ASTRO Challenge 2010

We were handpicked by Limkokwing to attend the ASTRO Challenge that took place just this week. By "we", I mean me, Anne, Kar Woon and Leeza (yeah, our FTV group for the last two semesters - I also wonder how we're always stuck together =p)

Apparently they selected us according to our CGPA. Does that mean we're the top students? Hohoho... *John is erchui-ing* Because only our group was picked from BA Mass Comm! And Geraldine too. The rest of the participants were from other faculties and the Limkokwing degrees.

Anne goofing around at lunch

Anyway, you might be wondering what this "ASTRO Challenge" is all about. I was too, but when I Googled it nothing turned up in my search. So I'm writing this partly as a resource for future participants who might wish to know more about it before attending the event, because we were sure as heck clueless, and our Limkokwing lecturers didn't reveal much either.

The ASTRO Challenge is basically organized by the HR department together with an external recruitment cum training consultancy to find and recruit young talent. Those who pass the "test" earn an internship that could eventually lead to a permanent job with ASTRO. They are running this activity with several universities and I think Limkokwing was the second batch after UITM.

Its a two-day program that takes place at the All Asia Broadcast Centre (AABC), Astro's headquarters and main broadcast station. On the first day we had, of course, a tour of the facilities! That means we got to see the Master Control Room, the AMP radio studios (home of Mix, Hitz, My, Light and various other FM stations) and even the call center division. That was pretty cool la since even their own employees don't get full access around ASTRO like we did.

We were then put into groups and assigned various tasks such as a memory and a strategy game. The latter was rather like monopoly as we had to cross this map while balancing our finances, terrorist attacks, the weather and many other obstacles! These were designed to test our leadership skills and how fast we think on our feet. They were closely observing the contribution of each and every individual.

The "big" challenge of the day, however, was to create a product or service for ASTRO based on a given brief. We essentially had one night to brainstorm, prepare the slides and present it to a panel of judges (head of departments at ASTRO) the next morning. Prizes would be awarded to the team with the best thought-out idea.

Guess what, we didn't win! Leeza and Anne were in my group. I thought Kar Woon's group should've won, but they didn't either. But everyone got goodie bags anyway. We were also asked to do a personality profile test and group profile test. The personality test was the best thing because Anne, Leez, KW, and I discovered that each of us completed the four personality types - which is probably why we work well as a group!

All in all, it was a fascinating two days and I've certainly learnt a lot about myself and made new friends as well. Good luck to future participants of the ASTRO Challenge!