THE Public Service Department (PSD) will continue to support its pre-university bursary recipients in their undergraduate studies. These students, however, have to do their degree courses in local universities/colleges instead of foreign ones.
For the 2013 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia batch of bursary recipients, there were mixed feelings. On the one hand, they were freed of the financial burden to pursue their tertiary education. On the other, they were not free to attend foreign universities to which they had applied and were granted admissions. Some of these universities are world renowned.
I sympathise with these scholars, who are in a situation entirely not of their own making. But, they must not get frustrated and, worse still, lose hope. As the saying goes, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going”.
They have two options. Each student must assess his position objectively, positively and wisely.
If you are adamant about going overseas for undergraduate studies, you may source for other sponsors, perhaps from the private sector, both locally and overseas.
If the university that has offered you admission is world-class (like Oxford and Cambridge in the United Kingdom or Harvard, Yale and Chicago in the United States), chances are good that some corporation may want to hear more from you.
Meanwhile, it is urgent to write to the university to seek a deferment for admission by a semester or to the next academic year. Normally, the university will grant a one-time deferment. You will then have time to sort things out. Do not worry about starting your university education a season later and, therefore, getting into the job market later. You have a lifetime to work!
That said, it also pays to be realistic. Corporations have their own criteria and timing for sponsorship of scholars. It has to benefit both you and them. Risks in terms of the time and effort spent in seeking have to be factored in your deliberation.
Why not take up the PSD offer then? Our ministers have reminded us that our local universities are no less significant than those overseas. Check out the universities in the PSD list and choose those that offer the best facilities and faculties for the courses you intend to take. Seek out their graduates and find out from them their campus experiences. Compare notes before you make your choice.
With our universities, especially the private ones, adopting an open cross-border student’s recruitment policy, you will be exposed to an “international” environment much like in famous universities overseas. Here in our own land, there is no dearth of challenges to acquire new knowledge and skills, and experience cross-cultural interactions.
It is very much about how much you are prepared to open up and avail yourself and positively gain from the opportunities the universities here have to offer.
We do hear of sponsored graduates who come back from overseas but do not seem to exhibit any difference in their outlook or
values.
In addition, taking up a PSD scholarship offer will mean an offer to work for the government sector upon graduation. The bond may be for five to 10 years, depending on the nature of the course you pursue. For those who choose to stay on after the bond period, it is like a lifelong employment.
Five or more years in the government service, in whatever sector, if properly engaged, will gain you much valuable experience and exposure.
This will stand you in good stead if you decide to leave upon the completion of your bond. You will be eligible for the many openings outside of the government service.
Even if you decide to opt out earlier, paying back the PSD for a local scholarship is much more manageable than if you have incurred an overseas scholarship. You are free to decide on your career course, even though you are bound by a PSD local university scholarship contract.
So, I urge all bursary holders not to feel bitter or discouraged. There is a silver lining. Don’t forget that you can always go for postgraduate courses overseas when you are financially more capable, after working for some years, or you can apply for any postgraduate scholarships available then.
Meanwhile, take up the PSD offer, complete your course in an excellent manner, and serve the nation according to your bond. After that, you are free and as they say, “the ball is in your court” again.
LIONG KAM CHONG,
Seremban, Negri Sembilan