"Malaysia Rejected Me" — Woman Shares Being Denied Scholarship Despite Getting 9A+ For SPM

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Jessica Sin Sook Kuan, who is now in her 30s, recalled applying for the scholarship as a fresh high school graduate in 2010, not only touting a stellar academic record but an accomplished extracurricular resume to match.

"I was very active in extracurricular activities, having held leadership roles and also representing my school in various English and Maths competitions," she said.

"But when I went to apply for a JPA scholarship from the Ministry of Education, they rejected my overseas scholarship application."

Speaking to SAYS, Jessica clarified that she was offered a local scholarship with a six-year bond instead, which was not the overseas one she applied for.

"I felt it was unfair treatment. Hence, I didn't [accept the] local [scholarship] because I knew other countries' universities would have been fairer in assessing applications."

According to Emir Research, there are more than two million Malaysians living and working abroad, including some 500,000 highly skilled professionals, owing to better opportunities and prospects outside the country.

"An Australian university in the world's top 50 gave me a full scholarship, including living expenses in Australia without a bond," Jessica said. "And you wonder why so many talented Malaysians move abroad."

"Look at the state of the Malaysian economy: foreign investors [are] pulling out and the ringgit is dropping to a low rate, especially against the United States Dollar and Singapore Dollar. Talent is moving abroad and we are falling behind."