Join BRATs!
Tell your stories. Learn about the skills.
#photography #videography #social media #interviewing
Tell us about yourself in (choose one):
Words : In an English essay of not more than 1,000 words.
Images: Photo essay or graphic work (in JPEG format).
Video: No longer than one minute.
To join BRATs
> You must be a Malaysian aged between 16 and 19 years old.
> Include the *biodata form, with two passport sized photographs and contact details.
> The participation fee is RM150, inclusive of accommodation, meals and travelling during the workshop. Note that travelling expenses to the workshop venue will be borne by the participant.
Do not send payment with application (only selected applicants are eligible to attend the workshop).
> Be sure to indicate which workshop you’d like to attend – choose ONE.
Workshops:
> Johor Baru: March 25 – 28
> Kuala Terengganu: June 5 – 8
> Kota Kinabalu: Aug 14 – 17
Send your application essay, images or videos and completed biodata form to:
BRATs, R.AGE,
Menara Star,
15, Jalan 16/11, Section 16,
46350 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor
or email to brats@thestar.com.my
Closing date: March 6, 2013
For further enquiries, email to brats@thestar.com.my
Download your biodata form http://bit.ly/YWTEO4.

Do we get to choose the workshops only after we are chosen? @@?
Hi wanjuin,
You have to indicate in the application form itself which workshop you’re interested in.
If you’re selected for that particular workshop, you’ll be notified via email/phone.
I’ll be posting my biodata form tomorrow and also, my passport sized picture. What I’m worried is that it wouldnt reach in time before the dateline.
Don’t worry. We’ll keep a lookout for it and note the stamped date. And take this comment into consideration….=)
Hi, I would like to send in my application form via email. Since it’s via email, how are my parents and I supposed to sign the liability disclaimer form? Do I need to scan in a photo of a signed form?
Hi Lia,
You just answered your own question there…=) Yup, you can scan the signed form and send it to us that way. As for the photo, you can just attach a photograph of yourself. The passport sized photo is just required if and only if you’re selected for the workshop you chose.
Hello. Im interested to take part so I just want to ask, does the essay about ourselves need to be handwritten? Or can i just type it using computer, instead? Thank you.
Hi Tamara,
The essay can be handwritten or even typed out. As long as it’s legible, we’re cool with it…=)
should include the BRATs application form into my e-mail or is that for snailmail ?
You can email the application form as well, but do include a scanned copy of your passport-sized photo.
And if you’re doing an email application, you’ll still have to bring a hard-copy passport-sized photo to the workshop – if you are selected.
Can you specify what you would like to know about us? Do you mean our achievements, goals and general interests or how we would be a great addition to BRATs? Thank you!
Hi Lily,
Yup…tell us all about that and more! Just try not to bore us with the itty-bitty details (and we’re saying that in a real nice way….=p )
I born on 25 Nov 1992 and I am veryyyy interested, could I join??????
Send in your application. We’ll see how it goes…=)
Hello there!
I sent an enquiry through e-mail last Thursday(26/01/2012). Just wondering whether you guys got it or not.
Thanks! (:
We’ll check it and get back to you ASAP.
Hello!
If I send in my application through e-mail, how do I provide the passport-sized photos?
Send a digital copy of your photograph first. If you’re selected, you’ll be required to bring the passport-sized photograph to the workshop.
Hi. Do I need to have a camera to attend the workshop?
No, you don’t NEED to have a camera just to join the workshop…=)
Hey, I’m interested to join this and just wanted to ask about the photo essay. Do we have to attach the photo with the essay ? Or you mean write an essay about that photo ? Thank you .
A photo essay is a collection of (8-10) photographs that tells a story. It is usually accompanied by a short written introduction (maybe 150 – 200 words).
You can always find a photo essay in The Star! Check out Star2 (they usually have a photo essay on fashion stuff), or Star Metro or even R.AGE (we don’t always have it, but once in a while we do).
Hi, just a question.
What exactly is a photo essay? I googled it but can’t seem to get the idea how it really goes. IS there like a limit to the photos? Minimum amount or something?
Also, if I were to do the video log, do I have to burn it into a cd and send it along with my biodata form? Or send in my biodata form by snail mail and email the video log?
Thanks! (:
Hi Sabrina,
The explanation for photo essay is above.
As for your other question, please send in all your application through ONE format. If it’s snail mail – then send it all in via snail mail.
If you choose to to email it, then please email everything to us.
It would make your life (and ours, to be honest) much easier.
Hello, may i ask you where to find the biodata form??
Thank you
You can download it from the article above. There’s a link at the end of the story =)
In any case, here is the link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IibYrJQiZScAzRsng_ZZHEjXp07qSjRoDXe_bWz2WsY/edit?hl=en_US&pli=1
This might be a silly question but I would like to know after being chosen and attending the workshop, will we be involve with other BRATs events? If so, what activities will be in store for us?
Yes, we contact our former BRATs whenever we have any events or activities.
After the workshop, you can choose to sign up for our mailing list. That’s how you will know if we have any events or assignments for you.
Hi I would like to ask whether I am still eligible to take part in the BRATs becuase I am currently waiting for my SPM results. If so, how should I fill in the biodata form which says ‘school’ and ‘activities’? Should I fill in my last year( form 5)’s particulars? Thanks
Sure! And yes, do fill in the particulars for your former school =)
Hi, there.
Can I use back my last-year-essay?
Is it okay to do so?
thank a lot for reply ^.^
By the way, Happy Chinese Dragon Year to you =D
That’s completely up to you… If you feel that essay is good enough to get you a spot at the workshop, then by all means! But considering this is a journalism programme, and journalism is all about timeliness, writing a new essay could help. #justsaying
And happy CNY to you too! =)
Hey. Do we need to include which workshop we would like to join in the essay or just circle it up in the form? And can you please specify about what you would like to know about us? Also how can I send the photo if I’m emailing the essay?
Thank you!
1. Er, I think it’d be easier to circle it on the form… =P
2. YOU decide what you would like us to know about you – that’s the whole point of us choosing such a open-ended topic for the essay. We want to see if the applicants know what others would find interesting.
3. You can scan the photo and email it to us along with the application form. But if you choose to do so, you’ll have to give us a passport-sized photo (hardcopy) at the workshop.
Do you have any minimum words for the essay?
Nope. This ain’t high school, yo =P If you think you can wow us in like 300 words, do it =)
Hey, I wanted to ask something about the video. If I was to send in a video log,what should I do in it? What kind of video do you accept?
Be creative! The topic is simply to introduce yourself to us, but I’m sure you can think of a super awesome and interesting way to deliver that
Seriously – be as creative as you want (without being crazy).
I’m turning twenty this year, so technically, I’ll still be nineteen. Am I still eligible to go, cause I’ve been wanting to join BRATS but I never had a chance
We’ll consider your application, but do pick a workshop that is before your birthday (just to be fair to all applicants)
if i were 2 send my application by mail or e-mail, how will i know if you have received my application? Is it possible to get more information of the workshop venue that the contestants are choosing?
Thank you.
CHEEYAZ!! <3
i am also having problem printing the biodata form… when i print out the form, the spaces to fill in the particulars is not long enough… is it ok if i use last year’s form as the application form?
Thank you once again.
CHEEYAZ!! <3
You can email us to check if we’ve received your application.
As for the application form, sure – do whatever you need to do to make sure we get your personal particulars and the signed disclaimer form
Thank u so much!! Hopefully we will b able 2 meet! U guys rock btw!!!
If I was to write en essay, can it be about my grandfather? Is the essay an open topic or must it be only about myself?
The topic of the essay is to introduce yourself, but if you want to write about your grandfather, I’m sure you can still relate it to you somehow. Perhaps write an essay on what a great influence your grandfather has had on you? Think out of the box!
I sent two enquiry e-mails about age requirement to your address (first one on 27th January and second on 3rd of February), but recieved no reply. So I’m going to ask my questions here.
Firstly, my birthday is on the 10th of September, so I’m still 15. Can I join? If not, would you please state the reasons. Thank you!
Unfortunately, we are quite strict on the minimum age. But feel free to apply next year.
The reason for our minimum age limit is because first of all, some of our assignments can be quite challenging. We need to be sure that the participants can handle them, and one of the ways to do that (apart from your application essays) is to have a minimum age.
Secondly, we get so many applicants every year – the age limit helps us to select aspiring journalists who are at the perfect age to experience what this programme has to offer.
Hi, I was just wondering. Is it a must to fill in my blood group in the form?
Yes, but if you have any special reasons why you can’t provide that information, please specify it in a note to accompany your application form.
Hi, I have a few questions.
1)For the school section in the form, do u have to fill it up even if you’re not in school anymore? ( or do u write down your previous high school?)
2)When can we know if we are chosen to participate?
Thanks!
1. If you are currently between school and college, you can choose to fill in the name of your former high school, or the college/uni where you have been accepted.
2. There is no specific timeframe, but we usually have all the applicants selected and informed within two weeks of the submission deadline.
Um. May I ask, what’s a photo essay?
Hi,
This question has already been asked and replied. Do check the comments above…=).
Thank you!
So, for the picture essay, do we do something like a collage or like a portfolio and do the pictures have to be something we use to describe ourselves better to you. Oh, and do the pictures have to taken by us?
Hi,
Yes..the picture essay is a collage of photographs and includes a 150-200 words description of what the collage is all about.
The photo essay can be used to help describe you better, or maybe simply show us just what a great photographer you are.
You can include photographs that were taken by others, though it’d be cooler if they were all orginally taken by you.
Thank you so much.
Hey guys,
It’d be really awesome if you could read every comment in this section before posting a question…because some of you are asking a question that has already been asked and replied…many times.
Do us a favour please…and read them all through. Thank you! Totes appreciate your co-operation.
hey for the video entry is it possible for me and my friend to record about yourselves together??
He is welcome to appear on the video…but the focus should be on you nevertheless…=)
Does the workshop cater to vegetarians?
Please make a special note in the biodata form if you’re a vegetarian. Thank you.
Hey, just another question. Are ‘photo essay’ and ‘graphic work’ the same thing? Thanks.
hi, i would like to ask, if we send by email, do we still need our parent’s signature? or can i just write my parents’ initials or something? thanks. your help is greatly appreciated.
Hi,
You can always scan their signature. But if you’re putting in their initials, then you have to bring a printed copy (with their signature on it) to the workshop if, and only if, you’re selected. Thanks!
Hi,
I am sending my application via email,
Do I scan a copy of the signed LIABILITY DISCLAIMER FORM first and then bring the original copy if I am selected ?
Hoping for your prompt reply.
Thank you.
Of course. That’s a great idea right there…=)
Hi BRATS,
I’ve already email my application form to you. Please check your email. Thanks!
Okay, will do. Thank you Pang Fei.
Hi!
This will probably sound really really silly. But, are there any empty spots left and if i send in my application by tomorrow(13/2/2012), will it be accepted? Because in one of your replies, you stated that applicants are selected two weeks before the deadline….
Hi,
There is still time to send in your application. Hurry!
Hi RAGE! Can I submit my biodata thru mail and submit my essay through email?
thanks!
Hi,
We would totally appreciate if you could send them together. You can always print out the forms and essay and post it to us via Pos Laju. =)
Thanks for the info btw!
Oh yeah, I saw a comment about the minimum age limit above, I’m form 4 this year, but my birthday is on April. So if I choose the Johor Workshop which is in August, do I qualify?
Hi,Will I be very busy if I am accepted?? and another thing,how do we send in a signed disclaimer through e-mail? and can you kindly please change the date for kuala selangor?,the ideal date would be from 15-18 march as I am now in college.
Yes, you will be busy when there’s work to be done, and free during free time. We would love to change the date just for your convenience but unfortunately, we can’t. Next workshop perhaps? =)
Hellooo. Can I send in an ordinary picture along with the application? Or must it be formal and passport-sized? Because the paper and the website stated differently :/
PS: I’ve already emailed you guys regarding this but I didn’t get any reply.
The passport-sized photo is necessary and you can bring it along when you attend the workshop (if you’re selected for it of course…=)
oh yeah, if my birthday falls on 18th of march, can i still attend the first workshop at kuala selangor?
And how old will you be on Mar 18, 2012? Are we supposed to guess? Lol…=)
Hey ! if you are sending the application form by email, is the signature a must ?
The signature is actually a must. So you can either scan it, or post it to us via snail mail.
Unfortunately I sent the application form without a valid signature. But I am certain both my parents acknowledge my application to join BRATS. Will that do?
Hi. I’ve just emailed my essay and the forms on Monday (13-2-2012). Did you guys receive it?
Hi,
Do we get a confirmation email for submitting our forms and essay via email?
Thanks,
Nicholas.
Hi,
You will receive an email, if and only if, you’re selected for any of the workshops. You will receive it a few weeks before the start of your selected workshop.
Hi. May I know how do u send the biodata form via email. Do you like print it out , fill the details in, scan it and send it via attachment or is there any other way?
Or you can print them out and fill them up and send them via Pos Laju…=). Check out tomorrow’s R.AGE…we might just have a surprise for you.
hi! can i send email my essay then post my biodata form?
Hi Hana,
You could just easily print out your essay and post it together with your biodata form…=)
Hello! I’m so sorry, I didn’t notice the signature part. Can I please send it to you guys once again? And this time with the signature?
I will write it down in the email, saying that this is the 2nd one and the correct one. Pretty pleasee. Thanks!
I’ve sent it already!
Did you guys receive it?
Please go through it again. This time, the correct one. I’m so sorry!
Thankyou! (:
Hey again, one more question, can we just put in our parents initials, instead of their signatures, and bring the form again during the camp registration, IF we get in the camp ?
erm.. i will be 16 on 18 of march. am i eligible to attend?
Hey , what if my printer has a problem . Must i still scan the biodata form with my parents signature on it? Can I just send it like that ?
Hi there!Just want to ask a question.I’ll be turning 16 on 30 June so, am I eligible to join this activity?
I had already emailed my form and essay last week. Did you receive it?
HEY!!! What if I only Pos Laju it today? Surely it’ll take around 3 days to reach you guys and its already the deadline today. By the time you guys receive it it’ll be well over the closing date, wouldn’t it?
Thanks.
Oh good. So the deadline’s postponed. But I have one more question. And sorry if i’m being annoying already, but my graphic works, can I edit them? Like photoshop em?
The deadline is postponed?
Yes, the deadline now is Feb 20. Don’t miss it…=)
I’ve sent the email along with the link to my video, could you please check
Okay, will do. Thanks!
hey Rage, i sent my application form last week… Just wondering if u have already received it! Prior 2 this post, i hv also sent u an email….
THANK U!!
CHEEYAZ <3
Hey Rage, just sent in my application via email. Hopefully you guys got it? (:
I am really really interested in joining this program but I just saw the deadline. Do I really have to wait until next year or is it okay if I hand in my work a day late? :/
Hello there!
By when will all accepted camp participants be notified?
Thanks!
Just wondering..
When will the results be out?
Hi rage I’d sent my application for brats long ago if I chose the Kuala Terengganu on june workshop, when will they notify us whether we get in or not .. I really want to go.. Pls reply soon
The deadline has passed . I hope you have received my application. If I choose the Terengganu workshop on June when will I be notify whether I am in .. I really want to go. Sorry for asking many questions.
I sent in my application a long time ago, but I have yet to be notified. I would greatly appreciate an update, thank you.
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