Tag Archives: Kolej Genius Pintar Negara

KPPN’s Hari Keusahawanan – A commercial exercise

Posted in Parenting, Family and Relationships by

My son just completed his exams recently. He said Biology was challenging which prompted me to encourage him to read and ask more questions. Even then, despite the multiple subjects he had to learn and engage in, alhamdulilah, he still did well. I am sure the other students scored well in their studies as well. I have no qualms over their intellectual ability as these kids are like super Scrub Daddy sponges. Given the right guidance, they could learn anything. In fact, they have a tight and comprehensive timetable to follow. I like that the kids are made to go for exercise in the evening. At least now Ee enjoys playing handball and football.

An example of their timetable

I just hope that alongside their academic growth, other aspects of their youth could be consolidated as well. Meaning that their emotional intelligence, athletic agility, religious observance and soft skills are equally groomed to form them as an all-rounded individual.

Recently, KPPN organised Hari Keusahawan with an 80s theme. Apart from the banner, the only thing that is relevant to the 1980s era is probably the parents. Everything else had a Gen Z vibe. Or is it Gen Alpha now? Hahaha. Still, it was a commendable effort. I feel that teamwork is something that the kids need to work on. Well, even adults undergo the same struggle. I’m not sure how well they interact with each other in class but knowing tweens, they tend to be defiant for no reason yet competitive at the same time.

My daughter enjoyed buying her jellyballs at the stalls. The food was appropriately priced but the coupons somehow finished earlier than expected. It’s either insufficient or the students/parents have immense purchasing power.

I look forward to other events they have at school. We parted ways with Ee after spending roughly 90 minutes there. We don’t want to be caught up in traffic heading towards Melaka. On a final note, it was astonishing to meet a young gentleman, who read my blog there as well. I hope he excels in his studies too.

Kolej Permata@Pintar Negara – SPM

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SPM is just a beginning

SPM is not a true measure of a student’s intelligence

These words are often used to reassure our students who didn’t do well in their SPM. Especially when they are faced with high expectations. In some cases, perhaps these words are meant for parents who have high hopes for their children’s success. These parents end up being devastated as they wish their child had more A’s to guarantee a bright future. Indeed, their arguments are valid because scholarship opportunities are only considered for top scorers. Similarly, placements for competitive programmes like medicine are also offered to those with high academic performances. Even for those less adept in logical-mathematical intelligence, sitting for SPM is still important as employers still want that certificate as a sign of commitment to mental vocation. Thus, it’s clear why parents still want their children to score in SPM – that is to grab the best academic chances that use SPM as its benchmark.

A talent for every child – Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligence

Kolej Permata@Pintar Negara is not the place for parents and students who think this place is solely to grill kids to get straight A’s and fly overseas. This is because it is evident that many years ago KPPN never scored high on the SPM ranking charts as opposed to the more familiar names in the arena of Premiere MRSM and Elite SBP schools. Personally, I have never seen KPPN scoring higher GPS than my alma mater, STF. Yet, when my son chose to go KPPN, I have reserved a thought that if he wanted to score in his SPM, it will be gruelling as he is also preparing for his High School Diploma at the centre.

As expected, when the recent SPM results came out recently – drama unfolded in the group message where a lot of parents were seeking justification as to how the geniuses were not getting their A’s. Honestly, it was interesting to see the many perspectives coming from the parents. From the limited conversations that my husband showed me, since I am not in the group – there were some points that I agree and some that I disagree.

Disagree : Intensive academic sessions. The concern was that student’s were not studying enough, not trained enough to answer SPM questions in the answer scheme. Some even said because of this, KPPN should hire tutors with SPM experience. Some even intend to send their kids for tuition during the school breaks.

If you can train villagers in China to make replica paintings for sale, you could also train any child to become high achievers. First of all, there is nothing wrong in being a high achiever as it showcases abilities and increases motivation for the individual to always do their best in life. However, parents of KPPN should be prepared to accept that their child might not score in their SPM because their type of intelligence, as per Gardner is not measured by SPM. It is a difficult pill to swallow, I know. As difficult as it was for Pauline Einstein when the teachers back then told her they were unable to teach her son because of his ‘mental deficits’. In a way, Einstein did not fit into the standard features of a ‘good student’ at the time.

Genius kids are not meant to fit into general education standards. When I was in STF, we had workshops where we practically memorized the steps and answers to the problem. Did we understand everything though? I believe if you ask back, the answer is probably a no. Especially in Add Maths hahaha. So yes, you can train someone to answer it like the scheme but later as they venture into the outside world, not many will thrive because they do not have the ability to think for themselves. They were spoonfed. They were standardized.

KPPN comes into the picture to nurture extraordinary intelligence. Unfortunately, it is at the expense of not getting a good SPM result that dismays parents. Thus, refraining these gifted children to stay earnest, competitive and excel in their field of choice! It’s no wonder than desperate parents are pushing for extra classes or tuition just so they could score in their exams. I on the other hand, is not a fan of ‘study all the time’. I have confidence in my child’s ability to process his learning even in a short time and I would prefer that he explored other things like language, religious studies, sports and just being a kid at KPPN. It is a plus point if his emotional intelligence is also nurtured throughout his interaction with the tutors and friends.

Agree : What makes KPPN special then if the students, despite taking on so many subjects in their early secondary schooling, still have to go through the same selection process into tertiary educational centre as other high-achievers after SPM?

As much as I believe that KPPN always have their student’s best interest in mind, I also believe that when highly intelligent people do something – they always lack in communication and direction. Ever heard of statements where people say ‘pandai tapi berat mulut’, ‘pandai tapi tak pandai bercampur dengan orang’. When these traits are brought into adulthood that’s where communication breakdown happens and other people are not able to see the vision that KPPN has.

Parents being human beings, they seek for acknowledgement that what they are doing is right for their children. Which means they need to see what the plan is in the future. I anticipate that since KPPN is a well established centre that nurtures genius individuals, I would expect that the alternative path set for them must be designed to fit their abilities.

I once read an article about a professor lamenting that he has yet to see the products of KPPN participating in ventures of pure science. I thought it was an interesting point. After all, any high achiever enrolled in medical school can still graduate and become a doctor. You don’t have to become a genius to do that. So where do genius fit in the society? In areas that encourage the birth of new knowledge or basic application of it. I am thinking of scientists, philosophers, academicians, technologists, creators etcs. I am thinking of those who proposed the Human Genome project, who created Facebook and Microsoft, who builds planes and electrical appliances. This is the direction I think the children should be exposed to.

Since KPPN does not communicate on the programmes they have for SPM leavers – it is justified for parents to think that these kids will undergo the same selection process into Uni after SPM.

Perhaps if there is an internship programme in the intelligence team of the police force or the military, in a research lab, in an established art gallery, a prominent university, an environmental organisation, an archeological venture, and even in the national library that recognises gifted children and their abilities and is able to support them – parents would be more reassured of their children’s future.

I was asking my son the other day, what does he want to be? He said a policeman. I asked what kind? He said he doesn’t know yet.

At the mention of being a policeman, some would automatically think about those who do their rounds in the car on the road. Or those who take your report of an accident at the police station. To me however, I think of Bukit Aman and it’s intelligence team. Surely, there must be some smart ass cop hiding somewhere who is really good in investigating crimes – studying patterns of heinous activities and profiles of suspects. Surely, there is a role for geniuses in the police force to not only go after villains but put in an effort to protect the integrity and safety of the police force. Perhaps there are brains that create items or systems to enhance police safety, task speed and maintain the country’s secrecy from hackers and stuff. Is that not an area that geniuses could contribute to as well? Boleh kan…

So I feel KPPN needs to explore this. Or if it already being explored – make it known to the parents. ‘kita ada program has dengan PDRM bla bla bla.. setelah SPM akan dapat biasiswa bla bla bla.. selain meneruskan pengajian di UKM.. mereka juga diberi latihan khas di bawah seliaan PDRM bla bla bla… sekiranya berjaya .. akan diserap terus ke dalam unit intelligence PDRM bla bla bla… ‘. If KPPN does this, trust me, the parents will kembang hidung and badan for the next decade at the prospect of their child being able to thrive differently than high-achievers. Takdelah terkilan if the child is not able to study overseas.

Kolej Permata@Pintar Negara – Ee taking up the offer

Posted in Parenting, Family and Relationships by

Earlier on, KPPN was clear that there would be no second intake. So when our son was not in the initial line listing, we accepted the decision wholeheartedly. As parents, we geared him up ahead for the other allocated boarding school. After all, we were thinking, that surely everyone who gets a place at KPPN would accept the offer. It turns out, a few students (?parents) had a change of heart and decided to turn down the placement. And so our son and other kids whom he knew, were invited to fill in those empty seats.

Crash course on how to iron clothes and others..

In a way, KPPN was still right. This is not a second intake as they are registering on the same day.

What happened?

The call to us parents was made on Friday evening – I was reviewing fundus images and the phone line at the clinic was not stable, so I missed the call. Another call came through while I was driving and I couldn’t pick that up either. My husband also received 2 missed calls and managed to pick up the 3rd call. That was when he got to know about the news. Mr Husband conveyed the news to our son and his face immediately glowed with happiness. We asked him about his decision and without hesitance, he chose KPPN.

To be honest, I was equally pleased with his decision because it was a place that he was already familiar with because of PPCS a few weeks before. He already knew the system and the layout of the place. He knew some of the teachers which is good as well. Plus, he already has a few ‘start-up’ friends. He can find more. At least, I have no worries about the hostel part.

There were several forms to fill out and fees to pay according to income groups. Kumpulan 1 is for students with a total household income of more than RM5K. Kumpulan 2 is for those less than RM4999K and Kumpulan 3 is for students from Sabah and Sarawak. We are in Kumpulan 1. Without subsidy, the total payment is RM 4850.00 per year but after applying subsidy across all groups, Kumpulan 1 students pay RM 2155.00.

Kumpulan 2 RM 5350.00 >>>>> RM 1655.00

Kumpulan 3 RM 5600.00 >>>>> RM 1405.00

The fees can be paid in instalments.

Since I have already taken leave to send my daughter on her first day of school the week before, this time Mr Husband took leave to send our son Ee to his. Interestingly the charming daughter of our Malaysian astronaut, Bella, is also enrolled at the same centre.

Ee is in a room with two other students. I have yet to know their names. I hope they get along well together. There are a few plus points that I like about KPPN so far.

  • Students are allowed to bring their handphones. It is a must after all in today’s world. However, they could only have access to it over the weekends. I thought that was lenient enough and shouldn’t invite any complaints.
  • I saw the meal menu KPPN sent to their WA group. To me, the food they served for their students was so much better than what I tend to serve at home. Ha ha. I imagine Ee would enjoy his meals very much.
  • I liked that KPPN has provided their ‘takwim’ so that parents and students can plan their holidays/leaves.
  • KPPN is very family-friendly as there is at least a monthly schedule where students can choose to go back home for a sleepover. While this is not feasible for students who live far away, I like that the option is there. Family plays a part in ensuring that the student’s emotional tank is filled and geared up for the next study session.

InsyaAllah we will be seeing Ee this weekend. Parents are given permission to bring their children out for Iftar and return them to college at the agreed time. I am using hashtag Ee at Permata to document our experience, especially his, during his studies at Permata.

Pusat PERMATA Pintar Negara UKM – the journey ends here for my firstborn

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[Update – We received a call 3 days before the registration date. Our son was offered to further his studies here. He was so thrilled and accepted the offer. I will be using the hashtag EE at Permata to document his life there]

Pusat Permata UKM is an educational institution with an intellectual program designed to groom students with exceptionally high IQ scores to their best potential. Before this program came about, these students could secure a place in elite boarding schools and were normally acknowledged as the creme of the creme in the country. This program was the brainchild of Rosmah Mansor, the infamous wife of Datuk Seri Najib Razak, former PM of Malaysia who was embroiled in several money-related controversies. I have to admit this is a great programme for students who could benefit from an alternative arm of our educational pathway.

Screening Process

Every primary school would encourage their students to sit for these exams. There are a few parts of the screening process. UKM1, UKM2, Program Penggayaan Cuti Sekolah (PPCS) and UKM3. UKM1 and UKM2 consisted of questions they answered on the computer. I gather that UKM1 has patterns to solve whereas UKM2 are general knowledge questions. It is best to refrain from helping your kids to answer these questions if we trust in their abilities. Once your child passes UKM2, both the child and parents will be notified of the next stage through email.

That would be the online interview. It is a 30-minute session that involves the parents in the 1st half and the child in the second half. It is carried out in both BM and English. It is a great session for the assessors to know the child’s background, personality, strengths and weaknesses. I honestly just answered what I think of my son because I know that if I lie – it is going to eventually show during the PPCS week. So I feel that his weaknesses should be known early so that they can be evaluated, monitored and addressed accordingly. If he fits what UKM is looking for – InsyaAllah there will be a place for him. If not, it is okay because as of now he is already expected to enrol in a secondary school under the ‘High Performance School’ category. These HPS schools tend to have allocated incentives and autonomy regarding financial management, curriculum design, human resources including student selection etc. Hence, for my son to be selected by the school is already a positive sign that his future remains bright (InsyaAllah) on the path of studying in a daily school.

So, opportunities are everywhere as long as we support his journey as parents.

PPCS

… is short for Program Penggayaan Cuti Sekolah. Kids are shuttled to their respective camps. Our son’s place was at Seremban. The kids will stay there for 2 weeks. Apart from attending their designated courses, the kids would also have the opportunity to learn how to manage themselves in the dormitory.

My son was enrolled in the CSI course. He said they taught him a lot of interesting things in matters of solving crimes etc. He also thought that the instructors and assistants were very knowledgeable and most importantly, endearing. It was also nice to hear positive feedback from his tutors about his demeanour at school. He was reported to be very mature for his age, plays by the rules and is not inclined towards finding fault with his friends. I am thrilled that he was able to make friends with kids of other ethnicities. I feel that is why I feel very strongly about wanting him to further his studies there. To mix with non-Malays and to improve on his English prowess.

UKM 3 assessment was conducted during PPCS and it was an important determinant that decided whether Ee is intellectually apt for the courses he is due to take during his stay there.

Unfortunately, despite the glowing reviews from his tutors – he did not make the mark. Which ends his journey for Pusat Permata Genius. It took some form of consoling him that his 2 weeks at PPCS was not a waste of time. And that he should be proud and take on a different perspective of what he could learn from the experience. After all, he did do things that were out of his comfort zone such as participating in Zapin and Ngajat dance.

Having said that, as a mother, I feel he still needs to work on being resilient. That, and emotional intelligence – especially in teenage boys. Because once they grow up as adults with low levels of EQ, despite being really smart, they become a pain. They hurt your feelings, a lot. They cannot read the room.

Congratulations to the anak2 who made it to the 2024 academic year

What’s next?

He was offered a place in a boarding school near home. I am not a fan of this institute and prefer that he stays in this daily school in town for reasons of wanting him to mingle with students outside his ethnicity. However, realizing my own cognitive and socioeconomic limitations on how best to guide a child with high intellectual capacity – I feel that boarding school is perhaps the next best thing that we could lead him to. I just hope his English abilities will be improved accordingly. The exposure to multiethnicity could come later as long as the nationalists/radicals don’t reach out to him first. I would hate for that to happen.