PTD The Premier Service and Glamour Civil Servant / Pegawai Tadbir danDiplomatik

PENGUMUMAN / ANNOUNCEMENT: All information about PTD in one page, visit PTD Pegawai Tadbir dan Diplomatik / Administration and Diplomatic Officer page.

24 December 2012

While you are reading this blog, let me guess that you are keen to become a PTD or to the least wanted to gather some information about PTD. There are many websites and official sources written about the history and background of PTD. So, I am not going to touch on it or re-write about it. Here will be more informal things about PTD which are based on my personal experiences, feelings, touches, observations, dealings, lives, works, conversations and bla bla bla with this special species....

Becoming A PTD

At present time, PTD is among the most sought after post in the market. There are as high as 50,000 applicants applied for PTD every year. Those applicants come from almost all academic qualifications and multi disciplines working experiences except for Medical (due to bound by contract to serve as doctors). Some are even go extra sacrifices quitting jobs that earning much better than a PTD. Why? Because of perceptions that PTD is an elite and glamour post. However, it might not be true as some are seeking a more stable long term career and wanted to serve the nation!

Out of more than 50k PTD aspirants, only a handful succeeded and accepted as PTD. On average the Government through the Civil Service Commission or known as Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Awam (SPA) recruits between 300 to 500 PTDs per intake a year. If there are two intakes, the figures could be double in that paricular year. By simple mathematic, the chances of being selected as PTD is a mere 1% (500/50,000)! That's why there is a say that those who are selected as PTDs are considered as the 'cream of the cream'.

Does your academic qualification serves you as the ticket to be a PTD? The answer is 'NO'. But it may provide a bigger chance for you to be called to the selection processes. That's it! Irregardless of your degree, masters or PhD, local graduate or overseas degree holder there is no guarantee that you will succeed of being considered a place in PTD. What make PTD as one of the most difficult job to get? Because of its recruitment processes! This is because PTD requires only those with high quality skills and right attitude that you will be able to shoulder high expectations and responsibilities of running and administering this beloved nation.

PTD's selection processes are very unique which each of the candidates must undergone three processes. They are Written Test, PAC (PTD Accessment Centre) and interview. For example, out of 50k applications, there may be only 30,000 being called for PTD examination, the best of 3,000 will then be selected to attend the PAC which is conducted at INTAN Training Centres nationwide. Finally, after passing the rigorous evaluations and tests, 800 to 1,000 candidates will be interviewed by a panel appointed by SPA. If you have (I mean possess) and meet all the qualities and criterias to become a PTD, you will then be given an offer letter for PTD!

PTD Application Process

Applying for PTD post is very convenient. It can even be done at home. No paper form needed to be filled. Just visit SPA's website at this address http://www.spa.gov.my and fill up the application form. Tips! In order to get a higher chance to be called for the first process (PTD written examination), do make sure that you select PTD as the first choice then only followed by other service scheme posts. Don't be too worried if your degree's CGPA is too low, who knows the luck is with you! Generally, the higher CGPA will get the better chance. It's normal in these days...

Usually after one month you will receive an acknowledgement letter from SPA that your application has been received. It's a thrill moment because the letter is marked as "URUSAN SERI PADUKA BAGINDA" and you will be nervously open the letter wondering what is inside the envelope.

What's next? You may have to wait for another letter from the Istana (URUSAN SERI PADUKA BAGINDA) again. If it comes, means you have been selected to sit for PTD Written Exam.

Exam! The toughest part of the PTD selection processes to pass through. Many get dissappointed at this stage. You don't believe it? Try ask around you friends, relatives and or those who are now PTDs. I would say, more than three quarter of them will vouch for my words! So, be prepared for it.

1. PTD Writing Examination

Before you continue, be warned that you will be in the Formula One race when you enter the examination hall. Means SPEED is of essence! You cannot drive at gear one, two or three. Otherwise, you will not cut the finishing line. There is no time for you to "relax relax" when answering the questions. It is a fast and furious thing. Though it may be multiple choice type questions, you will feel the heat, your heart will pump the blood to your brain non stop. Heart beat could be 200 per second! In short, time is not enough! (this test may uncover whether you have the agility which every PTD must possess it). You have been warned ya!!!

Nervous is the surest thing when it comes to examination. What more if you have had not taken or sat for any written test for a quite some time. Bear in mind that, I myself personally admit that PTD exam was the most difficult test I have ever had. There is no a single text or reference book that can be of help if you were looking for one as the only your reading material!

Updated on 28 Dec 2012...the story continues...

Okay..back to the most hated thing to do in life..'Exam'!

I hope my memory still serves me well. The exam is splitted into 2 parts. One is multiple choices and Two is Writing (Karangan la tu) in both Bahasa Malaysia and English. Be reminded, this is the first stage of filteration process. To be a PTD must be bilingual in BM and ENG. Other languages will be an added advantage. You will know why PTD has to be multi languages later in this write later.

Everything under the sky can be asked in the exam! Be it for example 'Which football team won the Malaysia Cup in 2012?', 'What was the theme of the 2012 Merdeka Day celebration?', When will Malaysia be hosting the Asian Economic Summit (AES Summit)?'.

As the general guides, the questions will be divided into several areas namely (but not limited to):-

About Malaysia
* History of Malaysia
* Malaysian government administrations
* ASEAN
* United Nations (PBB)
* Malaysia's international relations
* Parliament - Legislation, Executives and Judiciary
* Economic, Education, Social, Politics, Cultural, Defence & Security, Local Government etc.

Current Issues
* Domestic, regional and international issues

Attitude Test
* It's all about your attitude!

Thinking & IQ Test
* Mathematic, calculation test
* Logics test
* Critical thinking
* Decision making

Writing Test
* anything as above! But mostly about contemporary issues. How do you see the issues and suggesting the solutions to the problems. (This part, there is a catch! It will smell where your political inclination is! and it measures how radical is your perspectives i.e. on racial, language, religion, unity issues). Word of advices are ANSWER WITH MODERATION!

Public Speaking Test, this part may be conducted at this stage. But often it is done during the Second stage - PAC session. Just be aware!

Tips to overcome the exam challenges! Read, read, read everything and anything especially newspapers (BM & ENG) - Editorial articles, local & international news, business section, sport and a little bit about entertainment. Watch news on TV i.e. News, Budget tabling session, Parliament news and Forum. Have you heard about 1Malaysia, GTP, ETP, RMK10, PEMANDU, PEMUDAH, BCIC? If no, do some research about them ya!!!

There is a text book that can be of much help to know about Malaysia! Buy and read the text book on Pengajian Am. A compulsary subject of STPM level.

Good luck to you and wish you all the best in the PTD Exam! And you will have to wait for the result may be in 1 to 2 months. If you pass the exam, then you may continue reading my blog about becoming a PTD. What happen if you pass? It is not a guarantee that you will be called for the PAC. You must pass with an excellence result. PAC is meant for the first top 2,000 to 3,000 (the numbers depends on SPA's decision for that particular intake) who will be called for further challenging assessment.

.......cont' soon on PTD Assessment Centre :)

2. PTD Assessment Centre (PAC)

Updated on 5 January 2013...the story continues...

Firstly I would like to apologize for making the visitors of this page keep always refresh the browser hoping for latest update on the article. Being busy with my final exam and assignments lately until next week. Okay, I have around 15 minutes to write now.

Congratulations! If you are one of the thousands of PTD aspirants who have been called by SPA to attend the PAC at INTAN. Where is INTAN and what is INTAN?

INTAN is actually an abbreviation of Institut Tadbiran Awam Negara or National Institute of Public Administration. Further information can be assessed from http://www.intanbk.intan.my.

Passing the PTD Exam means you are very knowledgeable and abreast of latest information, news and developments. You are also considered, I would say smart, logical thinkers and have the ability to solve technical problems. And the most obvious fact that you should know is there are tens of thousands could not get the chance as what you have now. In a nutshell, only the best scorers are getting the invitation letter from the 'Seri Paduka Baginda'! You can check your exam result on SPA's website as well.

Those who still have not received the letter or get the search result with the word 'Dukacita....', don't be sad. It does not mean that you have failed! It means, more efforts are required from you. That's it and don't lose hope to try it again. Be sure to equip yourselves with better knowledge.

Ops..I have to go now..see you later!!!

Hello..just came back from attending a PTD officer wedding. Let's continue read about PAC.

What should you do if been called for PAC? First thing, start to build your stamina today! You will be asked to run several kilometers within a set of time. Couldn't remember how many kilometers and for how long. A PTD officer must be fit physically and has the endurance. Working long hours and has to go to the office on weekend is normal! If you think you are obese, too 'wide' or too thin, do something. It may not be a written rule but believe me, I have not bumped any new (I mean freshly employed PTD) who are too fat or too thin. Physical tests also will involve some 'mini games' like height jumping, long jumping, push up, heart beat counts etc. The activities is called "Ujian Kecerdasan Jasmani Kebangsaan or termed as UKJK". Do google for more information.

There will be a lot of activities carried out while you are at PAC. Participation is compulsory. Candidates will be participating in activities as a team member, a leader and also as an individual. Each activity will has one, two or more facilitators. A group of panel will also present. What are the role of facilitators and panel? The former is of course to facilitate a smooth running of the activities. While the latter are the ones who giving marks for each candidates! But, at PAC the evaluation of every candidate is '360 degree' because you will be observed 24 hours! In certain circumstances, a SPY could be planted among the participants! They could be friended with you and may suggest something naughty things to do....

Let's start with individual, teamwork and leadership evaluation. You may be grouped into a small number of people (between 5 - 10)...uaaarrgghhhh..i am sleepy! Can not write..see you later...

Updated on 9 January 2013...PTD journey continues..

The group will be given tasks or games which will require each member to do a role play like acting or to solve a problem or brainstorming the ideas or just a discussion. My piece of advice is you have to grab this opportunity to demonstrate your communication skills, problem solving capabilities and leadership personalities. A PTD is expected to speak with facts, rational and analytical. Thus, participation is inevitable.

My golden tips to attract a positive attention from the panel is try to speak with a soft voice, calm but audibly clear. Find the right time when to go in. For example, when the group 'pause' because of everybody has lost their points or ideas. Then you stand up presenting your constructive points and arguments or suggesting on how to fix the problems. You will look 'stand out' among the crowd!

Be the first to speak can be a great advantage. But do it with extra careful. If you do it right, that's a greatest point for you. But, if do it terribly, you may jeopardise your reputation during that session. While you are talking on something, if someone is trying to cut your words, give him or her a way to do so, then continue with your thoughts. Whatever you say, try to back it up with facts, reasonings and logics as well as examples. You may choose either to be a serious talker or casual talker. But not a joker!

However, do not go overboard like....continue later :)

Updated 17 January 2013...now I am on one month semester break. Got plenty of time to write. Hopefully, I'll finish up the guides to be a PTD by today.

Don't go overboard....I am extremely understand if you are eager and very excited to sell yourself so that the panel will notice you, but you have to be smart. Some people tend to show off their verbal articulation skills and knowledge. They talk and talk none stop to the extent other members do not have the opportunity to speak. Do not regard yourselves always right. Do not refrain yourselves from accepting critics. If you want to criticise, listen first then voice out your critics constructively. You also should not just sit in the room and shut your mouth. Although you maybe the type of 'introvert' or 'shy' but you should try to speak. I myself when I was the PAC facilitator have to cut short the time of some candidates who talked too much. I also did give equal chance to those who were sitting behind, so that everybody has got an equal opportunity to fulfill their dream of being a PTD. Remember, a PTD officer can not be a passenger. PTD is a leader. Wise leader!

One of the activities that always been conducted during the PAC is a 'Die or Live' situation (Survivor). For example, a plane crashed into the ocean. You and the other members are the survivors. There are several survivor kits available. But due to limitation of space, time or resources, you are given a list of kits and have to choose one of them. You have to justify why you choose a particular kit. Normally the number of kits is more than the number of survivors. Because of that the group has to decide which of them are the most critical/important to be brought along. That is the challenge. Once you have picked one, you have to explain and be firmed about why yours is important. If you want to compare the item between yours and the members have picked, try not to condemned other people's choice. Possibly you can complement each other's?

Public Speaking

Public speaking is the most feared thing to do. Correct or not? Especially, if you were asked to speak in a language that is not your mother tongue language. It will be more scary when you are standing in front of the people you do not know. You will be more nervous because whatever you say, the panel will evaluate you! Still want to pursue your dream or just give up the PTD? Continue reading...

At PAC, the candidate has to speak in front of a group of other candidates and of course in the presence of panel. In Bahasa Malaysia and in English. Topics of the talks maybe given earlier for example 1 day or 2 days before the session. That will be easier!

It may also become an impromptu public speaking! It's either you pick a roll of paper in a bowl which contains a number of pre-determined topics (the PAC secretariat may provide you with the list beforehand) or a totally out of the air topics! In this case, the panel may give you the topic for you to speak or you speak any topics of your choice. Tips, just take on the challenge. Speak and say anything you know. Try not to look at notes or script. Memorising could be helpful but you know what the danger is..FORGOT!

The above is the individual public speaking. In quite recent years, a new mode of public speaking has been introduced but very interesting. The Parliament style debate. It is actually similar to the debate when you were at school time. A topic given, and your group become either the supporter or the opposition. What makes it interesting is the proceeding of the debate is conducted exactly like in a Parliament. You have the Government side and you have the Opposition and the Speaker of the House. There is no jury to select the winner but the panel will watch their eyes on you! So, to become a PTD, you are strongly advised to like (I mean) to watch the Parliament Program on TV. If you are still a school or university student and wish to apply for PTD, a visit to Parliament is a recommended activity to plan from now.

3. Interview

Are you the best of the best? Halfway yes. If you passed the PAC test, that means you are fit to become a PTD. Your probability has jumped from a mere 1% to 50%! However there is still one formality SPA must comply before hiring you.

You are now one step away from the prestigious post PTD! The last hurdle to go through is The Interview! Read PTD Interview Tips & Interview Questions here.

In this part, my story will be short as there are many resources you can get on how to succeed in an interview.

Tips: At this stage, before going for interview, look at yourself in the mirror. Do your dress, hair stye, body posture, facial expression etc look like a PTD officer? Try to observe on TV, especially personalities who work as Civil Servants such as the Chief Secretary of the Government, Secretary Generals, Director Generals and other top government officials. Try emulate them on how they present themselves in public. Generally, civil servants do share the same stereotype external presentation, be it our Malaysian civil servants or foreign countries' public officials. What is that? No words I can explain!

Questions to be asked? No specific tips! You can google it :)

There you go! I wish you a very very very best of luck. Whatever you do, do it with the best effort possible. Because PTD is the backbone of the Government Administration. You shoulder a very heavy responsibility in carrying out noble duties to serve the people and the nation. Do remember, you salary comes from people who pay taxes. People have every right to question us what we spend, how we spend, to whom we spend their money. Serve with sincerity is the key to success.

DO NOT ACCEPT BRIBE, DO NOT BRIBE! GOD WILL SAVE YOU AND OUR COUNTRY...

Are you the only one who wants to be a PTD? What about your brothers, sisters, friends, children? They might also want to be a PTD. Please help them by sharing this article with them on , or maybe you want to .

You have any enquiries about PTD? Feel free to leave your comments here. I'll try my best to answer all the questions A.S.A.P.