Some updates

OK, I've just returned from KL after attending the ASEAN Pre-U Scholarships Selection Tests. Oh dear, I'm down with a mild flu now! Bother! I have a camp to attend at Tronoh (Universiti Teknologi Petronas) together with a few other friends, including Jared.

Little do I know I have readers of my blog from people I am least likely to know. I recall the moment in the examination hall during an interval when suddenly one of the candidates who was sitting next to me asked me some questions and the following conversation took place:

"Do you have a blog?"

"Yes, I do. How do you know?"

"You're Henry Yew, right?"

"Why, yes! How do you know?

"I've visited your blog before."

"Oh, really! How did you get into my blog?"

"Through a friend's blog?"

Really, that was VERY unexpected. To imagine that she'd actually visit my blog and even managed to list down verbally a few things that I'd posted. What other proof do you need?

Perhaps the most regretful thing is that I missed the opportunity to ask for her name. I was engrossed about the tests (and actually felt ill) that I didn't ask for her name at that moment. However, during the English test, I made up my mind to ask her name. Alas! Time and tide waits for no man! I meant to ask a LITTLE later, maybe outside the hall. However, I'd not the opportunity anymore. She left before I could notice (care to reveal who you are? *wink*). Outside the hall, my mother was waiting patiently and I joined with Sheng Yuen, who was already outside the hall.

It is very likely that I shall turn down the offer for the ASEAN Pre-U Scholarships, IF I'm accepted. That is because the scholarship is only for two years, when you're in Junior College doing your A Levels. After that, you'll be on your own, free to pursue your further studies anywhere (there is no bond attached to the scholarship). Nevertheless, if your results are good, you can apply for the ASEAN University Scholarship from the National University of Singapore (NUS) or NTU. However, there's one thing I noted. It's not a guarantee that you'll get the University scholarship even if your results are good. So what if I'm rejected? Where else can I further my tertiary education?

With only an A Levels qualification, gaining entry into our local universities is like impossible. They would accept only (or mostly) STPM students. On the other hand, my parents do not have the means to spend hundreds of thousands of ringgit in a private university for me, so accepting the ASEAN Pre-U Scholarship is accepting a high risk.

What I plan to do is treat this selection test as just an experience. I might go for Sixth Form and pursue STPM. If I obtain a good result for STPM, then I can apply for the ASEAN University Scholarship. If I'm accepted, all the better! Otherwise, at least I know that I can secure a place in any of our government universities.