The Heartbeat of a Nation: Malaysian Education and School Life
Conclusion
Lower secondary (Forms 1-3) ends with the PT3 exam (removed as of 2022 in a major reform). Upper secondary (Forms 4-5) leads to the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM – Malaysian Certificate of Education). The SPM is the "O-Level" equivalent and the single most important exam in a Malaysian student's life. Passing it is roughly equivalent to a high school diploma, but distinction grades are required for university.