Maybank Foundation Scholarship Round 3 Experience :)

9:42 PM

Hey guys! I wanna post this a week ago but I wasn't allowed actually.
So anyway, this was what happened there, I'll try to be brief :P
Firstly, I reached there and I was the second last in my group to reach. There was already a previous group whom was having the "thing" as we waited for our turn. So, my group consisted of 6 peoples, 2 guys, 4 girls. 2 malays, 1 indian, 3 chinese. So, we were introduced to our assessors and we had an introduce yourself session. Then, we were separated to 2 groups, I'm with a Malay guy and another Malay girl. LOL. Then, we were given a booklet full of words and we have to 40 minutes to complete our business case study analysis and presentation.

There were 3 business strategy and I chose the third one.. After a rushing 40 minutes of reading, taking notes and preparing our presentations, we were all ushered to separate rooms to present. I wasn't prepared well at all, and I went in to present everything spontaneously. Honestly, I was hoping to get a better assessor, mine was already drowsy the moment I stepped in /.\ Anyway, I finished my presentation in 10 minutes, and another 10 minutes of QnA session for the assessors. Again, it was all spontaneous answers and craps because the assessor asked really critical question about my analysis, and its like they are trying to make you feel not confident for your analysis result.

Then, after a crappy 20 minutes in the small room, we waited for all the group members to gather back and we had to write a report about what we had presented in 10 minutes. This was absolutely rushing too. Talking is faster than writing, and the room was kinda cold for me, so my hand were actually trembling as I wrote. Then, we had a small chat until our assessors all came into our room and sat down, suddenly. Everyone was given another booklet, which gave us instructions to basically do a group discussion about the 3 business strategies.

It was an awkward discussion session, since we just met each other like an hour ago? haha.. The discussion lasted for 30 minutes and we all came to the conclusion to use the third strategy.
What I noticed is that, all the assessors seems to be bored. LOL. sorry.

Then, we were again, given 10 minute to finish a report regarding the business strategy and also our opinion regarding the strategy.
We had a group photo after that and then we parted at Starbucks :)

It was a very tiring, brainstorming session. I regretted not sleeping earlier -.-
There isn't a right or wrong for the business strategy we chose, I think they just want to test our presentation skills, leadership skills, handling a group discussion and reasoning skills.
Oh and also confidence :)

So yeah, best of luck to those who are going for this round :) Just be yourself and try to relax when stress :)

This post was created on 5/4/2014. Check out the comments below for more tips and questions asked. I will try my best to reply to your questions with my limited experience. Also, do help around with commenting on other's questions if you have any opinions of it^^

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72 comments

  1. I'm freaking nervous coz I was called to attend the third stage assessment in next week.I'm intended to do medicine(which is under sponsorship category) so how i'm going to complete the tasks that are related to business and stuffs.i mean,I don't think that i know all that kind of business and economic terms.Anyway,could you offer me some advice?

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    1. Yay congrats! ^^ Even if you intended in doing medicines, doesn't mean that you shouldn't be aware of business or economic terms :) I wasn't an Art student during high school and I knew nuts about econs too.
      The tasks are related to business but you get to ask questions and they won't judge you so its okay :) I asked a lot of questions when I got my task and they answered me really patiently. Don't worry tho because the task they give you will be in the form of a booklet, where everything is very well - explained and detail. All you need is to choose a strategy in the few choices that they gave you and present your reasons of your choice. I'm not sure whether they are still going to use the same format for this year, so please don't follow my words strongly. This is just an advice from me :)
      Also, whatever choices you made doesn't reflect how poorly knowledge you are in the field, because I personally think that this assessment is just to test your way of thinking, your flow of thoughts, your presentation skills, confidence level, a good team leader or not and of course, bravery.

      What I meant about bravery is being brave to admit you are wrong. Brave to be sincere to the other students who are there at the assessment :) Also, a good team leader is a good team player as well. My tip is to go Google up how to be a good leader in a group discussion. Or Youtube where they gave solid, presentation examples. Check out some presentation tips and skills as well, and try practicing your fluency.

      Also, your time management skills have to be good, because everything you are doing in the assessment have a time limit. So, wear a watch haha. Dont use your phone, its pretty impolite :)

      There isn't any right or wrong in the choices you make for this round, so don't get fret up during the discussion. Its just a matter of viewpoints. I chose the "wrong" strategy during my time, but it doesn't matter because I have my reasons :) Dont get too panicky or else you can't think of anything and that's gonna screw things up haha. So its all back to the same point of being brave :) Just be brave to face the challenge, be brave to make friends, add them on Facebook at least haha share information or whatever
      Good luck!

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  2. Hi Tiffany! Not sure if you remember me, but I'm the same person who commented on your blog regarding the second stage of Maybank's assessment. I got the email two days ago (three weeks after my second stage!) and they've called my for the third stage. I'm wondering, what kind of business stuffs should I know? :D
    I'm fretting over it haha!

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    1. when is your 3rd stage btw?

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    2. Mine is this coming Tuesday! :)

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    3. Mine is in the afternoon. Yours? I got an email without a call, so I almost missed it. XD

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    4. whats ur name btw? it would be easier for me to spot u at the tower :)

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    5. Let's keep it a secret till Tuesday XD (I'm actually very guarded online lolol). I'll spot you out, yeah?

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    6. I guess its fine to fret since I fretted like nobody's business last year too ahaha business stuffs u should know isnt what you can learn in 2-3 days :) the assessment is based more on your general knowledge, your way of solving a problem which involves the entire company i.e. sales, your employees, etc. I would say they test you on your reasoning as well, but dont worry now you wont have any 'reasons' for the choice you make cos they will give you a booklet with loads of info and possibilites and basically all the stuffs you will need to make a decision :)

      I think you should stress more on presentation skills, group decision making, being a good leader in a discussion as well as a good team player. Having zero business knowledge is fine, they concentrated on how you analyze things, from YOUR perspective, what makes you think what you did is right, HOW you convince them... these are more important than having business knowledge :) i'm a science student during my high school, and I only knew how to differentiate revenue and expenses haha

      I wouldn't even say that having accounting or economics knowledge will give you a bonus :p so really, just be calm and be yourself and remember to sleep enough! And eat before your assessmeny because being hungry during that will be stressful ^^
      All the best !

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    7. OMG THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! LOTS OF KISSES FOR YOU XD Yes, yes, definitely have to eat before the assessment. I'm all nervous and jittery for tomorrow :'(. Good luck to me haha.

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  3. Hi Tiffany. Could you elaborate more on the 3 business strategies?

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    1. If you don't mind me asking, what did you apply for?

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    2. Local or overseas? Or sponsorship?

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    3. Overseas. what about you? what course did u apply?

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    4. Law, overseas. Where are you from?

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    5. Pahang. Coincidentally, I'm also the one from the above conversation lololol. We'll see each other on Tuesday, yeah? :D

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    6. Hey Rohit :) I'm not sure whether its okay for me to say it cos they might be using the same concept.

      Maybe this can help you:
      The 3 biz strategies are different alternatives to a problem your company is facing. Choosing either one as long as you have a valid and strong reason to your choice is good. Convincing your listener & group members is really important, so you might wanna improve that part if you are not good in convincing someone.
      Basically, when you are making a decision for your company, always have a 'theme' or an objective. For example, your objective is to earn revenues as much as possible, then choose the strategy that can earn the most.
      If your objective is to build a strong enployee structure like good working environment, then likewise, choose the strategy among the 3 given that provides the best vision you want for the company.

      For me, my objective was to build the biggest company for a certain market, like Coca Cola or Colgate. Those are companies that everyone knows, even though not everyone uses them but they KNOW the company. Get it? :)

      So, when its your time, just relax, think properly and just do it! ^^ Dont worry about whether the choices you make is right or wrong, at the end of the day, even if the strategy is 'wrong' because your group chose the other strategy, that doesnt mean you are wrong. You are just walking a different path. They take note of the way you communicate with people, your confidence, your courage, etc.
      All the best!

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    7. Thanks alottttt tiffany.. Anyways, just for my homework. Do u happen to still remember exactly wat were the 3 business strategies? Lol.. Atleast the one that u chose?

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    8. Hey Rohit, if you would have been truly qualified to be a scholar,you would not ask question like this as you should have known that this is something confidential and not to be leaked. :)

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  4. Hi! Do we need to introduce ourselves before giving the presentation?

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    1. Hi,when is your third stage??

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    2. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    3. Don't worry.. There will be an ice breaking session where all will be given a chance to introduce themselves ... U need not worry about the rest.. Instructions will be given.. Just follow them and ull be on the safe track

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    4. Hi Xing Yei! My third stage is on 13th of May, this Wednesday.
      I am kind of nervous about that lol. When is yours?

      Hi Rohit! Have you been through the third stage? Is it the same as in 2014?

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    5. Rohit, do we have to write a report after the presentation and discussion?
      And your interview lasts for how long? My session is from 12pm to 4pm. OMG

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    6. I did my 3rd stage last month.. And yeap. Its dat long.. 12pm till 4pm.. Haha

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    7. Do we have to arrive earlier?
      Any tips for me? haha

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    8. Hey Zee Wei, I'm so so so so sorry for not being able to reply you earlier and assist you for your third stage! T.T

      I'm having finals right now, so I didnt check my blog till...now ._. (curi2 check hehe) But reading your comments, I'm glad you are done with your third stage, hopefully all is well for you ^^ I hope you had a great experience there tho, hehe :D

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    9. Never mind, cuz I did some research myself, haha!
      Actually this is the greatest experience I had until now, everybody is friendly and we had a great day!
      Are you having your AS now? All the best for you!
      And if I would be awarded this scholarship, I will go to Sunway too! haha

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    10. Hi Zee Wei, are you planning to take A level in Sunway?

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  5. I wanna ask where is the veneu for the third stage interview? I had receive a call but until now I still dont get an e-mail !!! ><

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    1. If you didn't get your e-mail, call them back frequently.
      This is the number: 03-20748966. A hardworking Malay man, I think.
      Don't call 03-20708833 because it takes a long time to pass you to the scholarship department. And yet they didn't answer my call since I called them for a few times. But if you intend to call them, there will be two options: directory assistance (Press 1) and operator assistance (Press 0). Press 0 and ask the person to pass you to the scholarship department.

      Venue: Talent Acquisition, Level 44, Menara Maybank,100 Jalan Tun Perak, 50050 Kuala Lumpur.

      Btw, when is your final stage? Mine is on 13th May, Wed.

      Hope you good luck! :)

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    2. Thank you very much!!! Mine is on 14th May =) All the best to you!!!

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    3. hello zee wei!! how was the 3rd stage interview? can you explain more on how was the assessment and all? Maybank called me just now and my interview is on 16th May!!

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    4. Hi! I can't tell you too much on this because we are not allowed to do so. But all can I say is the information here is enough for you to prepare. Be confident and relaxed and everything will be fine. Good luck!

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  6. To those going for the interview soon, can you do me a favour? Can you guys help me ask when the results for the scholarship will be out? I heard there was a change of schedule and that the results will be out in the middle of June rather than the third week of May. Thanks in advance :)

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    1. I got called for the third stage. Mine will be on 18 of may. I already asked the lady when the result is coming out and she said it will come out in june

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    2. During my final stage, the lady said the results will come out in the early of June. so stay tuned.

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    3. What did you guys apply for? :D

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    4. hey mine was on the 18 of may too and i'm nervous right now, last minute reading online

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    5. I applied for sponsorship studying in biotechnology. You guys?

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    6. Urghh they havent send the email!! I need the details on what to wear, what to bring and all. And i freaking need to buy bus tickets!! Mine is on 18 of may!!

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    7. I applied for law, overseas :) You should give them a call then, if you've not gotten the email yet.

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    8. IM SO SORRY I DIDNT SAW THIS EARLIER BUT OKAY

      You need to wear formal clothing, what to bring is UR PENCIL CASE!

      Have you called them for the email btw? Is better to do so, but I'm sorry I replied you so late that you probably wont be able to read this and its late :( all the best okay! >< I seriously apologize for not being able to assist you much this time

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  7. The full education financial assistance is it mean by it covers all the fees included education, books, printed materials, transportation and all sorts of necessary fees? The allowances provided is RM9000 per annum and is enough for 2 semester?

    I would wish to get a clear information before I further my studies as I had financial problem which can't afford the private university.
    Hope to hear your reply as soon as possible.Thanks you.

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    1. I think you should call Maybank and ask them, cuz we are not experts here. Sorry for couldn't help.

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    2. Hi! The full education financial assistance meant by accommodation, allowances, study fees (need receipts to prove). Transportation and medical fees can be claimable if you have prove of receipts, I think since I had never done it before but my Maybank scholar friend did this haha...

      Also, the allowances provided by Maybank is one of the highest in Malaysia, I am not allowed to reveal the amount, you have to get the scholarship yourself to know ;) Whether is it enough for 2 sems, as a Maybank scholar who is studying in Sunway (high living expenses), it is more than enough. The allowances is banked in every 6 months, I'm serious, unless you are a shopaholic or spend money on unnecessary stuffs or bad habits a lot, then no matter how great the amount of your allowances will not be sufficient.

      Personally, since you have financial problems and would like to save as much as possible, you can actually opt for local unis. Maybank allows certain local unis where cost of studying and living expenses are definitely lower.

      I'm so sorry I couldn't reply you early last week, I was having my finals right now until next week ><
      But again, all the best, okay :)

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    3. Hi Tiffany! Are you under sponsorship or scholarship?
      Can I change my course after receiving this scholarship?

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    4. Heyyy! Ahh, no lah I'm in MUFY :)
      Yes yes, you can change your course after receiving scholarship. I'm a scholarship holder tho :) all the best ya!!

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    5. Thank you so much! Hope you all the best in your future undertakings :)

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    6. hey tifanny, for the scholarship, what else are given besides the tuition fees? are accommodation fees included? as far as i know, allowance are only given to sponsorship holders right?

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    7. Hey! Allowances are given to ALL sponsorships, local scholarships and overseas scholarships. Accomodation fees are included too, however there is a limit, I'm not allowed to state it here. You have to get the scholarship yourself to know the details of the amount :)
      Tuition fees are provided too for all scholars & sponsors. There is also a small amount for study materials, but that comes together with the allowances, I suppose. Basically that's all they provide in terms of costs and money. Hope this helps!

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    8. Hi Tiffany! May I know where do you live in Sunway? SMR or Sun-U Residence or Apartment?

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    9. Hi, I'm staying in Sun U Residence :) Check out the link below to see the design of the unit
      http://callmetiffany.blogspot.com/2014/07/my-unit-in-sunu-residence.html

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  8. Hi. I was shortlisted for the third stage of interview in Menara Kuala Lumpur but was unsure of what to wear. For girls, does business wear means baju kurung or a formal outfit with long pants (or dress)? Sorry that my question might seem quite ridiculous but I look forward for your reply. Thanks :)

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    1. Heyy, congrats! Formal business wear can be office lady look or baju kurung is good too haha dress also can ^^ formal pants also can ^^ be neat tho!
      Good luck!!

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    2. Menara Kuala Lumpur? I thought it's held at Menara Maybank? Just asking haha.

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    3. Ah yeah its Menara Maybank :p

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  9. Opsss.. I have written it wrongly, haha. Thank you for the reply and yea, it's at Menara Maybank. ;)

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  10. Hi Tiffany! It's me from the second round (the one who spammed you constantly XD) Thank you so much for all the tips you gave me! I managed to get the scholarship in the end, and I owe it to you :)

    I also have a question here haha. When I applied for my course, I applied for a UK university. However, in their offer letter, they stated I have to do my course in US. I've called a friend of mine who's a Maybank scholar and he said it's probably a typo. Have you encountered a problem like this? Thanks ya haha.

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    1. Oh my god, congratulations!!!! :D I'm so happy for you!
      I didn't have this experience before, but you can ask them before the award ceremony. They will contact you on the event and there will also be a camp, so just have fun! :) They are really friendly, and maybe its a typo or something. I only know that for overseas scholar, you have to study at KYUEM, but I'm also not sure whether it's a must tho. Sorry I couldn't help you much in your situation, but I'm glad that I helped you a lot previously :) I'm sure you had done a lot of hard work and those effort had finally paid off ^^

      Once again, congrats! hehe ;) Add me on FB lah ==> See Pei Er

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  11. hi!

    can i switch local scholarship to overseas scholarship?

    tq!

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    1. Hello! once you got the scholarship, you cant. But you can call in to ask to see if you can :)

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  12. when will they usually announce the results? early june or end of may?

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  13. Hi Tiffany, may I know exactly what is the assessment center stage? I am currently on the 3rd stage and I am not really sure what should I prepare for... Is assessment centra a test, or a group activity interview, or a personal interview? Thank you and hope to hear from you soon.

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