Goh were also named Top in Malaysia for their outstanding results. Luke's A* in Economics revealed sharp thinking and a genuine interest in understanding the world, complemented by his leadership and sporting contributions recognised through the Chairman Award at SMIS. Ethan's A* in Environmental Management showed both strong academic ability and a sincere concern for the environment. Their accomplishments highlight a balanced pursuit of knowledge, responsibility, and service — qualities deeply valued at SMIS.
These honours are not just individual milestones but reflections of a collective journey marked by perseverance and support within a community that values character as much as achievement. As these students continue their journeys, their accomplishments remind us all that true greatness is often humble — it may not call attention to itself, but it leaves a lasting and meaningful impression.
