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I know it's unusual for the nons to be interested in working for the government upon graduation. Reasons such as racial discrimination and lack of work satisfaction were what I usually gather from "intellectual" conversations with people around me. However, I shall not deny that these are thoughts from the Gen-Y. Older generations, such as my parents and Grandparents were delighted that I was chosen to attend the PTD PAC Assessment after passing the 1st stage which was the written test. 


Why are the Gen-X so happy that I am in the running to obtain a governmental position?
In the past, those who were given a chance to work for the government is reflected as lucky, because their jobs are secured, and at the end of their retirement, they are given pensions. There's no fear of recession because the government have no records of giving the boot to their staffs and of course, let's not forget the perks and benefits of being a civil servant : i.e, housing loans, year-end bonus, health and medication benefits (in government clinics and hospitals) and also "tabik-hormat" respect and recognition from the public. 


With all that said, many would still say that working in the private sector has proven to be of better perks and higher pay checks which I do not deny. Even after going through the 1.5 days of assessment, I can't help but feel that those who sincerely wants to join the civil service had other intentions rather than looking at the pay check only.

In my opinion, you have got to be someone who REALLY WANTS to give back to the nation.
You don't expect that the government will give you big fat checks, because at the end of the day, the reality is, working in a private sector pays more. And also better perks, no doubt. 


Anyway, back to my story, I was chosen filtered from 20,000 candidates who went for a 1-day written test, down to 1200 candidates who are supposed to attend a 1.5 day of Assessment in various JPA centres across the country. At first, I was excited that I was chosen (and also AMAZED that I passed a written test which comprised of essays both written in English and Malay, and also questions on General Knowledge)  and when the day starts nearing, I wanted to back out. Like really bad.
During the assessment, we were assessed based on our proficiency in both English and Bahasa Melayu, and also physical activities such as a 2.4km hike. I felt that I could not do it, especially in Bahasa Melayu.
When the day came, the missus told me to try, at least, since I did take the scholarship offered by JPA and it would only be right to be responsible. And seeing that I am currently serving a 1.5 months notice upon resignation, it seems that everything is well planned. Most of them were assigned to various parts of the country, but I was send to a JPA centre, 15 minutes from where I live at the moment.

Everything was well planned - there was no reason for me NOT to go. So I did. 


I didn't read the instruction letter thoroughly, so when I was there, ALL the females were in Baju Kurung, and the males in white shirt and black pants. Guess what, I was in the same outfit. All the eyes were settled on me, and I really felt that I was in an awkward position. At the moment, I was like, "screw this, I don't have to bear with such attention" and wanted to leave almost instantly, however, I did not. My rationality (and I hope maturity) told me that if I really leave at that instance, I would be a disappointment to my parents and myself. If I fail the assessment after going through, means I have done my best.

I stayed.

And was registered as "Candidate No.1" - more attention bestowed upon me.
I would think that a lot of attention will be given onto me, because I would be known as the girl who came earliest so she got No.1, when actually, it so happened that one of the officers in charged pulled me in, did all my resignation, and given me that number. 

We went through a series of "Group Discussion", both in Malay and English. My game plan was to NOT be a dominate speaker but to learn to listen and speak when I want to. Actually I don't know how we are being assessed, my mum thinks I ought to be outspoken, but I feel that other people should be given a chance to perform too, you know? Sad to say, during a Malay discussion, I couldn't speak much, because I kept forgetting the right words to say. It is so easy to use Bahasa to order food in Mamaks, but when it comes to serious discussions, I really have to admit defeat.

We also had various team activities.

And had a 2.4km hike run, and I finished within 13 minutes. I was not proud, but am amazed.

I was also not assigned a room mate, considering I had 2 beds in my hostel room. Whereas the rest which had 3 & 4 beds each were all full. Until today, I still don't understand why wasn't I assigned a room mate. Was it because of my outer appearance, thus the organizers thought it's best if I didn't have one?

Sexual discrimination?

I made a couple of friends/acquaintances along the way. Most of them were already working for the government and some, in the private sector. I shall not deny, it was a great experience. Like going back to the days when I used to stay in the old USM hostel blocks back when I was a freshie in UTP. Like the whole floor shares a common bath room.

Oh yeah, I also had to do a presentation (in English) in front of 20 candidates and 4 panels, with 1 power point slide. Reminds me of the time we had to do a Poster Presentation for my Final Year Project (FYP). I'm really happy that I came from UTP, because we were expected to take this course (PCS) - Professional Communication Skills, when we were given training on how to do good presentations in front of a crowd, and also how to sound professional while being in a group. My only regret is that the course wasn't offered in Malay - which resulted me in failing all Malay assessment this time.