Kuala Lampur, Nov. 8 -- So, the SPM exam just started about a week ago and will end in December.

Here's a quick idea before parents and students go hunting for the first Diploma or Foundation or A-Levels program which opens in February or March:

How about taking a year off?

The student has spent the better part of the previous 11 years (and sometimes 12) in school. Why rush into another education semester? Why not consider the benefits of doing a gap year before pre-university?

One of the most important reasons why an extended breather may be needed before embarking on a university degree is the value from getting some space.

Usually by the time a Malaysian student has finished SPM or STPM or A-Levels, he or she would've finished abo...