WHAT’S next after attaining the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia qualification?
Other than visiting education fairs or pre-university expositions and college/university open days, school-leavers should also look out for scholarships.
A scholarship is an award of financial aid for a student to further his education, locally or abroad. It is normally granted based on various criteria, which reflect the values and purposes of the donor or founder of the award.
But school-leavers may lack experience and understanding in applying for scholarships after SPM .
To secure a scholarship, you must first identify the ones that are right for you and make sure you meet the requirements.
Yayasan Khazanah Watan scholarship recipient Muhammad Fikri Ahmad said preparing for a scholarship interview is a testament to “your own true self”.
“My past experience of attending scholarship interviews stood me in good stead. It prompted me to shape myself as best as possible. I learnt to be more proactive and positive.
“Put extra effort into written tests and essays. At the minimum, it takes me a month to arrive at the final draft of the essay. I also got tips from a senior student who had secured a scholarship,” said Muhammad Fikri, who has graduated with a Degree in Accounting from International Islamic University Malaysia.
“Attending talks and events organised by Yayasan Khazanah helped me to understand the foundation better.
“On top of that, have belief in yourself. And stick to your principles and interest.”
Scholarship recipient Nur Dalila Kahar also sought advice from her seniors prior to her interview. She researched current local and international issues.
“Get information on the sponsoring company, its history, business operations and other corporate-related matters. This shows your interest in the company,” said Nur Dalila, a Petronas Education Sponsorship Programme scholar who is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Finance at the London School of Economics and Political Science in the United Kingdom.
In Malaysia, many organisations offer scholarships for deserving students to pursue undergraduate studies. Their selection process varies.
Khazanah Nasional offers two scholarships under Yayasan Khazanah: the Khazanah Global and Khazanah Watan Scholarships for those pursuing undergraduate (or postgraduate) courses in the UK, United States and Australia as well as select leading local universities.
Yayasan Khazanah managing director Kamarul Bahrein Sharif said the foundation looks for potential scholars who have both exceptional academic achievements and leadership traits such as strong leadership skills and active participation in extra-curricular, social or voluntary activities.
“Candidates are identified based on the Yayasan Khazanah 3P Leadership Mode: Purpose, Personal Traits and People Traits.
“We open our online scholarship application in March. Communications with candidates are via email. Once the application is closed, a team will select candidates based on the agreed criteria. The scholarship award recipient goes through a rigorous selection process and must consistently demonstrate leadership potential throughout the assessment,” said Kamarul.
There are five stages of assessment before a candidate is awarded the scholarship: Verbal and Numerical Ability Test; Personality Questionnaire; Face-to-Face Assessment Camp; Interview with the Managing Director; and Interview with the Board of Trustees (only applicable to Khazanah Global Scholarship candidates).
“The interviewer wants to get to know the candidates better — beyond what is in the essay or resume. Have a conversation; crack jokes appropriate to a topic and situation, and be candid. The assessments are to unearth the candidate’s strong points as well as areas of improvement. We look for leaders of the future — the successful candidate is not the most intelligent person in the room but someone who is balanced in his academic and non-academic activities.”
Kamarul added that expectations are high for Yayasan Khazanah scholars to perform at the highest level throughout the duration of their studies as there is a minimum academic requirement to maintain apart from being active in co-curriculum and voluntary activities. Scholars have to attend a leadership development programme organised by the foundation.
“Scholarship recipients serve Khazanah Nasional or other approved organisations for a duration equal to their study period, usually upon graduation, but where conditions permit, we allow them to gain experience in approved organisations outside of the Khazanah group of companies, up to the same duration of their scholarship bond with us.
“Where the duration of study or sponsorship is less than two years, one will be required to work at Khazanah Nasional or an approved organisation for a minimum of two years.”
Under the Petronas Education Sponsorship Programme, the company offers outstanding Malaysians the chance to pursue undergraduate studies in oil and gas related fields. Since its inception in 1975, the programme has benefited more than 35,000 students nationwide with an estimated sponsorship value of RM2.9 billion.
Petronas has stringent selection standards based on merit, and sponsorships are granted based on the following criteria: Malaysian citizens aged between 17-19 years old; excellent academic achievement; active participation in extra-curricular activities; and strong leadership behaviour.
All applications must be submitted online and there are no processing fees. Successful candidates are notified online.
The programme is a bonded education sponsorship and sponsored students serve the company for a period of time, based on the agreement.
The Shell Malaysia Scholarship is open for application at the start of the year and scholars need to be all-rounders, excelling both academically and in extra-curricular activities.
Shell Malaysia spokesperson Leigh Wong said Shell scholarship candidates are assessed based on three categories: capacity (ability to think critically outside the box, develop solutions and identify risk based on information at hand); achievement (ability to work in a team and as a leader while overcoming obstacles to achieve stated goals); and relationship (work effectively as part of a diverse team and form long-term working relationships crucial to delivering goals).
Applicants have to complete two online assessments — a competency test to assess their personality, behaviour and thought process while a cognitive test gauges numerical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
“Focus on developing your competencies and know what you need to work on, and set a goal to strengthen soft skills such as communication or presentation skills as well as technical abilities.
“By working on your competencies, you build up your credentials that will make you shine and be ready for employment,” said Wong, adding that Shell scholars are not bonded.
WHAT SCHOLARS SAY
Irina Mahmad Rasia, a Khazanah Global Scholarship recipient, said that while she applied for a number of scholarships after SPM, the Yayasan Khazanah scholarship stood out for its criteria.
“I initially thought I had very limited chances of being chosen, but I decided to apply anyway since there is nothing to lose from putting in an application. I was attracted by the flexibility of the programme which allows its scholars to pursue certain courses that are considered non-traditional. Given my interest in the relatively niche area of materials science, this was a clear advantage for me,” said Irina, who recently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering from Imperial College London.
Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) mechanical engineering undergraduate Muhamad Fikri Muhamad, who is a Petronas Education Sponsorship Programme recipient, said pursuing his discipline has always been his dream and the university has an array of engineering courses.
“With the scholarship, my basic needs such as food and lodging are taken care of, providing me with a stress-free environment and allowing me to fully concentrate on my studies,” he added.
He advised scholars to prepare themselves both mentally and physically, and keep abreast of current issues.
“Answer confidently, stand firm by giving valid justifications and supporting facts. But, most importantly, relax and don’t rush your answers.”
Eugenia Edwin Galan had always hoped for a scholarship to further her studies abroad after SPM. The Shell Scholarship recipient said: “The scholarship does not require a bond upon graduation. Scholarships are vital in nurturing aspiring leaders of tomorrow. Economic status should not be a hindrance to pursuing one’s dreams.
“As I come from a family of four siblings, studying abroad was never an option. With the scholarship, I am able to go beyond what I originally thought I could. Scholarships play a part in shaping a different future by investing in students like me,” said Eugenia, who is pursuing a degree in petroleum engineering at the University of Oklahoma in the US.
Lim Jia May decided to apply for the Shell Scholarship due to the high cost of living and fees to support a four-year course at UTP.
“A scholarship not only supports me financially throughout my four years at university, it also encourages me to achieve better results to maintain it,” said Lim, who is pursuing a degree in petroleum geoscience.
Yeoh Ji Xun attended his first interview when he applied for the Petronas Education Sponsorship Programme.
“I gave a lot of thought on possible questions that might be asked at the interview. I sought tips from interviewees.
“Brush up on your English language and communication skills. And get a good rest before attending the interview,” said Yeoh, who is pursuing mechanical engineering at the University of Cambridge in the UK.
Yeoh hopes to play a part at Petronas in bringing about economic development in the country.
“I would like to be involved in gas transmission pipeline network operations in the future as a lot of innovation opportunities can be spurred in delivering the outcome.”