Khazanah Global Scholarship Awards 2012. The journey. Stage 1 & 2.

To this day, I still couldn't believe I've made it that far. Even though I wasn't chosen for the last stage, let's not mourn on that anymore, shall we? :) Who knows, Allah has other things planned for me later. All we can do is wait and hope for the best. I'm very happy that Afar made it through all the way and hopefully she's chosen for the whole scholarship. It'll be such a big achievement for her and for the school. It's been a while since an SSP-ian achieved Khazanah's Scholarship. InsyaAllah this year we'll have one to represent us all in 'that' video for our juniors to see then. We'll be praying for you, Afar.

Stage 1.

I guess, most of us are already well inform that this time around the selection process was way earlier then last year's and the years before. Khazanah had a new plan of sending our batch to college next year for the January intake, so the selection process was before SPM and while we're still in school. Earlier this year, our counselors had taken the initiative and a head start by organizing a grooming program in school to chose the best Form 5 candidates to be sent for Khazanah's Scholarship Selection. it was also a program in collaboration with Sekolah Sultan Alam Shah, Putrajaya. From 176, 40 was chosen. Then, they narrowed it down to 15 candidates to fill the forms and go to the first stage of Khazanah.

Stage 1 was the Learning Agility Test. Not an IQ test. I repeat, it's not an IQ test. Apparently, Khazanah is looking to see how far a person can learn and not how high one's IQ is. I remember recalling they said that this would a vigorous scholarship program, so they would like to see how well one can learn and perform exceptionally in a short period of time. The test took around 1 and half hours and there was five parts to the test.

• Logical Reasoning - Three words. You choose their relations through Venn Diagram(Sets)
  
• Understanding - Making relations according to the statements given.
  
• Spatial Reasoning - You're given two simple shapes and a complex figure. Find the simple shapes in the complex figure and shade them.
  
• Social Context - Rearranging comic strips.
  
• Numerical Reasoning - Number line. Fill the next box with a correct number.

Basically, it's a random test to see your learning ability. Try not to worry that much if you don't really understand the test here, they'll give you a chance to try later, before the real test. Just chill and have FUN :D So that wraps up Stage 1. Two weeks from Stage 1 would be the Stage 2 and if you're chosen, your counselor will be notified then. Stage 1 was held at Menara UEM, KL.

Stage 2.

A few days left until 21st of October and we've still yet to hear anything for Khazanah's Second Stage. The 15 of us had started to lose our touch by then. We're in the midst of our second SPM Trials and everyone's torn whether to do our research or to revise for trials. Just when we all thought hope was lost and we sucked the test, the evening of 20th October, I was called to the High Table during dinner. I don't know about you guys, but the news couldn't come any slower than this. Four of us made it to Stage 2 and we're asked to pack that night and be ready after our Pendidikan Islam paper to go to PNB Darby Park. It was me, Afar, Izzati Afiqah and Wawa. We were all in shock and seriously, we didn't even bother about the paper we had the next day. Thank god, Cikgu Azura, our counselor lives in the Teacher's Quarters because we had no idea on what to do or bring. We spent the entire night discussing and praying we'd do our best for this, and the paper tomorrow. ha ha.

That evening, we'd left class as soon as the paper ended and gathered at the Counseling Room. There were major research to be done and plenty of papers to be printed. Thank god, we'd finished packing last night (since we shared our luggage) because we were also leaving early for PNB Darby Park. It was said to be a whole day assessment. They held it during the weekend making it easier for the candidates. One day arrival, Assessment day and travelling-back day. Our pulse was beating at quite a rate that day as we inboard the van. Even during the ride we were still passing around papers of research to be read. And yes, all was and still very nerve racking.

We arrived at PNB Darby Park around 2 p.m. that day and with only one school present, Sains Alam Shah. So much for rushing, there's no one here yet. Anyway, we each got an apartment to be shared in groups and that got us starin' at our bags. Grr. ha ha. But, thanks to arriving early we had plenty of time to relax and unpack. Wawa got the highest floor among us (not to mention most posh pad), I got 19th floor, Izzati got the 22nd but Afar's room wasn't ready at that time. Watched a few movies at Wawa's, hung out at mine and practically getting to know the lobby workers since we went down almost every hour to fetch Afar's room card. ha ha. I've sworn Encik Shahrul was a bit annoyed seeing us at the lobby, lingering. Oh well, at least we got to welcome almost all of the other candidates. *SCORE :D We had dinner that night at the 39th Restaurant on the 39th floor (the irony) and officially met and greeted the rest of the candidates. Did some research with the MRSM Langkawi gang that night and went to bed early.

We started the day bright and early too that morning of 22nd and had breakfast at the Cafe. We didn't get to fetch anything formal to wear so we wore baju kurungs instead. That's the best thing about baju kurungs, aite? It's universal. So, we had a briefing by Miss Lida(I think) after breakfast. We'll be having an interview that morning and a group assessment later in the evening. There was 5/6 interviewing rooms and I was in the first one. I've always been in the first group and usually the first person in anything since my name starts with an 'A'. But, man I was wronged this time around. I had to wait for a solid 4 hours until it's my turn. But, it's okay. That'd gave me a chance to get to know the other as well as broaden my network(*.*). I was interviewed my this two ladies(I only got to know one of them, I forgot the other). Both aged around 10 years older than my mom maybe but very pleasant and of course, lovely. The questions were very calming surprisingly. All they wanted is to know more about yourself that you didn't write in the form and telling it in details. I got on telling them about my family, my hobbies, my achievement(CDLS), my future plannings and mostly anything. Just go on blab about anything(IMPORTANT ONLY) and don't be shy to tell them what you got. Be confident and try not to lie. Smile a lot to. It doesn't hurt. And when they ask you whether you have any questions, ASK. I'd asked about the courses they offer. I know Architecture is not in the list so I'd like to know. One of the ladies answered and said the courses listed are preferred, but if you have what it takes, Khazanah will sponsor you for what ever you'd like to take. It was a nice chat with the ladies. I thanked them for spending their time and hope to be meeting them for the next assessment. Walked out and raced with Amirah(TKC) to the 39th floor for lunch. Yes, I was that hungry.

Around 2 p.m. we gathered again in the briefing room for the group assessment. We were divided into groups of ten and were given a task to represent an industry. I'd done my research but why didn't I see it coming?! It was the exact task given to the earlier May Batch. I wish I'd pay more attention to it.

• There's two industry;ICT and Health Tourism - You are asked to make a presentation on one industry to be promoted to MATRADE. You're given 45 mins to do and do it well. Elect a leader and present the group work in the time frame of 5 minutes.
  

Sounds easy? Not quite. My group luckily got the ICT industry(I can relate to that compared to Health Tourism since SSP niche area is ICT). So, we elected SDAR's Head boy as our leader and he divided us in pairs and trios. I paired up with Zati(TKC) and we did on industry background. We were given handouts to help but we decided to use the Web instead. The atmosphere was really tense and everyone looks so obvious that we're working under pressure. 15 minutes and we discussed our points in the group. The rest was practicing our parts. Butterflies is happily playing in stomach by this time. We planned to let everyone talk but we exceeded the time frame. Presenting was quick, it was the Q&A sessions was to die for. We were all asked and provoked against our lack of time management. I was asked how would I do the project if it was to be done again. I answered a well-planned one would do the trick. We overlooked the handouts which was actually enough for researching and I didn't present my part that well. Wish I could have. Guess working under pressure wasn't easy. Only one group managed to finish(apparently that made us look even bad). And that session ends.

After that test was the Mock Letter. We were given a letter from MATRADE saying we did 'extra' bad and wasn't chosen by MATRADE. So, we were given the choice to reply that letter or accept the fate that has betrothed upon us! But, of course. You reply the letter. I said it was just the matter of a first-timer and this would be a lesson and motivation to do better next time(don't forget to apologize). It's a half A4 paper, so don't break much sweat to write that letter. Then, we asked to promote an industry that can make help Malaysia's Economy(I forgot the phrase). I suggested Solar Energy. Malaysia exact climate and position is a big advantage to this industry. With solar energy the country wouldn't have to fuss on finding other source of energy. It might be costly but it's gonna a be a one shot spending. And countries like Japan is already moving forward with this industry and they're not even stated at the equator. Who knows it might be the next big thing in the World's economy? Bla bla bla. ha ha. This Stage finishes with a video of the previous Khazanah Scholars talking about their life joining the family.

About to run out of steam*

All in all, Stage 2 was an eye opener. Learn new things and made new friends out of my already big circle of friends. We spent the last night out apparently. Watched the midnight movie with Kappa, Haris and Irfan. And enjoy our last days before SPM like never before. Stage 3 will be a week from then and again we'll have to wait for the notifications to know who made it.

I'll be continuing with the Stage 3 in a new post. Just you wait.
Extras:
http://hanrong.tumblr.com/post/5668250695/my-khazanah-scholarship-experience-page-1