Info: Journey into Local U

Journey into Local U

The journey into a local university in Malaysia is a multifaceted process that transitions from post-secondary preparation to active campus life. Most students follow a structured pathway starting from their SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia) results to gain entry into public (IPTA) or private (IPTS) institutions. 

Choosing Your Entry Pathway

• Your pre-university choice determines your speed of entry and the competitiveness of the degree programs you can access.
• Matriculation (Matrikulasi): A fast-track (usually 1-year) and cost-effective route primarily for public universities.
• STPM (Form 6): A rigorous national qualification (1.5 to 2 years) equivalent to A-Levels, widely recognized for entry into top public universities like Universiti Malaya (UM).
• Foundation/Diploma: Specific to individual universities, offering a direct bridge to their respective degree programs.
• A-Levels / IGCSE: International qualifications that are also accepted by local universities as equivalent to STPM. 

The Application Process

• Securing a place involves navigating centralized or direct admission portals. 
• UPU Portal: The main gateway for public university applications. It uses a merit-based system, often resulting in high competition for popular courses like Medicine or Law.
• Direct Intake (Saluran Terus): An "alternative route" where students apply directly to public universities, often bypassing the standard UPU merit competition, though fees may differ.
• Private Enrolment: Platforms like Uni Enrol or Uni Assist help students match their grades with over 250 private institutions and secure scholarships.

*************************************************

(1) SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia)

• SPM 2024 Result Annoucement:
• Date: 24/Apr/2025 (Thu)
• Time: 10:00am
• How to Check:
• School: Candidates can collect the result slip in person at respective school
• Online: myresultspm.moe.gov.my (only available for a period of time)
• SMS: Type <SPM NoIC AngkaGiliran> and send to 15888
• Total Candidates: 402,956 candidates

(2.1) Application via UPU: Diploma / Foundation for SPM Leaver

• Application to Local University via UPU (Govt. Subsidized) / Alternative (Direct Intake)

• UPUONLINE application open for SPM / STPM / Equivalent

• Phase 1: 10 Feb – 14 Mar 2025
• Phase 2: 14 Apr – 15 May 2025

• UPU Application Procedures

• Step 1: Buy a PIN from Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) @ RM10.60
• Step 2: Go to the UPUONLINE official website to register
• Step 3: Update / Revise your choice at UPUONLINE after getting your result
• Step 4: Check UPU Results & Offers: 16/Jun/2025 @ 12:00
• https://jpt.utm.my
• https://jpt.uum.edu.my
• https://jpt.unimas.my
• https://jpt.ums.edu.my
• https://jpt.umt.edu.my

• Successful: Offer from UniMAP (via UPU)

• Acceptance: Accepted offer and payment done on 18/Jun/2025

• Reject & Refund

• Submitted reject offer on 01/Jul/2025 due to received offer from Matriculation
• Received refund from UniMAP on 07/Jul/2025

(2.2) Application via MoE: Matriculation College (Kolej Matrikulasi)

• Info: Preparing and Reporting to KMKK (Matriculation College)
  

• SPM 2024/25 candidates can apply online starting from:

• Phase 1: 1 December 2024 – 28 February 2025
• Phase 2: 24 April 2025 – 28 April 2025

• Appeals submission can be made online only from 21/May to 21/June 2025 after the results of the successful candidates are officially announced.
• [2025/06/25] All students with 10As, including A-, in SPM 2024 will get matriculation spots
• Matriculation 2nd intake candidates announced on 30/Jun/2025

• Kolej Matrikulasi Kejuruteraan Kedah (KMKK): 2nd Intake
  

• Physical Reporting: 2025-07-06 (Sun) @ 08:30 - 13:00
• Location: KMKK
• Total Students Reported (2nd Intake): 135 pax

• BSHP (Bantuan Sara Hidup Pelajar) - Student Living Allowance

• Application open to all matriculation students (by default)

• Online checking is possible from 16/Jul/2025 @ 10:00 onwards
• Application was rejected. Normally allowance (RM250/mth) will be given to those students with family household income below RM10k only (mainly for B40 and M40 family)

• Matriculation's Semester Result Checking

• Candidates for PSPM, SDS Semester I, SES Semester I and SES Semester III, Session 2025/2026 can check their examination results starting January 6, 2026 (Tuesday) at 10.00 am via the following methods:

• A. WEBSITE
• Visit https://matrikulasi.moe.gov.my
• Select "Semakan"
• Enter Matriculation No. + Last 6 Digits of Identity Card No.
  (Candidates can download examination result slip)

• B. PHONE
1. Respective colleges.
2. Matriculation Division of the Ministry of Education (MoE)
   (via 03-8884 4083 or 03-8884 4020)

• MUET (Malaysian University English Test)

• MUET requirements are primarily determined by the specific Malaysian university and program you're applying for, generally needing a minimum Band 3 or higher, with competitive fields like Medicine or Law often requiring Band 4 or even Band 5. To take it, you must be a pre-university, STPM, diploma, or matriculation student planning to enter a local degree program, registering online via the official MPM portal or your institution. 

• MUET Result Checking Online

• PPC (Penghantaran Pelajar Cemerlang)

• The Matriculation Outstanding Student Program (PPC, Penghantaran Pelajar Cemerlang) under the Matriculation Program Teaching Staff Training Scheme (SLTPPM) is a prestigious scholarship from the Ministry of Education Malaysia (KPM) for excellent matriculation students to pursue their bachelor's degree studies abroad (especially the UK, Australia, New Zealand) in the STEM field. This program offers guaranteed employment as a lecturer at a matriculation college after graduation.
• Application can be submitted online at https://apps.matrik.edu.my/sltppm
• Among the universities in Australia for STEM studies:
• University of Queensland (UQ) | Webpage
• Australian National University (ANU) | Webpage
• University of Melbourne | Webpage
• University of New South Wales (UNSW) | Webpage

• PPC Application (2026)

• Offer for PPC Interview (2026)

• Pending offer from PPC (if any): <Est. Jul/2026>

(3) Application via UPU: Degree for STPM / Equivalent

• Info: UPU Application After STPM / Equivalent

• UPUONLINE application open for SPM / STPM / Equivalent

• Phase 1: 29 Jan – 23 Mar 2026
• Phase 2: 13 Apr – 15 May 2026

• UPU Application Procedures

• Step 1: Buy a PIN from Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) @ RM10.60
• Step 2: Go to the UPUONLINE official website to register
• Step 3: Update / Revise your choice at UPUONLINE after getting your result
• Step 4: Check UPU Results & Offers: <TBD>
• https://jpt.utm.my
• https://jpt.uum.edu.my
• https://jpt.unimas.my
• https://jpt.ums.edu.my
• https://jpt.umt.edu.my

• Note: For certain selected universities/courses @ UPU application, an interview is required (either attend physically / via online).

• Interview Annoucement: 

• Date: From 10/Apr/2026 onwards (depends on each university)

• Interview Appointment: 

• UPM: 18/May/2026 - 21/May/2026 (waiting for interview time slot)

• Successful: To Be Update Soon

• Acceptance: To Be Update Soon

DIY Series 102: Handheld Megaphone Speaker From School

Handheld Megaphone Speaker From School

Received 2 units of Handheld Megaphone Speakers from a primary school. Provided free debugging and free repair service to the school.

Symptoms: 

• Upon power on, there is no sound output

Analysis:

• Checked the battery, it is using a customised Battery Pack (18650 Li-Ion, single cell, 3.7V, 2000mA)
• Battery pack comes with USB port for charging, but unable to charge when insert to a USB port for charging.

Photos:

• Unlatch and open up the back cover of Megaphone

• Unplug the battery pack from USB Port

• Unscrew a screw at the battery pack housing

• Take out the old 18650 Battery from its housing (terminals joint by spot welding)

• Disconnect the old 18650 Battery from +/- terminal wiring (spot welded)

• Prepare nickel strip to make 2pcs of nickel plates for +/- terminal wiring spot welding

• Clamp the nickel plates onto +/- terminal wiring using wire cutter

• Spot welding a nickel plate onto the new 18650 Battery positive (+) terminal

• Spot welding a nickel plate onto the new 18650 Battery negative (-) terminal

• Reinsert the new 18650 Battery into its housing

• Screw the housing and turn on the switch to check Battery Pack. The Red colour LED is on upon switched on, means battery is fine. Take the Battery Pack for USB charging, charge until LED turn into Blue colour.

Tools Involved:

• Screwdriver
• Multimeter
• Spot Welder
• Wire cutter
• Tweezer
• Scissor

Cost Involved:

• 18650 Li-Ion Battery (4800mA): US$0.80

Note:

• Current lithium-ion technology for the standard 18650 form factor (18mm x 65mm) has a physical maximum capacity limit of approximately 3500mAh to 3600mAh. 
• Any 18650 battery claiming more than 4000mAh, including ProDIY, is generally considered by experts to be using inflated marketing specs.
• ProDIY claimed to have 4800mAh but it is estimated the battery capacity < 2500mAh.

DIY Series 101: Mitsubishi Mr Slim Aircond (MS-A10VD) Malfunction

Mitsubishi Mr Slim Aircond (MS-A10VD) Malfunction

Symptoms:

• Indoor unit doesn't receive the signal from remote controller, the aircond is not turn on.
• When the "Emergency Operation" switch is pressed, indoor unit operates.

Analysis:

• Change new battery for remote controller. This is to make sure the battery is in good condition.
• Put the remote controller in front of smartphone's camera, you should be able to see the IR LED is flashing purple or white light on your phone's screen. This confirms the remote is transmitting a signal, even if invisible to the naked eye.
• Open up the indoor unit cover, look for manual switch. When the "Emergency Operation" switch is pressed, indoor unit operates. It means most likely the IR Receiver Board is malfunction. This is executed when the remote controller is lost, broken, or has dead batteries.
• Operation Sequence (Common):
• First Press: Starts a 30-minute test run (usually high fan speed, no temperature control).
• After 30 Mins: Often shifts to a default COOL mode (approx. 25°C).
• Subsequent Presses: Cycles between EMERGENCY COOL and STOP modes.
• If repairing the receiver on the PCB board, look for 38kHz, standard 940nm 5mm IR Receiver Module (VS1838 / VS1838B / TSOP4838).
• TSOP4838: Manufactured by Vishay, a major brand in electronics components. It is more expensive, roughly US$1.
• VS1838 / VS1838B / HX1838: A generic or third-party manufactured component, frequently sold in hobbyist kits. It is significantly cheaper, sometimes just 14 - 20 cents.

• After bought and received the TSOP4838 (07/Mar/2026), found out that the Receiver Board was designed using different pinout configuration, it is using pinout configuration for TSOP2238.
• The Vishay TSOP2238 and TSOP4838 are both 38kHz infrared (IR) receiver modules that are nearly identical in technical performance and electrical specifications. The primary difference between them is the internal pin assignment, which determines how they are wired to a power source and ground. 
• Pin Assignment Differences
• While both modules use a 3-pin configuration, their layout differs, making them incompatible if swapped in a circuit without adjusting the wiring. According to the manufacturer, Vishay, the pinning is as follows: 
• TSOP2238 Pinout: 1 = OUT, 2 = (Supply), 3 = GND (Ground).
• TSOP4838 Pinout: 1 = OUT, 2 = GND (Ground), 3 = (Supply).
• Both use AGC2, which is optimized for legacy designs and all common IR remote control data formats.
• For new projects, manufacturers often recommend switching to the TSOP2438 (compatible with TSOP2238 pinout) or TSOP4438 (compatible with TSOP4838 pinout). These newer series feature AGC4, which provides better immunity against modern interference sources like Wi-Fi and energy-saving fluorescent lamps (CFLs).
• Key Differences at a Glance:

• Recommended Parts Listing (Legacy: AGC2 vs New: AGC4)

Photos:

• Instruction of Troubleshooting (from Service Manual)

• Emergency Operation Switch location

• Troubleshooting Flow (from Service Manual)

• Mr Slim (MS-A10VD) Indoor Unit PCB & Receiver PCB Diagram

• IR Receiver Module (VS1838 / VS1838B) inside Receiver PCB
• Model: DH00L515
• Replacement Part Number: E22 41G 329

• Remove the screw caps of the panel. Then, remove the screws. 

• Open the holder, dismantle the Receiver Board from indoor unit

• 38kHz IR Receiver Module (VS1838 / VS1838B / TSOP4838)

• VS1838 / VS1838B / TSOP4838 Pin Assignments

• Simple IR Remote Tester (with battery)

Video:

• Testing the new TSOP4838 with Smartphone (Remote Control): OK

Costs Involved:

• IR Receiver Module (TSOP4838): US$1.00 (bought from Element14)
• IR Receiver Module (TSOP2238): US$1.25 (bought from Element14)

Tools Required:

• Screwdriver
• Multimeter
• Soldering Tools

Status:

• Received IR Receiver Module (TSOP4838) on 05/Mar/2026.
• Dismantled Receiver Board of Mitsubishi Aircond. Soldered TSOP4838 and found out pin configuration was wrong. 
• TSOP4838 is not suitable for this aircond. The aircond unable to turn ON due to incorrect part soldered on board.
• Source for alternative IR Receiver (TSOP2238), received on 19/Mar/2026.
• Tried replaced with IR Receiver (TSOP2238) but failed too. 
• DIY project halted until there is any new findings in near future.

Location of Receiver Board

Dismantled Receiver Board 

from its Holder

TSOP4838 & Original IR Receiver Module

Soldered TSOP4838 on Receiver Board

(but aircond not working)

Pin Configuration on Board

(1: Out, 2: Vs, 3: Gnd)

DIY Series 100: LDNIO Extension Power Strip (SC4408) Malfunction

LDNIO Extension Power Strip (SC4408) Malfunction

The LDNIO SC4408 (also part of the Defender Series) is a heavy-duty power strip designed to support up to 8 devices simultaneously with 4 universal AC outlets and 4 USB-A ports. Newer version (SC4408C) comes with 2 USB-A ports + 2 USB-C ports (supporting PD20W).

• Total Power: Supports up to 2500W at 250V (10A max), making it suitable for household appliances like computers and microwaves.
• USB Output: Features 4 USB-A ports with a total output of 5V/3.4A (17W).
• Cable: Equipped with a 2-meter heavy-duty power cord using a 33% thickened wire core for improved conduction and lower heat.
• Material: Built with fireproof PC material that can withstand temperatures up to 850°C.
• Overload Protection: A dedicated reset button automatically cuts power during an overload to protect connected electronics.

Symptoms:

• All AC outlets unable to turn on. USB Ports partially not working.
• Power strip failing to turn on even after you press the reset button.

Analysis:

• Internal Fuse: Fuse at the 13A plug tested working fine
• Broken Reset Mechanism: The reset button feels "mushy" or doesn't have a distinct "click" when pressed, the internal spring or contact point may have failed.
• Appearance: No burning smells, smoke, or visible scorch marks on the housing.
• Connectivity: Tested all AC outlets connected to incoming wires (L/N/E).

KYB8 Circuit Breaker: 

• Compact thermal overload protector and circuit breaker primarily used for manual reset protection in electrical appliances and industrial equipment. It features a recessed reset button that pops out during an overload and must be manually pressed back in to restore the circuit.
• The core of the breaker is a strip made of two different metals bonded together. These metals expand at different rates when heated.
• Under normal conditions, these copper contacts are held together to allow current to flow through the device.
• When current exceeds 10A, the resistance in the bimetallic strip generates excess heat (Joule heating). Because the metals expand differently, the strip begins to bend and breaking the circuit.
• The external button "pops out" to indicate the trip. After the bimetallic strip cools and returns to its original shape, the user can manually push the button back in to re-latch the contacts and restore power.

USB Module:

• Capacitors
• 1500uF/10V: The flat top of the aluminum case becomes convex or domed.
• 22uF/400V: No visible damage.
• 4.7uF/50V: No visible damage.
• Summary: Capacitor (1500uF/10V) malfunction

How a Bad Capacitor Affects the KYB8?

A capacitor (1500uF/10V) malfunction impacts the KYB8 breaker in following 2 main ways: 

• Short Circuit (Immediate Trip): If the capacitor fails by shorting internally, it creates a path of very low resistance. This causes a massive, sudden surge of current to flow through the KYB8. Since the KYB8 is a thermal breaker, this high current quickly heats the internal bimetallic strip, causing the reset button to "pop" and cut power to protect the wiring.
• Physical Wear and Tear: The KYB8 is a mechanical device. While it is designed to trip, repeatedly resetting a breaker that is tripping due to a faulty capacitor can wear out its internal spring mechanism and contact points. Over time, this can lead to the breaker becoming "broken" (unable to reset or failing to trip when it should).

Action To Be Taken:

• Stop Resetting the KYB8: Repeatedly pushing the reset button while a capacitor is shorted can weld the internal contacts of the breaker or cause the capacitor to vent (pop/leak) aggressively.
• Replace the Capacitor: You need a replacement with the same capacitance (1500uF) and a voltage rating of 10V or higher (using a 16V or 25V capacitor is a common "upgrade" for better durability, provided it fits the space).
• Check the KYB8: Once the capacitor is replaced, if the KYB8 still trips or feels "mushy" when you press it, the breaker itself may have been heat-damaged by the faulty capacitor and should also be replaced. 

Cost Involved:

• KYB8 Circuit Breaker: US$1.50
• Capacitor (1500uF/10V): US$1.20 (MOQ: 5pcs)

Tools Required:

• Screwdriver
• Multimeter
• Soldering Tools
  
  
  

Summary:

• New parts ordered on 05/Mar/2026, delivered on 07/Mar/2026.
• Fixing done on 08/Mar/2026 with new KYB8 and capacitor (1500uF/10V).

New KYB8 Circuit Breaker

New Capacitor 1500uF/10V 

(slightly bigger in size)