Some think that the interview is just for formality’s sake. But it doesn’t mean that you’re allowed to slack during the interview. You still have to do your best; after all, you aren’t guaranteed a scholarship, yet.
About the interview
Who: The interview will be conducted by 2 MARA officers.
Duration: 15-20 minutes
Language: The interview is conducted in English
How is the interview done?
You’ll be interviewed by a panel of 2-1. So yes, it’s only you, and 2 MARA officers. Questions posed will be about MARA as well, so make sure you do enough research on MARA – what is the organization about, their objectives, their activities etc.
Common questions asked
1. Introduce yourself
2. Tell us about your hometown, co-curricular achievements
3. Why choose MARA, not JPA?
4. Anything about being a Bumiputra (especially if you are of mixed parentage, like Chinese-Bidayuh, or Indian-Kadazan)
5. Which country do you want to pursue your studies, and why?
6. Why do you choose this field to study?
7. What do you know about *the field of study chosen*? (and other questions related to your chosen course, such as the development of the field, how can you contribute to it)
8. What do you want to specialize in? (Usually for those taking medicine – For your information they WILL ask you more about your choice, so RESEARCH. A LOT)
9. How can you contribute to MARA in the future?
10. Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
Other things you should know
- Be updated with current news/events locally and internationally. Read the newspaper daily. and understand some of the current issues.
- Organize your certificates properly
- Do plenty of research. Make sure you know MARA and your chosen course well. This is so that you come prepared!
There’s nothing wrong with practicing in front of a mirror, because it helps! You don’t want to come across as memorizing a script, do try to appear calm and relaxed (although the whole process can be nerve-wrecking!).
For the Foreign Degree Programme (PILN), the criteria for selection are:
1. Academic excellence (70%)
2. Interview (10%) - Its only 10%, so don't worry too much
3. Socio-economic background of parents (10%)
4. Co-curriculum (10%)
How many scholarships are offered for PILN?
We didn’t see any numbers in this year’s announcement. Last year it was 2,000.
About the interview
- Who will be conducting the interview: Three government officers selected by JPA. They represent the three main races in Malaysia.
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Language: If you are asked in English, answer in English, and if you asked in Bahasa Malaysia, you MUST answer in Bahasa Malaysia. A previous interviewee told us that an interviewer got angry when a student answered in English when he was questioned in Bahasa Malaysia. He was told to answer in Bahasa Malaysia.
How is the interview done?
Three students are interviewed at one go. These students do not have to be from the same course. They can be students who have applied for medical, dentistry and pharmacy. The interview is done in two sessions; Round 1: General Information and Round 2: Group Discussion.
Round 1: General Information
1. Introduce yourself
2. Explain why you chose the program
3. Talk a little bit about your achievements in school
Round 2: Group Discussion
This is a group discussion and you will be asked to discuss with the same group from round one. You will be given a few questions to prepare and the interviewers will see how you work as a team. You will be asked for your opinion on the topics. Be constructive and don’t try to ‘goreng’ too much. A student once said government doctors earn a lot of money and the officers were shocked and argued with him and said he didn’t do his research well. Try not to say things that you are not sure of.
These were some of the questions posed to JPA scholars last year.
1. Please tell us a little bit about the smoking habit among Malaysians.
2. What can we do to reduce the number of smokers?
3. Should we allocate a huge budget for the public health system to give equal treatment to the smokers?
4. What is your personal view about smokers who are still smoking even though the government has done a lot of anti-smoking campaigns?
What topics can be expected this year? (our suggestions only)
1. National unity - 1Malaysia - How to improve unity? (suggested by Muhammad Siraj)
2. Why scholars don't want to return to Malaysia and how to ensure they serve the nation after graduating (suggested by Nur Azizah)
3. Environmental issues - in line with Malaysia's commitment to reduce carbon emission to 40% by 2020 as announced by PM in COP-15 (suggested by Elaine Sam)
4. H1N1
5. Anti drug campaign effectiveness
6. Privatisation of public healthcare in Malaysia
7. Increasing number of medical graduates.
Stages: 3 Main stages
1st – Group Discussion
2nd – Essay Writing
3rd – The Interview
Modules may vary
Stage 1: Group Discussion
Students are usually put into a group of 4 or 5.
Last year’s topic was: You are given a huge amount of budget. Please plan on how to build a Malaysian Landmark i.e. skyscrapers. Please minimize your budget. You must give your presentation on this.
Key things for this assessment:
• Be moderate, don’t be bossy
• Remain calm, but speak out loud and clear
• Share your ideas during the group discussion, and don’t shut other ideas out
• Take the chance to speak during the presentation
• Give fresh ideas and opinions
• Support your arguments with solid evidence (examples, ideas)
Stage 2: Essay writing
This is to test your proficiency of English and your ideas. They want to look at how you organize your thoughts.
• Polish up on your grammar and writing skills
• Be able to express ideas
• Read a lot – Newspapers, books, etc.
• If you have internet access, look for articles on economic and social issues
• Find out about a few economic terms such as Sub Prime, Deficit, IMF, GDP
Stage 3: Personal Interview
The questions posed will be related to Bank Negara or any economic issues and/or development. Be sure that the answer you give must relate back to Bank Negara. Questions can sound like: How can your contribution to school help achieve Bank Negara’s Vision? Or; what is Bank Negara’s role in economic development?
• It’s important to know Bank Negara very well
• Make sure you know your chosen course very well
• Don’t make up any points
• Be calm and always smile
• Organise your thoughts properly
• What matters most is how brilliant your content is, not how long you speak
Other things that might happen
Two years ago Bank Negara did Role Playing as a part of the interview process. They will give you a situation, and you will have to act as people in charge of the situation. So be prepared! (And Make sure not to fight for the roles!)
Some tips…
• Be outspoken, and polite
• Don’t be bossy
• Show your confidence and be mature
• Be unique, different, yet relevant when giving out ideas
• Don’t be afraid to speak and give ideas
There are 2 parts to the interview process, the personality test, and the interview and discussion.
The personality test: Just a simple personality test, it shouldn’t affect the selection process.
The interview: With a panel of 3-1, or 3-2
Interview Questions
1. Introduce yourself
2. What do you know about TNB?
3. What makes you stand out from other straight A students?
4. What will you do if you do not get the scholarship?
5. What are the problems faced by TNB?
6. What do you know about racial integrity?
Past Debate/Discussion questions:
1. Reality TV: More harm than good
2. Handphones should be allowed in schools
Other things you should know..
• Read up on current events/news around the world
• Load up on general knowledge
• Make sure you do extensive research on TNB, and the course you’ve applied for
Stages: Two. 1st is the interview, 2nd stage is for those who are short-listed to attend a camp. (It may vary)
Duration: The interview – About 30 minutes. The camp – 2 Days 1 Night
Language: English
How the interview is conducted
The interview is conducted with a panel of 4 interviewers, and with 4 applicants, each applying for different courses. As with any other interviews, you will need to research about TM, and the course you’ve applied for.
Common questions asked
1. Introduce yourself (take about 2 minutes)
2. Why did you choose TM?
3. If you get other scholarship offers, which one would you accept, and why?
4. Why did you choose the course?
5. Which university do you want to go to? Why?
6. What is your biggest achievement?
7. What are your weaknesses?
8. What is TM? (and other questions related to the company and its subsidiaries)
The Camp
The camp is for the shortlisted applicants, in which they would be separated into 2 groups, and have a tutor for each group. Observations will be made, so be as proactive as you can. Pass activities held during camp were:
1. Essay writing and EQ test
2. Completing a jigsaw puzzle
3. Discussion. It can be about politics or religion, conducted mostly in English
4. Creating/designing using anything you can find around the area. The creation/design is then presented to the TM officials
5. Role playing. List all the positions available in a business organization (from CEO to Janitor) and have to elaborate your reasons for choosing the position. (You might have to fight for the position, but be gracious!)
6. Other fun activities and games.
Other things you should know…
- Always volunteer to lead the group or to start the discussion, but give others a chance. Don’t overdo it.
- Be outspoken, outgoing, and try to stand out
- Actively participate in all the activities
- Make friends with your camp buddies
- Have teamwork!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
about the scholar...
What previous MARA scholars say...
How will I be assessed?
About the Interview
How the interview is conducted
About the interview
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2 comments:
thanks guys!!! I hope it will 100% work!!!good job!!!
haha.
thanks admin.
hopefuly it will.
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