KUALA LUMPUR: While most Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia-leavers (STPM) are now busy preparing to enter higher education institutes, after the recent announcements of their exam results, many of them have acquired experience by taking up part-time work during their long break.

Those interviewed by the New Straits Times said they spent their holidays working, filling up university applications or simply spending quality time with their families.

Mohd Barzarin Baharin, 18, who scored straight As for all nine subjects he took in the SPM, said he has been filling up application forms for scholarships to further his studies.

The former student from ASiS (Alam Shah Science School (ASiS) here said he had also gained valuable experience while taking up a job as a concierge and receptionist at a hotel in Penang.

“I worked at the reception and as a concierge at the Anggerik Lodging Hotel in my hometown in Penang,” said Barzarin, who opted to work at a hotel as it was more convenient than to work at fast food outlets like most of his school-leaver friends.

“Work at fast-food chains is too energy-demanding and I prefer to serve guests at a hotel. The job I took also offered me greater pay.

Barzarin quit his job prior to the announcement of the SPM results, and was recently offered a place to study at Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP).

However, he turned down that offer due to personal reasons, and has now set his sights on studying electrical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States.

“Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) would be my first choice as it offers one of the best Engineering schools besides University of Tokyo, Japan.

“I am following in my brother’s footsteps as he is also doing Engineering at a local university,” said the Penang-born Barzarin, who is the youngest of three siblings.

Barzarin said his father and his two siblings worked hard to make a better life for the family, and they were now successful in their respective fields.

“My father came from a poor family and he did not receive much financial aid, but as a teen, he worked his way to achieve success.

“He was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth but he gave his best in his studies and flew to the United Kingdom after securing a scholarship.”

Barzarin’s sister is currently abroad working as a lecturer at Cairo University, Egypt. Being the youngest in the family, I am proud of my father and siblings’ achievement and I want to make it in my chosen field as well.

Two other former ASiS students, and Barzarin’s schoolmates Mohd Akmal Hakim Izani, 18 and Zubir Adenan, 18, on the other hand preferred to holiday at home.

Akmal, who is eyeing to take up Medicine at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), is making the most of his time at home with his family.

“I do not think I will look for a part-time job as I want to spend more time with my family for now. I know how demanding the Medical course is,” said Akmal.

Zubir plans to work part-time at a nearby shopping complex while awaiting his application to study Actuarial Science at either an Australian or UK varsity.

“The course will involve two of my favourite subjects, Economics and Additional Mathematics,” said Zubir.