Great Eastern Supremacy Scholarship Experience (2014 Batch)

Hi readers!

So I understand that this is the time of year that high-school and pre-U leavers are looking for scholarship to further their studies. I was once in your shoes and if I have any advice for you, I'd say just go for it!

If you are searching for scholarship listings, do check out afterschool website. They are always updated with the current scholarships available. Here's the link!

I have had my fair share of applying for scholarship after STPM, A little heads up, it's a LOT of work. Every scholarship has its own process and steps to follow through but just be patient because it'll all be worth it :)

Okay so Alhamdulillah, I was successfully awarded with a scholarship from Great Eastern to further my studies in Economics in UM. Here, I would like to share a little bit about the process that I went through just to give an overview for those who are also planning to apply for it. However, I will not share in detail the questions that were asked because I feel that you should experience it yourself as well as to respect GE's confidentiality.

#1 Application

First step is the application for the scholarship. Just go to the website and follow the instructions given. So in the application form, you will be required to provide your personal information, academic qualification, extra curricular activities, personal achievements, family particulars and a brief explanation on why you deserve the scholarship. This should be basic.

#2 Phone Interview

This came as a surprise to me. They called me in the middle of the day (thank God I wasn't asleep) and interviewed me. It was a simple interview, share about yourself, your background, hobbies. I think the purpose of this interview was to see whether you can speak well or not. So yeah, be prepared with your phone at all times.

#3 Essay Assessment Topic

If you get selected, you'll be asked to write an essay on a given topic. I'm not gonna share the exact question here but the theme of the essay during my time was generational gap in the workplace. The length of the essay is not more than 300 words.

#4 Panel Interview Session

The next stage is a group interview with the Human Capital department. If I remember correctly, there were 2 interviewers and 3 candidates at a time. I was interviewed with another 2 candidates. It can be a bit intimidating especially if those other candidates have done huge stuff during their studies that your experiences look pale in comparison. But do not worry, just be confident in yourself. Now before you were called in for the interview, they will place all the candidates in a waiting room. So my advice is to mingle and get to know the other candidates as it will be helpful once you get paired up to be interviewed later.

The questions asked were mostly about your background and your leadership experiences. An interesting question was about the values that you've learnt from your parents while you were growing up. I think this question would give them a little insight on how's your relationship with your parents and what kind of environment have you been brought up in. This to me is a brilliant question.

You'll be asked the same questions and are expected to take turns answering it with the fellow candidates. A little tip, focus and listen to what the other 2 candidates were sharing, don't be too caught up thinking about what you're about to answer because the last question was a killer.

"Tell us why should we give the scholarship to your friend here."

You will die if you didn't pay attention to what they were saying. Hahaha. And and, this is where the mingling in the waiting room comes in handy! You at least have an insight of their character even before the interview and hopefully enough information to sell them :D Also, if you give a great impression on the other candidates, they might be able to sell you good too!

 #5 Computer Assessment

Online computer test. You will be required to be present at the GE HQ for this. This online computer test mainly tests on your logical and mathematical abilities. You are allowed to bring a calculator with you. The questions are not crazy add maths level or anything. Just a basic one.

#6 Final Assessment

This is it. The very last stage. This stage takes up a whole day (8-5pm). From the total candidates present, only about half were chosen to receive the scholarship. So you've gotta stand out in the crowd! The session began in the morning with some ice-breaking games so that you'll get to know the other candidates better. Then, the assessment begins with an individual presentation of yourself. We were asked to draw like a mind-map answering to the questions that they gave. During my time, there were 4 questions if I'm not mistaken, one of it was "Who is your idol" and another was "The craziest thing you've ever done". Couldn't recall the other 2. Sorry hihi it was 3 years ago okayyy.

Second session was impromptu question. We pick a number and we will be asked a question on the spot individually in front. We will be given a short time (3 minutes or so) to answer the question. You've gotta think on your feet here. The question that I got was "Opinion on wearing uniforms in school." which was perfect and totally relatable to me since I was in Form 6 and we had a huge debate about this haha. There were also a one word statement eg "Colour" and you have to sort of talk about it, random questions about animal, "How would you make a snail move faster?", a comparison question like something vs something and you've gotta pick your stand and many more. There won't be a repetitive question so everyone gets a different question. Kinda need your luck on this one.

Third session was a presentation on insurance products. You'll be divided into groups, given time to discuss, provided with a laptop or mahjong paper to display your presentation and worry not because you were told beforehand to study on insurance products and you are also allowed to bring in notes into the assessment. Here I think they wanted to see how well you work in a team, whether you can work under pressure, your presentation skills and how well you can interpret the question.

#7 Award presentation ceremony!

If you've reached this stage, congratulations! You are officially a GE scholarship recipient :D So this scholarship of course comes with a bond, for me its 3 years bond with GE. So right after I finish my studies, I will be working with them for a minimum of 3 years. The thing about being a GE scholar is that they don't just support you financially, they also care about your development. They organize development camps annually for all the scholars and I've had so much fun in every one of it! They always keep in touch with us and asked for our updates on our activities in uni. I am truly blessed to be apart of the GE family.

So, I hope that have been useful. Best of luck! ;)

P/s application is now open until 31st of March 2017 so go ahead and give it a try!

GE Scholars Batch 2014

UM EduCarnival 2017!

Hi semua, hari ini (17 Mac 2017) merupakan hari pertama UM EduCarnival berlangsung di UM. Sis berkesempatan singgah tadi untuk tengok sendiri suasana di sana. Memang meriah, UM did a great job (Y) Kudos!

UM EduCarnival is an open day for the public to discover the courses offered in UM. Karnival ni meliputi semua tahap pengajian (Asasi UM, Degree and Postgraduate Studies) dan merangkumi semua bidang pengajian yang ditawarkan di UM! Di sini anda boleh bertanyakan semua persoalan-persoalan anda tentang syarat kelayakan, kos pengajian, subjek-subjek di dalam sesuatu kursus, tempoh kursus, peluang-peluang yang ada dan lain-lain. Staff dan pensyarah akan berada di booth masing-masing bersedia untuk menjawab pertanyaan anda. Jangan segan okay :)

Disebabkan event ini adalah karnival, jadi tak lengkaplah kalau tiada jualan kan? Ada pelbagai gerai yang dibuka di sekitar karnival. Gerai makanan dan minuman, gerai makanan dari pelajar antarabangsa pun ada (gerai makanan Indonesia, Yemen, Bangladesh dan Thailand), gerai pakaian, food trucks, booth merchandise UM (tshirts, button badge, fridge magnet, tumbler, pendrive dll). 

Selain itu, ada juga booth oleh partners seperti International University of Malaya-Wales (IUMW), PTPTN, Bank Islam, Graduan, Oishi Green Tea, Uber, Proton, Sime Darby, TM dll. Entertainment pula ada persembahan muzik dan tarian dari Pusat Kebudayaan, cheers dari kolej-kolej kediaman bersama maskot masing-masing dan banyak tempat-tempat menarik untuk ambil gambar!

UM EduCarnival akan berlangsung pada hari ini dan esok (17 & 18 Mac 2017) dari pukul 9am - 5pm bertempat di Bangunan Peperiksaan UM (yang baru). Kalau anda masuk dari gate KL, selepas kolej 1 tu masuk kiri. Tempat parking luas, kalau penuh pun, boleh park di DTC, akan ada shuttle bus yang akan hantar anda ke exam hall. Don't worry, banyak papan tanda yang diletakkan, insyaAllah ada takkan sesat.

Jangan lepaskan peluang!

P/s sis share gambar pelan lantai dan tentatif acara. Boleh klik untuk tengok dengan lebih jelas.

Have fun :D

Gambar ni sis tangkap dekat Exam Hall. Nice building right? ;)

See ya in the next post!

Pengalaman Interview UITM

Lai, next sharing. Sis juga dipanggil untuk temuduga di UITM Shah Alam untuk kursus MassComm (Public Relations).

Kalau nak baca persediaan sis boleh refer entri sebelum "Pengalaman temuduga Universiti Malaya". Sama je preparations sis. So, this entry I will directly share the questions asked. Ada 2 je penemuduga, sorang lelaki dan seorang perempuan. Tapi yang bertanya cuma yang lelaki je.

Soalan 1#: Nak cakap bahasa Melayu ke bahasa Inggeris?

Hahaha. That was unexpected. I did not see that coming. Especially when I'm applying for Mass Communication. So I answered, English. But good news, this means you have a choice!

But even after I chose English, the interviewer still conducted the interview in Malay. So yeah...

Soalan 2#: Perkenalkan diri. 

Briefly introduce yourself. Nama, umur, pendidikan terakhir, tempat tinggal, sedikit tentang keluarga, kursus apa yang anda mohon.

Soalan 3#: Result awak ni bagus, kenapa awak apply Mass Comm?

HAHAHA! Ini lagi best. What does he even mean? Sis pun cerita lah kenapa sis apply. My interest and etc.

Soalan 4#: Ini pilihan pertama awak ke dalam UPU?

To which I answered no, UM is my first choice. To which he responded, "Ahh." with a slight hint of disappointment.

Soalan 5#: Berkenaan dengan isu krisis air di Selangor baru-baru ini, adakah anda rasa kerajaan perlu dipersalahkan?

That took a turn. Tiba-tiba soalan serious. So I answered a politically correct answer. We all know what that means hahaha.

He thanked me and the interview ended.

Not so bad I can say? Sekali lagi, just be confident and present yourself well. Good luck!

P/s sis tak ditawarkan kursus Mass Comm dari UITM sebab sis dapat tawaran dari UM. Nevetheless, good experience (Y)

Pengalaman Interview Universiti Malaya

Hi yalls! Sis dah masuk the final semester of my studies! Next semester I will going off for industrial training. How time flies. Rasa macam baru semalam pergi interview UM, sedar-sedar dah nak grad dah.

Speaking of which, in this entry I will share with yall my interview experience in UM.

Sis applied for Sarjana Muda Ekonomi di Universiti Malaya sebagai pilihan pertama. Alhamdulillah, sis dipanggil untuk temuduga di UM. Temuduga berlangsung di Fakulti Undang-Undang, fakulti pertama yang korang akan nampak kalau masuk menerusi pagar KL. Seperti biasa, nervous dari hari sebelum lagi. Let’s go through some preparations and dos and don’ts.

Persediaan:

1.       Sijil-sijil dan dokumen yang diperlukan disediakan dengan teratur. Sis guna folder ring dengan clear plastic tu. Jadinya, senanglah penemuduga tu nak flip satu-satu. Susun dokumen mengikut keutamaan. Kalau results, letak yang terkini dahulu (STPM, MUET, SPM, PMR). The same goes for other certificates, arrange according to which is the latest to the oldest certs. Bawa sijil yang relevan dan berkaitan sahaja. Remember, quality over quantity.

2.       Pakaian untuk perempuan boleh pakai baju kurung atau kemeja dengan seluar slack. Pakai warna-warna pastel dengan corak yang tidak keterlaluan. Baju kurung biarlah yang nampak formal dan bukan yang fancy (eg: tangan kembang, kurung pendek, jarang dll). Baju kurung yang nampak professional kebanyakannya plain, stripes, batik, songket etc. Gitulah gambarannya. Kalau nak pakai kemeja pulak, yang sesuai ialah yang berbutang penuh, warna-warna yang menenangkan diapadankan dengan seluar slack and kasut tumit bertutup penuh.

3.       Gosok pakaian anda malam sebelum. Jangan bangun pagi baru kelam-kabut.

4.       Do some research and read up! Interview ni soalan dia bukan dari buku teks, soalan yang sering ditanya biasanya pengetahuan am dan mungkin sedikit tentang latar belakang. So, buat pembacaan tentang isu semasa. Kalau boleh seminggu sebelum interview tu rajin-rajinkanlah baca surat khabar, baca isu-isu panas. Jangan nampak macam katak bawah tempurung. Satu lagi, dapatkan informasi tentang universiti tersebut (sejarah, siapa chancellor, vice chancellor) dan kursus yang anda apply (dekan fakulti, berapa tahun pengajian, nama fakulti, pengasas fakulti, tokoh alumni).

5.       Tidur awal dan bangun awal! Nothing worse than missing your interview.

Hari interview:

Datang awal supaya tak panic dan senang dapat parking berdekatan -> Dengar arahan dengan teliti -> Anda akan dikumpulkan di dalam dewan menunggu dan movie akan dipasang untuk anda tengok sementara menunggu giliran untuk ditemuduga (semua calon) -> Anda akan disusun mengikut bilik temuduga masing-masing -> Anda akan dipanggil untuk menunggu di depan bilik temuduga (5 orang pada satu masa) -> Masuk untuk ditemuduga secara individu.

Pengalaman sis ditemuduga:

Sis antara calon yang awal masuk ditemuduga. Ada 3 penemuduga di dalam which I assume are all lecturers from various courses because when I asked the other candidates outside the room, we were all applying for different courses. So, first thing bagi salam, then pass them your folder.

Soalan 1#: Introduce yourself.

So, briefly introduce yourself lah. Nama, umur, tinggal di mana, pre-U di mana, briefly tell about your family and what course did you applied to.

Soalan 2#: Your results are good. You got A for History, why didn’t you apply for Law instead?

Ini soalan dia. Haha. Instead of asking why I applied for Econs, they asked me why I didn’t apply into Law. So I told them that I didn’t even like History and it was tough for me. They actually laughed when I said I dislike History (maybe one of them was a Law lecturer oopps).

Soalan 3#: You even got A in your Business Studies, why didn’t you apply for Business?

My goodness! You see? The questions I’m telling ya. Haha. I think, the reason they asked me these questions is to make sure that I know for sure that I want to do Econs. So sis jawablah why I am more interested to pursue Econs as compared to Business.

Soalan 4#: What impact does H1N1 brings to the Malaysian economy?

Tiba-tiba ada soalan ekonomi. Wow. Btw, hari pertama sis masuk kuliah, baru sis tahu yang tanya soalan ni was my Microecons lecturer. She saw me in class the very first day and she pointed at me, “I interviewed you.” Haha she said it in front of the class. Segan sis. Anyway, jawab je lah, impak kepada sektor pelancongan, jadi pendapatan negara berkurang etc.

Soalan 5#: Alright, that’s it. DO you have any questions for us?

Haaa selesai. Simple je kan? I said no and they thanked me. Then, ambil semula folder dan keluar.

Dah, gitu je. Sesi temuduga yang sangat santai, macam borak-borak je. Panel pun boleh ketawa, senyum, nothing intense.

Final tips: Just be yourself. Apa yang mereka nak tengok ialah keyakinan diri anda and kemahiran berkomunikasi. Kalau mereka nak tengok pencapaian anda, might as well suruh anda hantar je semua sijil-sijil anda tu kan? So, the main purpose of interview is to actually see your presence, your confidence and communication skills. Anda tak fasih berbahasa Inggeris? Takpe, cuba je, guna ayat-ayat simple cukup, tak perlu bombastic bagai. Kalau tak boleh jugak, mintak kebenaran berbahasa Melayu.

Anyhow, best of luck! See ya’ll in UM! ;)