Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by zeeyang

JPA and Mara scholarship comparision

zeeyang — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 21:51:54 +0800

Try and compare the destinations offered for the courses.

JPA
http://esilav2.jpa.gov.my/esila_new/pdf/20...n_piln_2011.pdf

MARA
http://www.mara.gov.my/c/document_library/...groupId=1132955

JPA this year has so limited options. The only good destination for medicine is New Zealand, where as for engineering they only offer France/Germany. For your information, this 2 countries offers free education in terms of tuition fees. In other words, the government put a few years bond on you for a minimal fees. Whereas on the other hand, see how lucrative the budget MARA has. Malaysia memang boleh.

edited: for year 2011

Need help in scholarship application form

zeeyang — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 18:25:34 +0800

Hi guys, I am bendahari in Persatuan Judo.

*Sekiranya jawatan yang disandang tidak disenaraikan, sila pilih jawatan yang setaraf dengannya.

Jawatan yang disenaraikan ialah:
Ahli Biasa
Jurulatih Muda
Ketua Kumpulan
Ketua Pasukan
Ketua Pasukan PPT
Ketua Patrol
Ketua Permainan
Ketua Puteri
Ketua Sesyen
Ketua Trup
Komanden
Kuartermaster
Naib Ketua Permainan
Pegawai
Pencatat Buku Log
Penolong Ketua Kumpulan
Penolong Ketua Patrol
Penolong Ketua Trup
Prebet
Sarjan
Sarjan Mejar
Staf Sarjan

So if I am bendahari, where do i fit in? I am sure Taekwondo and Karate don't offer these posts, and yet they are in the list of Pasukan Seragam.

Is it worth it to invest EVERYTHING

zeeyang — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 00:04:08 +0800

Here's my situation. My family have a savings of about 300k. That is nearly enough to cover 4 years of tuition fees of engineering courses in Australia. For university of Adelaide or Queensland (cheapest living cost), the cost of living is around 450 australian dollar per week, 1800 per month = around RM5500 per month.

My parents say they can afford by forking out 6k per month out of their income. (Their income ~12k per month, both of them secondary school teacher). They keep urging me to study overseas. Even if its really not enough, they are willing to take a loan from some bank up to RM200k to be paid back for 20 years.

My question isn't is the money enough for the education. My question is is it WORTH IT for the overseas education. Even to the extent of taking a loan? I told them, I am happy with a local IPTS degree. Why don't use some of them for education, the rest to buy new house/savings/for emergencies etc? Or even going overseas for masters? But my parents said master is a big uncertainty, and they have been saving up their whole life for my education, we rarely traveled, no big cars (we driving wira only), and since I am very good in my studies, they told me that I should not waste my talents. They keep telling me that, after studying, I could stay and work in Australia, and lead a better life there, and getting a degree in Australia is the fastest way to do that.

What if emergency happens and we are in need of money? Then, what should we do? I tried to talk my parents into doing a transfer via the local Nottingham or Monash to UK and Australia?(like 2+2 or even 1+3), but they insist on sending me overseas for 4 years. They believe it would be better this way.

Please advice. Is it worth it? Thank you.

[addedon]February 12, 2011, 12:07 am[/addedon]P.S. I may be wrong about the budget they are very secretive about the money. But it should be around that range, and thats practically everything we have.

JPA Loan Scheme

zeeyang — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 00:17:13 +0800

Source: http://www.jpa.gov.my/index.php?option=com...atid=59〈=en

QUOTE

2.0 Jenis-Jenis Pinjaman

Jenis-jenis pinjaman yang tawarkan adalah seperti berikut:-

2.1 Pinjaman Khas Perubatan

Pinjaman ini ditawarkan kepada pelajar-pelajar yang mengikuti pengajian dalam Bidang-Bidang Kritikal seperti yang dinyatakan di para 3.1 iaitu bidang Perubatan, Pergigian dan Farmasi. Pelajar-pelajar yang mendapat kemudahan pinjaman ini boleh dikecualikan daripada membayar balik pinjaman tersebut sekiranya pelajar bersetuju mengikat kontrak untuk berkhidmat dengan Kerajaan Malaysia selama 10 tahun selepas menamatkan pengajian dengan jayanya.

2.2 Pinjaman Biasa

Pinjaman ini ditawarkan kepada pelajar-pelajar yang mengikuti pengajian dalam Bidang-Bidang Keutamaan dan Bidang-Bidang Lain seperti yang dinyatakan di para 3.2 dan 3.3. Pelajar-pelajar yang mendapat kemudahan pinjaman ini dikehendaki untuk membayar balik keseluruhan jumlah pinjaman selepas menamatkan pengajian.

3.0 Bidang-Bidang Pengajian Yang Ditaja

Bidang-bidang pengajian yang ditaja terbahagi kepada 3 kategori umum seperti berikut:

3.1 Bidang-Bidang Kritikal

* Perubatan
* Pergigian
* Farmasi

3.2 Bidang-Bidang Keutamaan

* Sains Veterinar
* Sains dan Teknologi (kecuali Sains Komputer dan Teknologi Maklumat)
* Kejuruteraan (kecuali Elektrikal & Elektronik, Mekanikal dan Awam)
* Senibina / RIBA Part II
* Perakaunan / ACCA

3.3 Bidang-Bidang Lain (Sains Sosial & Sastera Ikhtisas)

* Undang-undang
* Ekonomi
* Kewangan/Perbankan/Pemasaran/ Perniagaan Antarabangsa
* Perhubungan Antarabangsa
* Komunikasi

What's classified as ENGINEERING when all the main traditional engineering fields are not in the list??

Btw, JPA gives out:

RM250,000 for health science related course.
RM200,000 for pinjaman biasa.

Some questions about SAM

zeeyang — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 20:47:53 +0800

1. To get a 20/20 (perfect score) in any subject, does that means we have to get full marks for every assignments, tests and presentation?

2. I know it is possible to go to UK with SAM but not recommended. Which universities in UK that has actually accepted SAM students? I try checking some known UK universities and the most I could find is a case-by-case basis.

3. Anyone has actually entered NTU or NUS in Singapore with SAM?

4. Now only I know some universities assess SAM candidates based on their aggregate form and not ATAR. I know one who got into IMU pharmacy courses with a low TER of 73 i think but she got into IMU because of a high aggregate. Does this applies to any other universities in Malaysia and Australia, or most of the time they look at your ATAR?

Change in JPA policy?

zeeyang — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 00:16:58 +0800

I found this when I surf the ReCom forum. Thought I should share it here on lowyat.

http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/P...broad/Article/

QUOTE

KUALA LUMPUR: The 1,500 scholarships offered by the Public Service Department (PSD) for undergraduate studies overseas will be phased out from next year.

However, those who have secured entry for undergraduate studies at top foreign universities such as Oxford and Cambridge may still apply for such scholarships.

Scholarships for postgraduate studies will also be available.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz said the move was aimed at increasing the number of scholarships for those studying at local universities and to address complaints that there were not enough scholarships for outstanding Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) students.

These scholarships are awarded on merit and take into account the student’s background.

Nazri said this would not affect the Perdana Scholarship—the 300 scholarships awarded by the PSD entirely on merit, regardless of race.

This is the second year of the Perdana Scholarship, which is solely for students doing a master’s degree or doctoral programme in all fields with emphasis on science
and technology,at world-renowned universities.

Nazri, who is also the minister in charge of PSD scholarships, said that there would always be complaints that the government was not providing enough scholarships.

“There are just too many outstanding students. Even with the new grading system, where grades are divided into three classifications, for example, A-, A and A+, there are still many students who are able to get with outstanding results.

“It’s impossible to increase the number of scholarships because we don’t have enough money for that when we also need money to focus on other areas,” he said told the New Straits Times yesterday.

The 1,500 overseas scholarships given out under the PSD’s Program Ijazah Luar Negara (PILN) overseas programme are awarded according to a race quota with 56 per cent going to Bumiputera students and 44 per cent to non-Bumiputeras.

This year, more than 15,000 students applied for the scholarships.

Nazri also refuted a claim by Federation of Malaysian Indian Organisations president A Rajaretinam that 80 per cent of the scholarships were awarded to Bumiputeras, calling it a “blatant lie”.

Read more: PSD to end sponsorship of undergrad studies abroad http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/PSDtoen.../#ixzz1B5b3wQ81

Any ideas what universities are classified under "top foreign universities?"

Personally i feel that the change in policy can ensure that only top quality student deserves the scholarship. Furthermore, it's wiser to spend money on quality students going to top universities than on those going to Poland or Russia. But then that means less people are going to secure a scholarship.

And surprisingly I did not hear anything about this on the news/papers this year except for some rumours. Maybe Najib has to announce it himself for the new policy to be implemented.

Source: http://www.recom.org/forum/showthread.php?t=11116&page=11

Questions about mechanical engineers

zeeyang — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 20:52:18 +0800

Hi all, I am thinking about pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineers.

I am wondering whether a Mechanical engineer has the flexibility of choosing over either working on site or office paperwork design?

I do understand that it is essential for an engineer to work on field to gain experience, but from what I read in this forum, engineers are considered as cheap labours in Malaysia. Usually they have to take the role of a technician too.

I wondered if there are any mechanical engineers that are actually working in an office designing a new product? I can't imagine myself doing everything hands on for years to come.

Thanks in advance

Which degree/career requires heavy maths?

zeeyang — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 22:07:08 +0800

I nearly finish my SPM. Here's my problem. I love maths. I can't part with maths. Maths are my life and soul.

Okay maybe I am exaggerating But they are my greatest strength and interest and I can't imagine myself working in the future without applying maths.

I have passed both my AMC and UNSW (Australia Maths test) with High Distinction. I passed Oxbridge Maths Competition (England) with Distinction and attend their 1-day pure math workshop. I took part in Olympiad Maths but flunked it.

Since i also did very well in physics and chemistry (A+ in trials), after due consideration I have decided to venture into engineering field in the future. However, I want to keep my options wide and not limiting myself with just engineering sector.

I once seriously considered about becoming a maths lecturer or an actuary. However, I have no idea about the job prospect of maths lecturer in Malaysia (plus got age limit i guess). As for actuary, as a science stream student I doubt if I would excel in economics, and I am unwilling to give up my life of 20-ies to pass all those professional exams.

So guys, any recommendations?

P.S. I know it would be better to decide after I did my Pre-U. But it's never too late to plan

P.P.S I know I am naive choosing my future career based on the subject I love instead of interest but under the current SPM system I doubt I know anything productive apart from studying. Unless you count in the interest of reading, gaming and basketball-ing

Contradiction

zeeyang — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 17:01:02 +0800

Question given by my brilliant dad. Thought I should share

If a = b

a² = b²
a² - ab = b² -ab
a (a - b) = b (b - a)
a (a - b) = -b (a - b)

So, cancel out (a - b) on both side, we get..

a = -b

How come arh? Impossible right? X)

P.S. THOSE WHO KNOW HOW AND WHY PLEASE HIDE YOUR ANSWER. WE SHOULD NOT SPOIL THE FUN

P.P.S. answer lies in post #10

New SAM 2011. Need advice

zeeyang — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 22:52:06 +0800

For the new SAM 2011, it's 70% coursework and 30% external examination instead of the traditional 50-50.

That unnerved me. I have never been a true believer of the internal assessment as I have never been exposed to that kind of education during my SPM studies. I prefer exams, but I would have taken a 1-year course over one-and-a-half-year A-Level any time.

My questions is, what actually did you do in internal assessment, tonnes and tonnes of presentations? The reason why I am worrying about this is I am afraid it would be harder for me to score a high TER ranking. Scholarships in Australia are only available with extremely high TER. Maybe I should have taken HSC instead? (still 50-50)

My subject combinations are ESL, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Specialist Maths. I am particularly worried about English as Second Language. There would be tonnes of orals I bet. I could get an average score, but a high above average score would be totally impossible. Linguistic and oral is just what I am pathetic in. Sad T.T

I know the new SAM is different from what seniors have done, but I believe most of them is about the same. So could any seniors enlighten me on this case? =)

Enquiries about SAM, Australia and Engineering

zeeyang — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 14:28:58 +0800

Here is my problem. I received scholarship from Taylor's College for SAM. However, I went to Australia Education Fair yesterday and was shocked by the Australia courses fees and living expenses. My parents could hardly afford it, and even if they could, I wonder what they would be living on for the next few years.

From what I observe, Australia university seems reluctant to give out scholarship for International Students. Moreover, some only gives scholarship based on their university foundation results. (eg. University of Queensland). That makes me wonder about SAM courses. And so I change my perspectives and start looking for alternative routes for the future.

Here are some of my questions, there are so many that I organize them in numbers

1. Is it was worth it to take SAM, if the australia uni are not offering scholarships and hence I won't study in Australia? If Australia DO offer scholarship, is a TER ranking of 99.0 enough? I can strive for 99.0 but I guess 99.95 is just too difficult.

2. If I don't go to Australia, where else could I go with SAM? NUS looks promising but I suppose they would prefer their own citizens. And do they prefer A-Levels students, or Sam is also okay?

3. If I study in local uni, which one, be it IPTA or IPTS, is better or have higher reputation in engineering (specifically civil or mechanical engineering)? I heard that UTAR is good, but my parents said if I study local uni it would be better to be in IPTA. They said IPTS gives us the impression of not-so-good-students.. I know they could be wrong, but I am only seventeen and I need advices from every seniors and elders.

____QUESTIONS ABOUT SAM____

1. Let's say I take SAM, it is 50% internal assessment and 50% external assessment. Is it that everyone gets more or less the same marks in Internal assessment and everything depends on the external exam?

____QUESTION ABOUT ENGINEERING____

1. For mechanical engineering, is it recommended to complete master of engineering? Or just Bachelor Of Engineering is sufficient? If I study in Australia, my financial backup is sufficient only until I complete Bachelor Of Engineering. That's why I reconsidered about studying in Australia.

Sorry for my long post but I really do need advice about my future education. Thanks in advance for those who are willing to clear my doubts