i'll try to put the career choice in simpler diagram, post SPM. i'll create a better diagram later.

options:

i. SPM > STPM/A-LEVELS/SAM/MUFY/MATRICS/FOUNDATION (basically all pre-university qualifications) > DEGREE

ii. SPM > DIPLOMA > DEGREE

iii. SPM > SIJIL POLITEKNIK/VOKASIONAL > DEGREE

iv. SPM > SIJIL > DIPLOMA > DEGREE
these are some of the most common routes that students take post-SPM. do note that for choices iii and iv, we're talking about quite a stretch of time, might span between 5-8 years post SPM.

Normally foundation(or some public U like UM got asasi) takes 1 year. Diploma takes 2-3 years depending on the course and U. With a diploma, 1 you can find a job, 2. You can go straight to the secon or final year of a degree course.