Some oportunities Post SPM/STPM

These are just some of the stuff that I've been compiling on whatever information available on post SPM/STPM opportunities. There are of course lots more which I've not been able to put in.

1. Pursue STPM, of course. It's hard, no doubt but like I said earlier.. adversity brings out the best in one. My take on it.
   
2. Matriculation - one would have put in the application by May. Application forms are made available in schools for RM10 per set. Many applicants for this. Don't really know the criteria for the selection for the non-Bumis cos sometimes they take in the really good ones, other times it's the mediocre.
   
3. Private Matriculation programmes - at all the various private colleges. Well, schools like Keat Hwa 1 seem to send many to Taylor's. One can tell that it must be a big client as Taylor's sponsored a whole walkway of signboards in the school. There are many others like Inti, Segi, Nilai, KDU... and they also give out scholarships.
   
4. JPA scholarship... to various countries. Getting a JPA scholarship is like striking lottery. It's tough for everyone now, regardless of race but more so for the non Malays as competition is super keen. Let's see whether 1Malaysia really works here... if we go by stats, approximately 40% should go to the non-Bumi(s).
   
5. Malaysia France University Centre - this is little heard. There are also post grad studies. Some MARA and JPA scholars are sent to France too.
6. ASEAN scholarship - application is put in early part of the year. And you will be asked to go for a written test in Penang for those located up north. If you made it, then you will have to attend an interview. This scholarship is for you to pursue your A-levels in one of the JCs in Singapore. It may also lead to ASEAN undergrad scholarship. If you are good, this will be a stepping stone to other institutions worldwide. Singapore education is one of the best in this region.
   
7. Bank Scholarships - check out the respective bank sites for their scholarship offers. Bank Negara, HSBC, OCBC, Maybank are among the few reputable banks giving out scholarships every year.
   
8. Polytechnics - these offer courses up to Diploma level. You can always continue with your degree studies after 3 years of studies at any of them. There are almost 30 polytechnics in the whole country at the moment. Application is done online. You can buy the PIN from any BSN ATM machine.
   
9. Petronas Education - for those interested in a career in the oil and gas industries. They offer local (ALAM, UTP) and overseas programmes in engineering and maritime studies.
10. SAT is one of the American standardized exams. Useful for those who want to do American Degree Programmes. Exam datelines and fees can be obtained from MACEE. Some of the exams are also held in Penang.
11. Jardine Foundation - this one is for those who harbour hopes of Oxford and Cambridge but cannot afford it. It's for those from Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam. It covers tuition and college fees, annual stipend.. no fixed amount but on a case by case basis. Only for those outstanding ones. If you want to aim for this, start working at it early on.
12. AMCHAM-MACEE scholarship for those wishing to pursue undergraduate studies in America. Check out the website for details of colleges and universities.
    
13. An apparently if you can secure a place in one of the top 20 universities in the world, you can actually write to JPA and apply for a scholarship. If this is true, then thumbs up for JPA for at least recognizing talents.