Who can apply?
All students who will be sitting for SPM and STPM examinations in 2012 are eligible to apply
How many places are available?
There will be a total of n (mixed of post SPM and post STPM) positions available for 2013 (see participating institutions).
What are the selection criteria?
Selection for the programme is on a competitive basis, taking into account all information provided in the application. Shortlisted applications will be forwarded to potential research supervisors, and the supervisors will make the final decision on the applicant selected for the programme in his/ her laboratory.
What does the programme involve?
Successful candidates will spend 8 weeks in (bio/medical) research laboratories, participating in hands-on laboratory work/ experiments. Each candidate will have very different and individualized experience as this will largely depend on the research interest and projects of each laboratories. In general, each candidate will be expected to be involved in the day to day experiments in the laboratories and attend weekly activities in the laboratory (e.g. seminars or journal club meetings).
When will the programme begin and how long does it last for?
This is an 8-week vacation research programme starting in January each year, following SPM/ STPM examination. Exact commencement date is to be negotiated between successful applicants and respective supervisors.
What happens at the end of my programme?
Successful applicants are required to write a short report at the end of the programme, covering the work carried out in the laboratory, and benefits and experience gained through the programme.
Do I have to pay for this programme? / Do I get scholarship or stipend for this programme?
You do not have to pay to participate in this programme. In fact successful applicants will receive RM 1000.00 scholarship. Half of the scholarship will be awarded at the beginning of the programme, with the remaining awarded at the end upon submission of the programme report.
Am I allowed to apply if I am from interstate?
The programme is open to all SPM/ STPM students in Malaysia. However, successful candidates from interstate will have to arrange and bear the cost of travel and accommodation on their own. The programme and participating laboratories do not have the financial capacity to pay for these expenses.
Do I get to choose the laboratory I am interested in?
You will get to rank the laboratory of the preference (1 to 5). However, as mentioned, the supervisors will be the one making the final decision. In the event where you are selected by more than one supervisors, we will match you to the laboratory of your choice.
Who/ which organization is behind this programme?
This programme is a personal initiative by a couple of Malaysian medical doctors based in Melbourne, in collaboration with researchers in various tertiary institutions in Malaysia.
For further information, please email: weeloonong@gmail.com
