The BRATs 2014 programme is officially open for applications – and you could win a trip to Scotland!

THE country’s premier young journalist programme is back for its 21st year, and we’ve got a special, once-in-a-lifetime treat for one lucky applicant – a chance to represent Malaysia at the Aye Write! Future News International Young Journalists’ Conference in Glasgow, Scotland!

Download the BRATs 2014 registration forms!

How do I apply?

1. To apply for BRATs 2014, download the pre-registration forms.
2. Produce an essay (less than 1,000 words) or video (less than two minutes) on “Why I want to be a journalist”.
3. Email your forms and essays/videos (videos as a YouTube link) to brats@thestar.com.my, and keep your fingers crossed! Successful applicants will be given information on the workshops after the selection process is complete.

You can also send your essay by snail mail to:
BRATs
Menara Star
15 Jalan 16/11
46350 Petaling Jaya
Selangor.

And to make sure you put yourself in the running for the Future News Conference, you’ll also have to complete a separate online form and essay for the British Council here:

The Future News 2014 Conference application form

For more info, email us at brats@thestar.com.my.

What is BRATs?
BRATs is The Star’s young journalist programme, organised by R.AGE. We select 120 aspiring journalists every year, aged 16-19, who then attend one of three BRATs workshops (4D3N) held across the country.

The workshops are all about practical training, facilitated by journalists, photographers and videographers from The Star. Participants will get actual field assignments – visiting tourist destinations, interviewing famous personalities, sampling the city’s local cultures and traditions, etc.

They’ll learn stuff like writing skills, interviewing skills, photography, videography, social media reporting and so much more. Of course, they’ll also meet like-minded people and have a whole lotta of fun!

Once they complete the workshop, the participants then join our BRATs pool of teen journalists, who regularly cover stories, interviews and events across the country for our weekly BRATs section right here in R.AGE.

One of the three BRATs workshop held last year was in Penang. Here are some of the participants goofing around in front of the mural at Ah Quee Street after a field assignment in Armenian Street.

Journalists of the future: The BRATs of the 2012 Kuala Terengganu workshop interviewing a traditional boat maker in Pulau Duyung

You get to do some pretty awesome stuff at BRATs – like learn how to fly a wau on a beach in Kota Baru.

What is the Future News Conference?
Think of it as a global version of the BRATs – 300 aspiring journalists from around the world will be brought to Glasgow for masterclasses from some of the world’s leading journalists. And we, the BRATs, will be sending the best BRATs 2014 applicant to join in the party, thanks to the British Council. All expenses paid! The conference will be held on April 14-16.

Just like the BRATs, the Future News Conference hopes to educate a new generation of responsible, dedicated and world-changing journalists. You don’t wanna miss out on this!

Click here for more information on the Future News Conference!