GIC has been busy going hunting for potential scholars in Malaysia. Several Malaysian bloggers recounted their experiences at the GIC Scholarship Interview conducted in Malacca and KL.
http://weiwenconcerto.blogspot.com/2009/08/gic-scholarship-interview-round-1.html
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
GIC Scholarship Interview, Round 1
Date: 19th August 2009 (Wednesday)
Time: 9am till 4pm plus
Venue: Sunway Resort, Bandar Sunway
Yes, another scholarship interview. Another chance and another opportunity to gain financial support for my education. It feels like March repeating itself.
GIC was quite similar to SC's interview, except this time, there's no quotas or whatsover. If you're good, you're in.
Fun facts about GIC:
-Did you know that GIC only invest GLOBALLY?!? And they have branches in New York, San Francisco (USA), London (UK), Seoul (korea), Tokyo (Japan), Shanghai, Beijing (China) and other places that I've forgotten.
-GIC stands for Government of Singapore Investment Corporation Pt. Ltd. (Finally! I know what it stands for)
-Founding chairman is Lee Kuan Yew
-Requires scholars to train during summer breaks
-Has only one client, which is singapore government. It's a buy-side company.
-It's manages the government's fund, but it's a private company.
7.30am plus
Was running late today, so had to 'fei che' to make sure my sis's not late. Went to Shyu Fei's place to pick her up, and I've discovered a FANTASTIC parking spot that doesn't require the daily RM4!!! Just park near Shyu Fei's neighborhood!!! There were a couple of students who did that, and I've just bought my pas bulanan!!! Damn.
Anyway, saw Eng Wee on the way, then off we go! To Sunway Resort. Tried to show off my navigation skill by using the different route to Sunway, instead of the usual U-turn way, went pass Monash and Sunway Uni. My passengers were awed by the really big campus.
"Sunway so big, Taylors so small. And yet, we're paying so much more!" lol.. Quote, wee wee.
9.00am
Reached the room quite early. Sunway Resort has really friendly services, and all of them smile and lend a hand!!! So, as a satisfied consumer, I compliment and praise Sunway for their wonderful performance in their job. =)
No one was there. Bumped into someone I've met in the US Application Workshop, Ken Ji and Kwang Hui. They were in the "Su Ann's group" and most of the applicants were from HELP Uni. Only like 5 from Taylors.
9.15am
It started with a presentation by the GIC HR department. Ms Ka Yee explained the first part on the company's history and how it's formed and what it does. Then, Ms Lily explained on the GIC scholarship and the conditions. Repayment period is 6 years, for US/UK and less than 6 years for Germany/Japan. Don't offer the top salary, but very competitive paychecks.
During Q&A session, I've asked how did GIC manage to weather the economic crisis. Trying to be singka and all... lol
"Er, actually, the Q&A is about the scholarship." Opps...
"Anyway, just to answer your question, our prospects on our long term investment is looking really good." Something like that. Mr. Tan, the HR department head answered it.
Then one parent said, "Just now the lady say about the scholarships given out, I would like to know what's the quota or any limit to the no. of scholars a year?"
"Ok, first, my name is Ms Lily, (lol... it sounds similar to lady anyway) and no, we don't have specific quota. It depends on the pool of talent we have."
"Don't you have like a budget?" asked another parent.
"Well, it's actually a form of investment. We're investing Sing dollar 250k to 350k in each scholars, we make sure we evaluate well to ensure that our investment has good returns, (also meaning make GIC more prosperous by gathering the creme De la creme)"
"I wanna know, how flexible is GIC in terms of the repayment period?" an applicant asked.
"Wao, haven't even get the scholarship already ask bout this. But, it's a fair question, as this scholarship is a form of contract. Legally, we couldn't say anything, but we'll be a little disappointed. In fact, we have a scholar who's in his 30's and currently in a senior position and doing really really well. He really has shown a great example for everyone, and I hope future scholars would remain and grow with us in a long term."
"I'm sorry, but what I mean is do we have to immediately work right after graduation?"
"Oh yes, of course."
10.15am
FOOD!!! They had like tiramisu, sandwich, and loads of really top notch tea-break food. Mingled around with the other applicants.
10.30am
So, now the tests and interview begin. We were divided into like a few groups. There were 3 tests to be done.
1) Numerical test
No calculator was allowed!!! YES!!! It was really like back to basics for mathematics, have to do multiplication through the primary way. Forgotten how to like times 1.6 with 2000, and so many zeros, need to write so many zero's.
It wasn't easy. 33 Questions in 30 minutes. And most of the questions were like related to what potential investor should know. Related to profits, returns and banyak banyak benda la.
2) Verbal test
This english verbal test is way easier compared to the Sime Darby's one. The text are like easier to understand, and at least it's not all about scientific terms. So, based on the passage, we were given sentences, and we have to identify whether it's true, false or can't tell (cause info in passage not enough)
3) Abstract test
This part of the test was quite fun, it's sorta like an IQ test, where we match the patterns with the group it belongs. It's not very hard, but not easy either. It's manageable la~
12pm
LUNCH AT SUN AND SURF CAFE!!!! Absolutely wonderful!!!
As a regular (does 2 times count as a regular) of the cafe, they have the ultimate RAW OYSTERS! Delicious. Had like sashimi, oysters, sushi,marshmallow with chocolate fondue and ice cream on self-made ais kacang. Our lunch partner was like, "Wao, you really know how to feast."
:p Both me and Shyu Fei were like hogs, but Eng Wee had no appetite initially, he mostly went for the desert!!! Looks like gender had switched between me and man man. I become a man when I eat, really, see me at Madam Joyce, my veggies and meat cover my tiny portion of rice.
3pm plus
Both Eng Wee and Shyu Fei went in first for the interview before me. Then, when it was my turn, she was like, "Wao, you really have waited for a really long time. I already saw you sitting down waiting since just now. Well, at least you had a good chat with other applicants."
"*laughs the tinkling laugh, dunno whether it turned out right* It's ok, managed to have a good chat with Janice (HELP girl)."
Enter this really big room, with one round table in the middle.
"So, why thumbelina? On your e mail address?"
"(Was a little taken aback) Haha.. Cause thumbelina is like a really small person in the cartoon, so since I'm a relatively small sized too, that's why I've picked thumbelina."
"Oh. Why not like the Wendy's pixie from peter pan? (LOL. I've just realised it's tinker bell, not wendy pixie)"
"Er. Cause it also rhymes with my name, you know, THUM, thumbelina...?"
"Oh ok. You have quite an interesting background. It's quite rare for teenagers to like making money at such a young age. So why is it so for your case?"
"Er..??? I love money generally? (Really didn't know what to say) First, it was The Apprentice that instigated the spark in me to work in a corporate world. Then, I've joined clubs like Young Enterprise Program, which helps me further understanding bout how a company runs. bla bla bla..."
Then, she asked about sports, what schools I plan to go and why should I be chosen for the scholarship.
"So, can I ask what are your plans after graduation?"
"Haha.. Er, currently my plan is after graduation, I plan to work for a few years. And if I've gained enough experience on managing a company, I plan to set up my own company and retire young and rich." Omigosh, that was like my form 4 dream. Dunno what else to say.
"Haha, that's not a bad dream. In fact, it's quite a good dream." Alright. =D
So, after like conversing and Q&A session, oh, I asked whether GIC has ever considered venturing into the Islamic banking sector.
"Yes, we've considered, but we don't venture, because we do not lend money out. We only manage it. And the Islamic sector is a retail business, and we're not into that." Ohhh....
Then, we shook hands and bid farewell. Well let us know the result in like 2 weeks.
All in all, it was another good experience obtained. Hopefully this time, the multiple rejections from other scholarships leads up and benefits me in getting this one.
Sadhu sadhu sadhu... (Yes, I'm a Buddhist, FYI) =)
http://weiwenconcerto.blogspot.com/2009/08/gic-scholarship-interview-round-1.html
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
GIC Scholarship Interview, Round 1
Date: 19th August 2009 (Wednesday)
Time: 9am till 4pm plus
Venue: Sunway Resort, Bandar Sunway
Yes, another scholarship interview. Another chance and another opportunity to gain financial support for my education. It feels like March repeating itself.
GIC was quite similar to SC's interview, except this time, there's no quotas or whatsover. If you're good, you're in.
Fun facts about GIC:
-Did you know that GIC only invest GLOBALLY?!? And they have branches in New York, San Francisco (USA), London (UK), Seoul (korea), Tokyo (Japan), Shanghai, Beijing (China) and other places that I've forgotten.
-GIC stands for Government of Singapore Investment Corporation Pt. Ltd. (Finally! I know what it stands for)
-Founding chairman is Lee Kuan Yew
-Requires scholars to train during summer breaks
-Has only one client, which is singapore government. It's a buy-side company.
-It's manages the government's fund, but it's a private company.
7.30am plus
Was running late today, so had to 'fei che' to make sure my sis's not late. Went to Shyu Fei's place to pick her up, and I've discovered a FANTASTIC parking spot that doesn't require the daily RM4!!! Just park near Shyu Fei's neighborhood!!! There were a couple of students who did that, and I've just bought my pas bulanan!!! Damn.
Anyway, saw Eng Wee on the way, then off we go! To Sunway Resort. Tried to show off my navigation skill by using the different route to Sunway, instead of the usual U-turn way, went pass Monash and Sunway Uni. My passengers were awed by the really big campus.
"Sunway so big, Taylors so small. And yet, we're paying so much more!" lol.. Quote, wee wee.
9.00am
Reached the room quite early. Sunway Resort has really friendly services, and all of them smile and lend a hand!!! So, as a satisfied consumer, I compliment and praise Sunway for their wonderful performance in their job. =)
No one was there. Bumped into someone I've met in the US Application Workshop, Ken Ji and Kwang Hui. They were in the "Su Ann's group" and most of the applicants were from HELP Uni. Only like 5 from Taylors.
9.15am
It started with a presentation by the GIC HR department. Ms Ka Yee explained the first part on the company's history and how it's formed and what it does. Then, Ms Lily explained on the GIC scholarship and the conditions. Repayment period is 6 years, for US/UK and less than 6 years for Germany/Japan. Don't offer the top salary, but very competitive paychecks.
During Q&A session, I've asked how did GIC manage to weather the economic crisis. Trying to be singka and all... lol
"Er, actually, the Q&A is about the scholarship." Opps...
"Anyway, just to answer your question, our prospects on our long term investment is looking really good." Something like that. Mr. Tan, the HR department head answered it.
Then one parent said, "Just now the lady say about the scholarships given out, I would like to know what's the quota or any limit to the no. of scholars a year?"
"Ok, first, my name is Ms Lily, (lol... it sounds similar to lady anyway) and no, we don't have specific quota. It depends on the pool of talent we have."
"Don't you have like a budget?" asked another parent.
"Well, it's actually a form of investment. We're investing Sing dollar 250k to 350k in each scholars, we make sure we evaluate well to ensure that our investment has good returns, (also meaning make GIC more prosperous by gathering the creme De la creme)"
"I wanna know, how flexible is GIC in terms of the repayment period?" an applicant asked.
"Wao, haven't even get the scholarship already ask bout this. But, it's a fair question, as this scholarship is a form of contract. Legally, we couldn't say anything, but we'll be a little disappointed. In fact, we have a scholar who's in his 30's and currently in a senior position and doing really really well. He really has shown a great example for everyone, and I hope future scholars would remain and grow with us in a long term."
"I'm sorry, but what I mean is do we have to immediately work right after graduation?"
"Oh yes, of course."
10.15am
FOOD!!! They had like tiramisu, sandwich, and loads of really top notch tea-break food. Mingled around with the other applicants.
10.30am
So, now the tests and interview begin. We were divided into like a few groups. There were 3 tests to be done.
1) Numerical test
No calculator was allowed!!! YES!!! It was really like back to basics for mathematics, have to do multiplication through the primary way. Forgotten how to like times 1.6 with 2000, and so many zeros, need to write so many zero's.
It wasn't easy. 33 Questions in 30 minutes. And most of the questions were like related to what potential investor should know. Related to profits, returns and banyak banyak benda la.
2) Verbal test
This english verbal test is way easier compared to the Sime Darby's one. The text are like easier to understand, and at least it's not all about scientific terms. So, based on the passage, we were given sentences, and we have to identify whether it's true, false or can't tell (cause info in passage not enough)
3) Abstract test
This part of the test was quite fun, it's sorta like an IQ test, where we match the patterns with the group it belongs. It's not very hard, but not easy either. It's manageable la~
12pm
LUNCH AT SUN AND SURF CAFE!!!! Absolutely wonderful!!!
As a regular (does 2 times count as a regular) of the cafe, they have the ultimate RAW OYSTERS! Delicious. Had like sashimi, oysters, sushi,marshmallow with chocolate fondue and ice cream on self-made ais kacang. Our lunch partner was like, "Wao, you really know how to feast."
:p Both me and Shyu Fei were like hogs, but Eng Wee had no appetite initially, he mostly went for the desert!!! Looks like gender had switched between me and man man. I become a man when I eat, really, see me at Madam Joyce, my veggies and meat cover my tiny portion of rice.
3pm plus
Both Eng Wee and Shyu Fei went in first for the interview before me. Then, when it was my turn, she was like, "Wao, you really have waited for a really long time. I already saw you sitting down waiting since just now. Well, at least you had a good chat with other applicants."
"*laughs the tinkling laugh, dunno whether it turned out right* It's ok, managed to have a good chat with Janice (HELP girl)."
Enter this really big room, with one round table in the middle.
"So, why thumbelina? On your e mail address?"
"(Was a little taken aback) Haha.. Cause thumbelina is like a really small person in the cartoon, so since I'm a relatively small sized too, that's why I've picked thumbelina."
"Oh. Why not like the Wendy's pixie from peter pan? (LOL. I've just realised it's tinker bell, not wendy pixie)"
"Er. Cause it also rhymes with my name, you know, THUM, thumbelina...?"
"Oh ok. You have quite an interesting background. It's quite rare for teenagers to like making money at such a young age. So why is it so for your case?"
"Er..??? I love money generally? (Really didn't know what to say) First, it was The Apprentice that instigated the spark in me to work in a corporate world. Then, I've joined clubs like Young Enterprise Program, which helps me further understanding bout how a company runs. bla bla bla..."
Then, she asked about sports, what schools I plan to go and why should I be chosen for the scholarship.
"So, can I ask what are your plans after graduation?"
"Haha.. Er, currently my plan is after graduation, I plan to work for a few years. And if I've gained enough experience on managing a company, I plan to set up my own company and retire young and rich." Omigosh, that was like my form 4 dream. Dunno what else to say.
"Haha, that's not a bad dream. In fact, it's quite a good dream." Alright. =D
So, after like conversing and Q&A session, oh, I asked whether GIC has ever considered venturing into the Islamic banking sector.
"Yes, we've considered, but we don't venture, because we do not lend money out. We only manage it. And the Islamic sector is a retail business, and we're not into that." Ohhh....
Then, we shook hands and bid farewell. Well let us know the result in like 2 weeks.
All in all, it was another good experience obtained. Hopefully this time, the multiple rejections from other scholarships leads up and benefits me in getting this one.
Sadhu sadhu sadhu... (Yes, I'm a Buddhist, FYI) =)
