同桌

我唯一的同桌，大考三天罢了，三天过后你没有借口不来找我啊！我等你

Khazanah Global Scholarship Interview

First stage

It was like any other scholarship application process. You are required to fill in personal details and also write an essay about how will you contribute back to Malaysia in the future.

Second Stage

You will be informed to log on into a system and answer the questions given within the limited time frame as stated. It is very likely that you will not have enough time to recheck your answers as the time given to answer them is very short. In my opinion, these questions are similar to the questions of reading comprehension where you need to have critical thinking in analyzing the data provided in these questions.

Third Stage

I received an email from Khazanah at approximately 11.40pm (yes, YK team do work late during 'peak period') In the email, I was informed to attend the third stage interview at Corus hotel, Jalan Ampang. I was a bit shocked because there were only 5 people including me when I reached Corus Hotel. After enquiring from the interviewers, they explained to us that they had separated many sessions for those that were selected where each session only consist a maximum of 6 people.

The interview consists of 3 parts, and it started with group discussion. Everyone was given 2 resumes and were required to discuss which person would be more suitable take up the position considering that the company has who to put in what position with company’s limited budget. It was less stressful as there were guidance such as data and instructions. The group discussion went on for 30 minutes with the Khazanah interviewers observing the progress of the discussion.

The next part was the case study personal presentation. We were given a case and were required to present individual presentation about launching a new product. We need to analyse and decide the venue, time, types of advertisement and many more.  At this stage of the interview, everyone was guided as data and instructions were provided. After 30 minutes of preparation, we begun our 15 minutes presentation and ended with a question and answer session.

The last part was regarding a personal interview which I would personally advise those who will be interviewed to stay calm and be yourself. You need to be honest with everything you say as it will not be surprised that these experienced interviewers will know whether or not you were lying. I would also advise to do simple preparation before coming for the interview. I prepared files containing my resume and certificates but it was not used during the interview.

Fourth stage

I received another email a few days later, informing me to attend stage 4 interview at KLCC level 33. Stage 4 was a personal interview with Yayasan Khazanah director Mr Kamarul Bahrein which lasted around 30 minutes. He asked me to introduce myself and some questions regarding my personal background, personal interest and also my curricular activities.

Fifth stage

After two weeks of waiting, I finally received an email from Khazanah. There are 14 of us that were fortunately selected into the final stage. I had fun chatting and getting to know them. The interview session was with the director of Khazanah and it only lasted for 5 to 10 minutes. It was considered a short and brief session.

This is the picture of me with YK director and managers during my pre-departure briefing :)




**All above are just my personal experience and it may be different for other candidates**

Motivation

Failing is the part of success. For those who did not receive their desired results in their examination. Do not worry as you will find success as long as you do not quit. A good examination result is just a step or bridge to a better future. The most important is to have a good attitude. It will not only earn you good results, good career and the most important, earning respect from others.

When people are highly motivated, it is easier to accomplish the impossible,

But when they are not motivated, it is impossible to accomplish the easy

Life itself is the most difficult exam. Many failed to get through because they tend to follow mediocrity.

Be yourself, know what you want in your life and strive for it

No matter what is the final results, as long as you tried your best, you will not regret later in the future.

This is what I came across from an article I read from newspaper.

Anggaplah segala halangan dan kekangan dalam hidup sebagai cabaran dan dugaan yang harus diharungi dalam arus kehidupan. Segala rintangan yang kita hadapi akan menjadikan kita lebih matang dan fikiran kita bertambah rasional pada masa depan nanti

Don't confuse your path with your destination, just because it's stormy now doesn't mean you aren't headed to sunshine.