Sorry for being long winded , but I'm going to share everything from head to toe .
The application was opened for 8 days after results of SPM 2014 were announced . The day the results were announced was on the 3rd of March , which means the application for the scholarship was closed on the 10th of March . We were informed to attend their interview in less than two weeks after the deadline . I nearly missed the interview as I thought we would be communicated through email . In fact , the 'call' for interview was done through the website I applied for the scholarship.
Besides that , we were told to do some psychological test too . It consisted of 2 sections , around 300 questions for each section . This test was meant to know our interests and our characters , I guess .
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| The 'call' for interview . The interview is known as Tapisan Student Assessment Center (SAC). Almost everyone got this 'call' tho ! |
Besides that , we were told to do some psychological test too . It consisted of 2 sections , around 300 questions for each section . This test was meant to know our interests and our characters , I guess .
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| Section A (JPA Program Khas Kejuruteraan Online Test) |
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| A 'sneak peek 'of questions from Section A |
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| Section B (JPA Program Khas Kejuruteraan Online Test) |
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| A 'sneak peek 'of questions from Section B |
The location of the interview was in IIUM , Kuantan , a public university ( IPTA ) in my town . They named the interview SAC ( Student Assessment Centre). The dress code was weird , I wasn't sure whether it was formal or casual . They wanted us to put on a long-sleeve T shirt with collar and a track bottom. I was thinking , " are we tested on our physical ability or what ? where can I get a long-sleeve T shirt with a collar ? " That's quite a one of a kind of combo , LOL . I didn't care and I just wear my white long-sleeve top ( school uniform ) , and it was obviously not a T-shirt . Surprisingly , I wasn't alone !
We were informed to reach there by 8 in the morning , I went to a room/hall following the indicators on the wall . I reached there a few minutes before 8 , went into a room and registered myself . I passed all my documents , original and photocopy to them and waited there .
The interview started at around 8 something because we were waiting for more applicants to show up . There were supposed to be 20 - 30 applicants , but I wasn't too sure about that because I just took a quick glance at the attendance list when I signed it . In the end , there was only 15 in total that turned up for the interview ( for my session ). For your information , the interview at my place lasted for about 5 days , 2 sessions per day . The interview centre at my place was mostly for applicants from Pahang , near to Kuantan to be specific, however , there were a few more centres for the jpa interviews throughout Malaysia , so don't worry of the need to travel too far for the interview !
The interview started with an ice-breaking session . Some people just thought that it was just an ice-breaking session but nothing more . If you're alert enough like me ( facepalm) , you know the interview had started and you were being observed and judged ! First impression is hella important guys !
Btw , there was a late comer during my session . When asked why he was late , he said he overslept and gosh , my eyes were wide open for 0.5 seconds ( not more than that to avoid letting others know that I'm shocked ,LOL my housemate taught me this by the way ) Respect his honesty but he had just pushed the self -destruct button . =0
We were given a number tag each , hung around our neck throughout the interview . Make sure they can see the number tags ! We were told to stand in groups based on our country of choice ( for the scholarship ) , based on our birthday month and so on . We were also paired up and were told to speak to each other . They would ask us questions about our partner after like 5 minutes . For my interview , they asked our partners name , former school , hobbies , hometown and so on . I got to know from my friends (from other states) they would ask really unexpected questions like their shoe size too ! So yeah, expect the unexpected okay ? I guess they were trying to examine our communication and social skills .
Towards the end of the ice-breaking session , we were also asked our reason(s) for choosing that particular country . My choice was Japan ( It wasn't really my choice tho ) and I couldn't think of any better reasons because I know nothing about Japan LOL ! So i just say their technology amazed me . Some applicants be like , oh ya , germany , france because their country is soooo beauty beauty ! so romantic , this and that . HAHHAHA respect their honesty , and yes , eyes wide open for 0.5 seconds again . They shouldn't say that even though it's true ! oh well ... hahahahhha
The group interview focused on questions related to policies implemented by the government, such as the Government Transformation Program (GTP) and Economic Transformation Program (ETP)
There were 2 tables and we sat in groups around the table . We were given a (same) theme with 2 different topics . We were assigned with one topic each and were supposed to discuss about the topic and come up with points for the presentation.
The theme we got was about " Pembangunan Kawasan Luar Bandar di Malaysia " (Rural Development in Malaysia) . My group mates and I were supposed to think of the ways to develop rural areas in Malaysia . So we had a discussion , brainstormed about the points and planned for the presentation . the time allocated for the discussion was like one and a half hour , if I'm not mistaken .The presentation was like less than half an hour . You may think there was a lot of time , but time was a little bit tight for us during the group discussion .
After the discussion , we ( 2 groups) took turns to do our presentation .After every presentation , the interviewers would ask questions . This is the time for you to stand out and shine among the others ! Grab the chance to answer their questions WISELY but not to the level where you took the chance of the other applicants COMPLETELY . Remember , it's not an individual interview, it's a group interview and your attitude towards your group mates was observed too , I believe . Give chance to others while you shine , like a diamond in the sky *possessed by Rihanna for a moment * ( LOL) .
Thank god I could handle it when an interviewer 'fired a canonball ' at me , okay , I might have exaggerated a little . I was suggesting that the government should fix a quota for rural folks to be prioritized in education scholarships , job opportunities and so on . Told them equality doesn't mean justice , to support my point . In fact , I didn't really agree with my point . But , oh well , just carry on . I also made an analogy, told them how different is giving RM20 to a 2-year-old baby and giving it to a 20-year-old adult . The interviewer asked confidently , what if I don't wanna give you this scholarship and give it to a rural student , is it okay ? Hahaha this was completely out of my expectation /.\
There was another question being asked based on one of my group mate's point , which is giving rural students a chance to venture into HIGHLY respected ( caps locks because I think every single job is respected , but in a different degree of respect , perhaps , ehem ) job fields like medics, engineering and so on. The interviewer asked , if all of them are nurtured to be doctors and engineers , who will be cleaning the city , tapping the rubbers and working in paddy fields and farms ? So yeah , I'm grateful that something popped up in my mind , so I had another chance to speak , something the interviewer wanted to hear . ( She literally told me that , haha )
After every presentation , there was a session where we were supposed to ask the presenters questions related to their presentation . Yes , we are supposed to ask and not just keep quiet .
My Malay Language got really 'rusty' as I had not spoken it for quite a while since I only had 3 malay classmates during my senior high . I used to speak English and Chinese , a lot , seriously . Left with no choice , I just pushed myself hard to speak and I did lose my words at times . I used to speak the language VERY fluently T.T
Like the previous session , I shook the interviewers' hand and greeted them with a smile and got my seat . The interview was carried out exactly like the previous session , but all in English . Group discussion , presentation and questions.
The theme was about overpopulation of foreign workers in Malaysia ? ( well, I'm not too sure , but yeah ... ) and my group mates and I were supposed to elaborate the effects and challenges . The task assigned wasn't too clear . We were wandering what did they mean by the word ' challenge' . Was it the challenges to solve the issue , or the challenges of having too many foreign workers here , in Malaysia ? We decided to ask the interviewers , but to no avail . =( We were told to think and analyse it ourselves . Danggit , hahahha .
There we go , started to brainstorm , discuss and plan . The time allocated was the same as the previous session . English was the only language we used during this session . So yeah , I'm on the winning side hehehe , ( JUST KIDDING) , I mean compared to BM session which had forcibly tied my tongue . I tried really hard to untie it tho .
So , I was verbally or indirectly 'assaulted' by one of my group mate . I can't blame him tho . We were talking about the same point . He was supposed to elaborate the effects of that particular point , while I was supposed to talk about the challenges . This kid had so much to tell until his elaboration swayed so far away from his scope and overlapped what I was gonna talk . Nice one indeed . I had to think of another elaboration to support my point in JUST 1-2 MINUTES WHILE THIS KID WAS PRESENTING HIS PART (OR MAYBE NOT ONLY HIS PART ,if you know what i mean lol) , NO, I'M NOT KIDDING YOU. This guy talked so much till you might thought that was an individual presentation . Our existence were like... not bothered by him . =(
Gosh , when I found out he didn't manage to secure this scholarship , I cheered a little , to myself . I know I shouldn't , but put yourself in my shoes ! You know how much he annoyed me , while I'm trying my best to be the best of the best ! My opinion on why he didn't get the scholarship ? Well ,I think he's too bossy , that's all , further elaboration might reveal his identity .
I learned to always expect the unexpected ,remain calm and think of alternatives when we were 'screwed' by the others . (LOL) And , of course , remain humble and approachable the whole time . In addition , it's important to make a true and valid statement . This was pointed out by one of the interviewers when a few applicants made random statements that was believed (by them) to be true .
After the interview , I had a feeling that I actually made it .As mentioned above , I said what the interviewers wanted to hear during the BM session . During the BI session , I managed to make the interviewers nod their heads while I was presenting my points , although I was so screwed up by one of my group mate =.= I just didn't feel like myself that day , or I just underestimated myself all this while ?Thank god, I just couldn't explain how was I be able to become so nimble that day . I'm usually very blur and 'out of the situation ' , like all the time.
I'm really, really grateful that the interview went really well for me . All this while , my parents are always criticizing me , saying I'm as timid as a rat , lazy, no confidence , childish and all the bad stuffs . So , I guess I proved them wrong now , earning an overseas scholarship from the government that worth hundreds of thousands ! =)
Like my blogpost ? Follow/be a member of my blog for more . Look there's a share button below , don't forget to hit that button . Remember , letting others know about a scholarship does not make you lose the chance of getting a scholarship . If you have what it takes , you will make it !
By the way I've completed another blogpost about the questions you guys might have , regarding this scholarship. Click Here
If you have any questions , don't hesitate to ask me in the comment section down below ! I'll reply you as soon as possible !
Peace out (\/)
The interview started at around 8 something because we were waiting for more applicants to show up . There were supposed to be 20 - 30 applicants , but I wasn't too sure about that because I just took a quick glance at the attendance list when I signed it . In the end , there was only 15 in total that turned up for the interview ( for my session ). For your information , the interview at my place lasted for about 5 days , 2 sessions per day . The interview centre at my place was mostly for applicants from Pahang , near to Kuantan to be specific, however , there were a few more centres for the jpa interviews throughout Malaysia , so don't worry of the need to travel too far for the interview !
Part I : Ice - Breaking
The interview started with an ice-breaking session . Some people just thought that it was just an ice-breaking session but nothing more . If you're alert enough like me ( facepalm) , you know the interview had started and you were being observed and judged ! First impression is hella important guys !
Btw , there was a late comer during my session . When asked why he was late , he said he overslept and gosh , my eyes were wide open for 0.5 seconds ( not more than that to avoid letting others know that I'm shocked ,LOL my housemate taught me this by the way ) Respect his honesty but he had just pushed the self -destruct button . =0
We were given a number tag each , hung around our neck throughout the interview . Make sure they can see the number tags ! We were told to stand in groups based on our country of choice ( for the scholarship ) , based on our birthday month and so on . We were also paired up and were told to speak to each other . They would ask us questions about our partner after like 5 minutes . For my interview , they asked our partners name , former school , hobbies , hometown and so on . I got to know from my friends (from other states) they would ask really unexpected questions like their shoe size too ! So yeah, expect the unexpected okay ? I guess they were trying to examine our communication and social skills .
Towards the end of the ice-breaking session , we were also asked our reason(s) for choosing that particular country . My choice was Japan ( It wasn't really my choice tho ) and I couldn't think of any better reasons because I know nothing about Japan LOL ! So i just say their technology amazed me . Some applicants be like , oh ya , germany , france because their country is soooo beauty beauty ! so romantic , this and that . HAHHAHA respect their honesty , and yes , eyes wide open for 0.5 seconds again . They shouldn't say that even though it's true ! oh well ... hahahahhha
Part II : Group Discussion and Presentation in Malay Language
After that , 15 of us were separated into 2 groups and were brought into a room . So , that means there were 2 group discussion and 2 presentations , all in Malay Language .The group interview focused on questions related to policies implemented by the government, such as the Government Transformation Program (GTP) and Economic Transformation Program (ETP)
There were 2 tables and we sat in groups around the table . We were given a (same) theme with 2 different topics . We were assigned with one topic each and were supposed to discuss about the topic and come up with points for the presentation.
The theme we got was about " Pembangunan Kawasan Luar Bandar di Malaysia " (Rural Development in Malaysia) . My group mates and I were supposed to think of the ways to develop rural areas in Malaysia . So we had a discussion , brainstormed about the points and planned for the presentation . the time allocated for the discussion was like one and a half hour , if I'm not mistaken .The presentation was like less than half an hour . You may think there was a lot of time , but time was a little bit tight for us during the group discussion .
After the discussion , we ( 2 groups) took turns to do our presentation .After every presentation , the interviewers would ask questions . This is the time for you to stand out and shine among the others ! Grab the chance to answer their questions WISELY but not to the level where you took the chance of the other applicants COMPLETELY . Remember , it's not an individual interview, it's a group interview and your attitude towards your group mates was observed too , I believe . Give chance to others while you shine , like a diamond in the sky *possessed by Rihanna for a moment * ( LOL) .
Thank god I could handle it when an interviewer 'fired a canonball ' at me , okay , I might have exaggerated a little . I was suggesting that the government should fix a quota for rural folks to be prioritized in education scholarships , job opportunities and so on . Told them equality doesn't mean justice , to support my point . In fact , I didn't really agree with my point . But , oh well , just carry on . I also made an analogy, told them how different is giving RM20 to a 2-year-old baby and giving it to a 20-year-old adult . The interviewer asked confidently , what if I don't wanna give you this scholarship and give it to a rural student , is it okay ? Hahaha this was completely out of my expectation /.\
There was another question being asked based on one of my group mate's point , which is giving rural students a chance to venture into HIGHLY respected ( caps locks because I think every single job is respected , but in a different degree of respect , perhaps , ehem ) job fields like medics, engineering and so on. The interviewer asked , if all of them are nurtured to be doctors and engineers , who will be cleaning the city , tapping the rubbers and working in paddy fields and farms ? So yeah , I'm grateful that something popped up in my mind , so I had another chance to speak , something the interviewer wanted to hear . ( She literally told me that , haha )
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| IIUM , Kuantan , the place of interview for the JPA Program Khas Kejuruteraan Scholarship . |
My Malay Language got really 'rusty' as I had not spoken it for quite a while since I only had 3 malay classmates during my senior high . I used to speak English and Chinese , a lot , seriously . Left with no choice , I just pushed myself hard to speak and I did lose my words at times . I used to speak the language VERY fluently T.T
Part III : Group Discussion and Presentation in English Language
Moving on , we were brought into another room , with another 2 interviewers . The ambiance here was more serious and formal tho , because the interviewers never flashed a single smile , but a poker face , or bitch face like people called it .Like the previous session , I shook the interviewers' hand and greeted them with a smile and got my seat . The interview was carried out exactly like the previous session , but all in English . Group discussion , presentation and questions.
The theme was about overpopulation of foreign workers in Malaysia ? ( well, I'm not too sure , but yeah ... ) and my group mates and I were supposed to elaborate the effects and challenges . The task assigned wasn't too clear . We were wandering what did they mean by the word ' challenge' . Was it the challenges to solve the issue , or the challenges of having too many foreign workers here , in Malaysia ? We decided to ask the interviewers , but to no avail . =( We were told to think and analyse it ourselves . Danggit , hahahha .
There we go , started to brainstorm , discuss and plan . The time allocated was the same as the previous session . English was the only language we used during this session . So yeah , I'm on the winning side hehehe , ( JUST KIDDING) , I mean compared to BM session which had forcibly tied my tongue . I tried really hard to untie it tho .
So , I was verbally or indirectly 'assaulted' by one of my group mate . I can't blame him tho . We were talking about the same point . He was supposed to elaborate the effects of that particular point , while I was supposed to talk about the challenges . This kid had so much to tell until his elaboration swayed so far away from his scope and overlapped what I was gonna talk . Nice one indeed . I had to think of another elaboration to support my point in JUST 1-2 MINUTES WHILE THIS KID WAS PRESENTING HIS PART (OR MAYBE NOT ONLY HIS PART ,if you know what i mean lol) , NO, I'M NOT KIDDING YOU. This guy talked so much till you might thought that was an individual presentation . Our existence were like... not bothered by him . =(
Gosh , when I found out he didn't manage to secure this scholarship , I cheered a little , to myself . I know I shouldn't , but put yourself in my shoes ! You know how much he annoyed me , while I'm trying my best to be the best of the best ! My opinion on why he didn't get the scholarship ? Well ,I think he's too bossy , that's all , further elaboration might reveal his identity .
My Thoughts
It was quite competitive . Everyone was like on the same par . They had the confidence , could speak well and mingle about with one another . So, at the beginning , I was wondering how would they judge us . I guess i got my answer now ,after the entire interview .I learned to always expect the unexpected ,remain calm and think of alternatives when we were 'screwed' by the others . (LOL) And , of course , remain humble and approachable the whole time . In addition , it's important to make a true and valid statement . This was pointed out by one of the interviewers when a few applicants made random statements that was believed (by them) to be true .
After the interview , I had a feeling that I actually made it .As mentioned above , I said what the interviewers wanted to hear during the BM session . During the BI session , I managed to make the interviewers nod their heads while I was presenting my points , although I was so screwed up by one of my group mate =.= I just didn't feel like myself that day , or I just underestimated myself all this while ?Thank god, I just couldn't explain how was I be able to become so nimble that day . I'm usually very blur and 'out of the situation ' , like all the time.
I'm really, really grateful that the interview went really well for me . All this while , my parents are always criticizing me , saying I'm as timid as a rat , lazy, no confidence , childish and all the bad stuffs . So , I guess I proved them wrong now , earning an overseas scholarship from the government that worth hundreds of thousands ! =)
Like my blogpost ? Follow/be a member of my blog for more . Look there's a share button below , don't forget to hit that button . Remember , letting others know about a scholarship does not make you lose the chance of getting a scholarship . If you have what it takes , you will make it !
By the way I've completed another blogpost about the questions you guys might have , regarding this scholarship. Click Here
If you have any questions , don't hesitate to ask me in the comment section down below ! I'll reply you as soon as possible !
Peace out (\/)
HI there , it sounds like a challenging interview hahahah...do you mind telling me your spm result ? simply because i scared that my result is not that good ..ty
ReplyDeleteHi ,there , thanks for reading ! Judging by the pseudonym you used , you must be interested in the Korea Programme ! Anyway , as long as your result satisfies the requirements , it shouldn't be a stumbling block to securing this scholarship .I have batch mates (scholars) who were KPM bursary holders (more than 9 A+). In the meantime , there are also quite a number of them who got 4 A+ or more . Most of them got straight A's ( A,A-,A+) in general. Don't worry ,just apply it and try your best during the interview . Good Luck ! =)
DeleteHi =)
ReplyDeleteFor the group discussion and presentation,are we allowed to take a look on the paper or notes we have written during the presentation?
hi there..can i know what is your spm result ? i just ' tidak berjaya ' and failed to qualify for interview ...so sad =.=
DeleteHi Anonymous , sorry for the late reply . Anyway , I don't think I could help much since I heard from my juniors that the interview this year was totally different . Yes , I did jot down ONLY important points on a paper so that I had a rough idea of what I was gonna talk about . It's not a good idea to keep looking at your notes , try to make eye contact with the interviewers .
DeleteHi Chengkien ! Chin up =) , surprisingly quite a number of people around me wasn't qualify for the interview too .I'm curious to know how they choose as well , hmmmm . For my year , almost everyone I know got the interview. Almost half of them did not turn up for the interview though =/
DeleteMay I know what answer that you gave that made the interviewer said that was the answer i wanna hear?
ReplyDeleteMay I know how did you answer when the panelist asked you if he don't wanna give you this scholarship and give it to a rural student ?
ReplyDeleteHi!! Sorry to bother you. I wish to know when did you choose the particular branch of engineering you chose to pursue. Because I applied for the Kejuruteraan programme but I don't recall ever being asked the branch of engineering that I want to pursue during the application. Will I be able to choose after the interview or will JPA determine our branch?
ReplyDeleteHi , good day . We can choose what we want to study as long as it's under the field of engineering . We will have to attend preparatory classes before studying abroad and during that time , we apply for the field of engineering we want in our desired universities/colleges . So it's a procedure to be done when you're in the preparatory level (language learning ). It takes up to 1 year or 2 to learn the language before going to the next path
ReplyDeleteReally enjoy reading your blog. Am 50 and a mother of a 16 yr old & 14 yr old. Sending your blog to them, so they can read - in-case they are fortunate to ace their exam & be offered the scholarship in a few years time. (if things don't change around here)
ReplyDeletehi.i just want to ask for some tips.Can you give some tips to improve my English speaking skills?
ReplyDeletePractice will improve our skill... try speaking Emglish as often as you can. With those that are better, preferably.
DeleteThanks for very informative sharing. My session will be next week, hope to be lucky as you LOL.
ReplyDeleteSame here
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletesorry to bother you , author, but i really curious about your answer that makes the interviewers nod their head. Probably, you can teach me how, and what type of answer that I have to answer to excel in interview.It will help anyways. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHello, may i know which country did u choose to pursue ur tertiary studies at?
ReplyDeleteHi Irene, I got this scholarship. Are you too? If yes can we have some discussion about the details of this scholarship? Because I am really blur about it and hope to know more. Since most of my friends who went through the interview did't manage to secure the scholarship. Feel free to contact me via WhatsApp (preferable) of email, 0127085954 , ongzhung@gmail.com , thank you!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi! I'm alyssa and I'm currently reading blogs as i have my jpa interview around the corner as well. May I know what did you answer when they asked about who was going to tap the rubber and all (basically what the answer that the interviewer wanted to hear)? Just roughly, I'm quite curious as it got me thinking quite hard as well. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI am having my interview tomorrow. Is there anyone here that can give me advice?
ReplyDeleteHI, my interview is one day later than u... can u share with me ur experience ? Hope you have done well. Thank you
DeleteI'm also one day later than you haha... What a coincidence
DeleteCan you also share your experience here?
DeleteHello brotha, ik I'm too late to ask u about this...but I just wanna ask that when we apply for jpa scholarship, can we choose which university we want to study further?? Or will they decide for us??
ReplyDeletehi! i amik sains dan teknologi kat japan tapi xpasti apa tu sebenarnyaaa
ReplyDeletehey ! I also ada apply sains dan teknologi but in germany .. good luck for your iv !
Deletesains & teknologi kat japan tu kan actually ado untuk perubatan ke?
ReplyDelete