Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by nampaknyahebat

Job offer advice

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 07:30:00 +0800

Job offer advice

nampaknyahebat — Sat, 16 May 2026 09:45:56 +0800

Hi all, need some career advice from those in engineering consulting.

Current situation (still a fresh graduate):

A. Current company (local consulting firm)

- RM3,950 gross salary
- 12 days annual leave
- Basic insurance only
- Almost no allowances / limited medical claims
- Sometime long working hours and stressful at times

B. New offer (well-known MNC consulting firm, A*up)

- 18-month graduate programme
- RM3,500 basic salary
- RM300 monthly travel allowance
- Profit sharing (~RM3.5k estimated yearly)
- 18 days AL + birthday leave + other leave benefits
- Better medical coverage (dental, optical, hospitalization)
- Flexible working hours
- Hybrid working arrangement (2 days WFH)
- Bigger company with stronger global branding

Main dilemma & opinion:

- Current company gives higher monthly salary
- MNC seems to offer better overall benefits and possibly better long-term career growth
- Concerned about joining a graduate programme after already starting work elsewhere
- Also unsure about long-term stability after the programme

For those with experience in the industry:
1. Is it better to gain more experience at my current company and then apply for a better position, instead of “downgrading” to a lower base salary with an unguaranteed permanent role conversion after the graduate programme ends?
2. Is moving from local firm to MNC consulting worth it early in career?
3. Would you prioritise higher salary now or stronger career exposure/benefits long term?

Thank you!

What is like to be a Field Service Engineer?

nampaknyahebat — Sat, 13 Dec 2025 21:27:41 +0800

As per title, what is like to be a Field Service Engineer, especially joining under fresh graduates program from,say energy sector company like GE, Siemen, Schneider Electric, Honeywell, Hitachi Energy? Will I be required to travel to sites often for work and possibly staying for long hours? What do you think of the career progression and salary? Could someone here enlighten me please? Much appreciated!

Should I accept this job offer?

nampaknyahebat — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 17:06:40 +0800

Hi all, need some advice. I am a fresh graduate and I just got a job offer in Penang as an electrical consulting engineer with basic salary RM3.75k. I’m actually interested in the consulting line, but the benefits a bit disappointing. HR told me site allowance only start after 30 days (not in the offer letter), mileage claim can, but no OT allowance. Insurance only after probation, and offer letter got “no-show clause” (need to pay 14 days salary if I don’t report after signing). Since I’m from Sabah and have a gf in penang, relocating to Penang with only 3.8k (before allowance) feels quite tight, especially with rental and car loan. At the same time, I am still waiting result (told to wait for 2 weeks) for an Automation Engineer position from a renowned MNC, which I might think have better salary and allowance package. I need to confirm with the offer within 7 days. Guys, I really need some advice....

Should I go for this job interview?

nampaknyahebat — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 23:50:54 +0800

Hi guys, need some advice.

I recently got invited for a face-to-face interview with an M&E consultant company in Penang. I had already told them that I’m planning to join the Work & Travel USA program this December, and they still asked me to come for an interview, maybe they’re okay with short-term staff? But if they would want to hire me, I am only available next year after March. I don’t think any employer would want to wait me until next year.

But honestly, I’m not really keen to go for it right now. I just finished my final exam this week, and it feels a bit rushed to jump into an interview immediately — I’m not fully prepared yet, mentally or technically.

Another thing is, I still don’t have any job placement in the USA yet. This year’s job quota dropped a lot, so many of us in the program still haven’t been placed. I’ll only find out if I get a job there by end of August.

Also, I haven’t started serious job hunting here yet. This is my only interview, and part of me feels like maybe I can get better offers if I actively start applying later on.

So now I’m really in a dilemma now.
-Should I still go for this interview, even if I’m not ready?
-Or should I skip it and prepare myself first while waiting for the US outcome?

Convince me to join Work and Travel USA

nampaknyahebat — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 01:19:55 +0800

As per title, the USA Winter Work and Travel program will start in Nov/Dec this year, can you guys convince me to join this program? Is it really worth it? Whoever had the chance or experience working there, could you try to convince me? I’m like 50-50 now…. The registration will start in a few days and I’m thinking of registering through Infinity Abroad agency. Thanks!

Recommend me indoor water filter system

nampaknyahebat — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 22:43:14 +0800

I want to replace my aging Diamond Water Filter but don't want to subscribe to any of those MLM brand (you named it), prefer to buy one time off and service myself with a reasonable price. I don't need any water cooling and heating function, just need a basic and effective water filter system. Heard 3M is good but there is a lot of selection within this brand itself, or if there is any better recommendation, please let me know! Thanks!

Dad's mortgage issue

nampaknyahebat — Sun, 02 Jun 2024 01:52:23 +0800

I am little bit frustrated and worry at the same time for my dad's huge amount of loan from the bank, he is now in his 60s and still working day and night. He is an contractor and the developer want him to purchase a unit of shoplot or house in order to grant him the job, is this even a legal thing? Please enlighten me about this. Many years ago, the developer wanted him to purchase a shoplot (i guess around RM900k) and he was taking that amount of loan from the bank. After that, the same developer also wanted him to purchase another house (i guess around RM300k) and at the same time he also took a loan from the bank. At that time,I was in my secondary school and barely know about financial and loan. My mum that time was supporting his decision and sign the loan together with him.

Up until recent years, things worsen when my dad failed to repay the loan on time and my mum was furious about it, she was regretting every decision during that time because of the huge amount of debt incurred. If I had some knowledge about financial during my secondary school time, I would have definitely against the decision since he was in his 50s that time. Our relationships become worsen too when my mum always quarreled with my dad about this thing. I really think my dad is really egoistic, stubborn, and has poor financial management. My dad rarely talked about of how much the loan left yet to be paid, which make my mum even angry about it.

Now I am still in university and I am really worried that one day if he is not here anymore, what will happen to the unpaid loan? I am pity of my dads too, he is the breadwinner and still working at this age, I know he must be tired, thinking that there is still a huge amount of loan yet to be paid. I am really clueless, not knowing what to do and I wish I could graduate sooner to find more money without relying on him. The developer is my dad's friend, my mum hates him since then.

Any electrical engineer here?

nampaknyahebat — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 14:45:56 +0800

I am going to do my internship in this coming July and I have started to look for company. However, I am unclear of what company I should look for, that will also benefit from what I have learned in uni. I have always wanted to be an electrical consultant and right now I am learning Electrical Installation Design in my uni, which is related to the job as consultant and I'm having fun time on this subject. Is being a consultant in the future lucrative enough, be it pay and career prospect (maybe be an Ir and open up own consultant company)? Many of my friends wanted to go into semicon company but im not that keen into that. I do need your advice, thanks!!

Help me choose laptop, Thinkpad T14s or P14s

nampaknyahebat — Sat, 16 Mar 2024 02:10:32 +0800

So I have been wanting to buy a new laptop and Lenovo has some deals on its website now with some vouchers and also student discounts. I am really in a dilemma to choose between these two laptops.

Both are configured with
AMD 7840U
32GB RAM
1TB SSD storage
1920x1200 400nits, 100% sRGB screen

T14s - RM5.6k (RM50 added for external monitor, FHD 24inch 100Hz)
P14s - RM5.4k (RM1 added for external monitor, QHD 24inch 60Hz)

Now the question comes, which one should I choose? I have read through tons of review. The T14s has better build, thinner and lighter, larger battery than P14s. P14s has better performance due to better thermal.

Since I am studying Electrical Engineering, I will be using Microsoft Office, some CAD software and also connected to the monitor most of the time at my dorm, with some occasion of bringing the laptop to class or meeting with my lecturer.

Does the RM200 difference justify going for a more expensive T14s or save it for P14s? Thank you!

Hong Kong or Japan for vacation?

nampaknyahebat — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 23:34:37 +0800

Hi, as per the title, I am trying to decide between visiting Japan and Hong Kong/Macau in March. Both countries are known for being expensive, and I would like to choose just one of them. I will be traveling with my parents, who are already in their 60s, and my brother, so it's important that the visit is conducive for my aging parents. The duration of the visit in Japan would probably be 7-8 days in Tokyo only, and 4-5 days in Hong Kong and Macau. Thanks

How to sell my concert ticket safely online?

nampaknyahebat — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 19:51:15 +0800

So I’m unable to attend Coldplay concert due to an event in my university, I wanted to sell it but I don’t know the correct way to deal with the buyer. As the ticket has my name and IC on it, is the buyer able to enter the venue? I highly doubt the authority will check one by one as it could take up a long time…. Anyway, what is the ideal procedure to deal with the buyer, at the same time protect my own interest?

What is worth buying in UK?

nampaknyahebat — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 04:27:35 +0800

Guys, I’m right now in the UK, so I’ve wondered what’s worth buying in the UK compared to Malaysia? Maybe with the branded stuff or anything that is gonna cheaper in UK? Do let me know so I don’t miss out anything.

Bringing souvenir to UK

nampaknyahebat — Sat, 02 Sep 2023 21:42:33 +0800

Can I bring coffee, Kaya and also Chinese sausage as a gift to my relative into UK by flight? Do I need to declare any of it? If not mistaken, Chinese sausage is prohibited based on their website.

How to reduce heaty body quickly?

nampaknyahebat — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 23:03:29 +0800

My body tend to be very heaty (yit hei), especially during travel as my lips will be very very red, twitching and flaky. Although I drink plenty of water on the go but it still barely improve, any tips? Thanks!

First visit to UK... asking for advice

nampaknyahebat — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 21:49:47 +0800

Hi guys, my family and I are visiting my angmo relatives in this coming September and it is our first time to the UK too, Reading and Brighton in particular (probably London too for a day trip) They are going to host us for the entire stay and I wonder what should we bring over as gift that is suitable to angmo? Also, can anyone share some tips or advice on what should we expect and behave during our visit? Thanks!

Cheap phone to use for hotspot

nampaknyahebat — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 20:29:24 +0800

Hi, I am searching for the cheapest phone available in the market to use as hotspot tethering to my main phone, tablet and laptop as I am a student right now... Which phone is the cheapest with good hotspot connection and good battery life that is around RM500? Thanks

Realistic Christmas gift exchange idea under RM50

nampaknyahebat — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 23:32:21 +0800

Hi, I will be having gift exchange soon and I really need some good suggestions on buying something under RM50 that suits for all genders. Also, no food please…. Thanks!

Can we have Coldplay in Malaysia?

nampaknyahebat — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 12:02:48 +0800

I am a big fan of Coldplay and they have never had concert in Malaysia, any Coldplay fans here?

Should I transfer to another universities?

nampaknyahebat — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 11:31:04 +0800

Hey guys, I have posted this question in Education Essentials long before but it didn’t get as much audiences as I wanted it to be, so I decided to post here.

As UPU results will be released in this week, I will be making decision on whether I should transfer to a new university to continue my degree. I am a diploma engineering student in a local IPTA which is UniMAP. I’m in a dilemma now of thinking to transfer to a new university or staying at my current university, provided that UPU offers me another university.

If I remain at my university, I will be graduating in 3 years time (due to credit transfer) which I will graduate at the age 24.If I chose to transfer to another university, I will be graduating in 4 years time or less (depending on successful credit transfer) due to different university different standard and I will graduate at the age of 25.

I kinda didn’t like the environment of UniMAP as it is quite outskirts and ulu, not much entertainment and so on. The quality of lecturer is just meh I would say, they barely talk and lecture in English. Some higher ranking IPTA (UTM, UPM, UKM) are in the list in my UPU, I think the chances of getting into these universities are quite high as I do achieve high CGPA.

You might ask who still take diploma courses nowadays, but that was the naive and innocent me back then.

My question is
1. Does graduating 1 year early really matters?
2. Does university ranking matters with teaching quality, facilities and future job hunting too?

If you were ex students in the higher ranking of IPTA, it would be great to give your input.

Thank you for taking your time to read. Please give me your thoughts, much much appreciated!!!