Gratitude and Reflection

Alhamdulillah. Praise be to Allah s.w.t., for with His divine grace and mercy, I was once again blessed to receive the Excellent Service Award (Anugerah Perkhidmatan Cemerlang – APC) for the year 2024.

My heartfelt appreciation goes to Tuan Haji Nasran, Principal of SMK Dato’ Mahmud Paduka Raja (2), together with the school administrators and fellow teachers. I am also deeply grateful to Puan Noor Azira, Principal of SMK Ladang Kerilla, as well as her dedicated team of administrators and teachers at my new school.

This award serves as a renewed source of motivation for me—to continue striving with greater dedication and sincerity for the success of my students during the remaining eight years of my teaching service, inshaAllah.

The Ceremony at Hotel Perdana

The APC 2024 Presentation Ceremony was held at the elegant Hotel Perdana, Kota Bharu, on 2 October 2025. All 196 recipients from the Tanah Merah District Education Office contributed RM130 each to cover the costs of the hall, meals, and photography. The arrangement reminded me somewhat of a university convocation—formal, grand, and memorable.

On the morning of the event, I travelled from Tanah Merah with two fellow recipients from SMK Ladang Kerilla, namely Tuan Haji Anuar and Adib. We departed at 7.15 a.m., and, alhamdulillah, the journey to Kota Bharu was smooth and uneventful. 

The author receiving his Excellent Service Award at Hotel Perdana, Kota Bharu, October 2025.

A Reward to Cherish

The moment I received my certificate, I could not help but feel grateful. Along with the certificate, I had already received a cash reward of RM1,000, which had been deposited into my SSPN account in June 2025—quite amusingly, I received the money before the certificate!

At SMK Dato’ Mahmud Paduka Raja (2), a total of eight teachers were honoured with the APC. I happened to be the only male recipient that year—an interesting coincidence since I am also the only male in my household! Truly, Allah’s blessings manifest in many beautiful ways.

Having served the school faithfully for 21 years, I felt humbled and honoured to be chosen by Tuan Haji Nasran, the principal, as one of the recipients before his transfer. This recognition marked a meaningful and peaceful closure to my long tenure at the school.

APC 2024 recipients of SMK Dato’ Mahmud Paduka Raja (2) with Principal Tn. Haji Nasran.

The Recipients and Recognition

In the group photo are the APC 2024 recipients from SMK Dato’ Mahmud Paduka Raja (2): Kak Shahmun, Masyuriati, Haniza, myself (Abe Kie), Tuan Haji Nasran, Najiah, Nor Azila, and Nor Zarina. Another recipient, Ustazah Zaitun (DG54), received her award earlier in a separate ceremony held a few months before.

With education leaders: Pn. Hajah Noor Azira, Tn. Hj. Mohd Lazim, and En. Mohd Zaidi.

Before departing that day, I had the honour of taking a photo with Puan Hajah Noor Azira, Principal of SMK Ladang Kerilla, Tuan Haji Mohd Lazim, Deputy Director-General of the Kelantan State Education Department, and Encik Mohd Zaidi Mohd Zain, District Education Officer of Tanah Merah.

Looking Ahead with Hope

As I continue this meaningful journey in education, I pray that Allah will grant me the honour of receiving this award again in the final years of my service. Such recognition serves not merely as a token of achievement but as a reminder of the noble responsibility we hold as educators—to nurture minds, inspire hearts, and shape futures.

Please keep me in your prayers so that this aspiration may be fulfilled, inshaAllah.

Thank you sincerely for taking the time to read this humble reflection.