Job Discussion Forums

[sushikurva]

[snollygoster]

To answer a question by a poster- A DATO is something like a "sir" in the British system of self-congratulatory circles. It is a title bestowed by a Sultan for such noble things as services to the community, and other actions that may lead to a highly recognizable public rank- like in some Asian countries, where the greatest contribution in bribery earns a high ranking official title lets say.
Having such a title opens doors and affords the title holder priveleges, such as when tenders are called for public projects etc.

On another note, I still wonder about the identity of the mentor sought out by SMRELT project manager, and wonder if its the one the project manager threatened to sue for having what the project manager considered a "homophobic" attitude. Thats pretty silly, when we consider that even being a homosexual in Malaysia is punishable by 20 years imprisonment and caning. I am sure that legal action would have gone a long way in the Malaysian Court system-yet another instance of how much the management are out of touch with their hosts, or care about local traditions and opinions.

[ffx99]

Hello all,

Seems like quite a fiery discussion going on here!

I've spend the last little while reading through all these posts after I heard about them from a colleague. Yes, I am an SMR mentor and I thought I'd weigh in on this discussion. Firstly, I'd like to put a few things out there: I'm not in senior management, middle management, or even a "team leader". I am a lowly mentor doing the ground work of this project. Secondly, I'm not being directed to this forum by superiors to post anything. I simply want to give my perspective of the ELT program being carried out by SMR: the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Yes, there are flaws and shortcomings with this project. Let me just say that upfront. I've been more than disappointed on quite a few occasions with management. But after being on this project from the inception (that statement may out me), I can say that the negatives are balanced with the positives. It's a 50/50 kind of deal so your pessimism or optimism will lead you in the direction that you would naturally go when the various things crop up.

The issue with the taxes was very disappointing. We were taxed at 26% for 6 months and that was not made known to us before setting foot in Malaysia and joining this project. That was a huge let-down upon arrival. BUT, after that 6 month period was over, I was taxed a mere 2-3% to make up for that huge percentage so I basically received that money back throughout the rest of the year. If that's shady accounting, so be it. I didn't lose any money.

The issue of isolation is something that was most definitely made known as the point of this project was to help schools, particularly rural ones, improve in their english. I know many mentors planned on getting posted in Kuala Lumpur or Penang or some other socialite place but the fact is that most placements are in rural areas. That is something folks should have prepared themselves for. We were even given our postings before ever coming to Malaysia so we could see where it is we would be living. So, in that area, it seems there no excuse to complain. BUT, the part that seemed a bit unprofessional to me was the lack of assistance that SMR gave folks to find accommodation and the like in their rural postings. They were simply told to find agents or ask their fellow teachers to help them find places to live. That's all good and well if you're familiar with Malaysia or Asia in general, but many people came straight from their home countries for this project.

In terms of what people on here are saying as "thuggish" and "predatory" management, I can't say that I've personally seen that. I've heard stories from many other disgruntled mentors but I haven't seen it. I have had a few personal disappointments with the way management handled some things for me but in the end, things worked out. No ill was ever intended. To me, it just seems on a project of this magnitude with so many personalities and uncontrollable variables, things are bound to get wild. Let's be honest, most people in the ESL world are very independent folks and usually strong willed. When you get 120 of them together, fireworks happen.

Personally, I'm quite happy with the job. I write my own schedule and I never have anyone breathing down my neck. The lack of curriculum or academic support/guidance may seem like a minus to some but it allows me to personalize my mentoring to my teachers and schools instead of carrying out a "canned" curriculum. I can create workshops and seminars strictly geared to the needs of my teachers and even their recommendations. And in my opinion, as mentors, we should be people who don't need our hands held and told what to do with our teachers.

I'm also very happy with the compensation and benefits of the job. The pay is around RM10,000/month which is about 8-10 times the salary of a normal Malaysian. We were all given BRAND NEW company cars with monthly allowances for petrol/maintenance. We're given a housing stipend, but I do agree with many that it is quite small at RM800 per month. We have health insurance as well, but it can be a bit spotty. I've used it many times without a hitch but I've heard stories of others who've hit a lot of bureaucracy with certain claims.

Most of all, I enjoy the job. The teachers I work with are eager to learn and cooperate. I think that many mentors met opposition with teachers because they entered the relationship with them as a "superior" when, truth in fact, we are colleagues with them. Attitude is the biggest factor in success in this job in my humble opinion.

I hope that this is something that resembles a balances opinion. I know that I haven't addressed everyone's concerns here but this post is long enough already! If you are a flexible person who can work in a very independent situation and are good "people person", this job may be up your alley. Qualifications are great but you must be well-rounded in your attitude if you're entering the field of mentoring because it's totally different from teaching.

I'm sure some on here will say I'm an SMR stooge, but whatever. I'm giving my honest opinion. I don't plan to come on here often but I will try and address any direct questions you may have.

[snollygoster]

ffx-well done! Yours is a well-told story.
I doubt there would be any mentor on this project who would say the satisfaction of doing the job at the sharp end with the local teachers is the problem. In fact, that part of the job is very satisfying indeed, and many great and loyal friends are made in the interface with teachers, school management, local Education Office (PPD), and Regional Education Offices (JPN), as well as warm receptions from the students.

If the management just got their act together, stopped harrassing their own employees, and kept their snout out of the trough, it would be a dream job. Its the management that is ruining a perfectly honorable and easy to pursue project.

Unfortunately, with the quality of mentors they are needing to recruit after burning off so many good ones, without direction, the wave of newbies will probably crash and burn big time. That is a great pity for such an honorable project.
Why PPDs and JPN can't employ regional mentors directly I don't know. That way they could offer the project to all schools in their areas and all levels, at a much reduced cost, and cut out the rake-off that goes into SMR's pockets.

[Expat101]

I was employed by SMR and I would like to make reference to the issue of taxes on this project. This information is for anyone considering an offer from SMR elt. I have copied and pasted from emails and this site to show their inconsistencies and deceptive practices:

Offer letter from Autumn, 2010 said this:
'All will be expected to pay local income tax which for long term contracts such as this work out at around 12% of income.'

Based on this misinformation, I accepted the offer.

At the orientation in January of 2011, we were all told that the deduction would be 20%.
28 January 2011: '�you may recall that I informed you that the tax deduction would be at 20% to cover the initial entitlement period of 182 days. We have since been instructed by the tax department that we must deduct the full 26% for this period and that only after qualifying for the 182 days will the difference be refunded. Once again, I crave your forgiveness and understanding � I knew of the requirement, but thought we could meet the demand halfway, in anticipation that most, if not all of you, would complete this period and receive a refund anyway.'

'With regards to tax we will deduct this at source. The tax laws here are a little complicated in that there is a requirement that foreigners have to stay in the country for 182 days (not necessarily continuous) within the year after their date of arrival to be eligible for the normal tax rate which is around 14%.. But if you are here less than 182 days then the tax rate is 28%. We will therefore deduct a larger amount for the first 182 days (not the full 28%) and then when you have completed this period of service we will reimburse you the difference. This is sadly necessary as from experience with other similar projects some candidates have �jumped ship� before this qualification period and left the company with a huge tax bill that they were liable to pay. Whilst I am sure you will have every intention of fulfilling your contract this is a necessary precaution that we have to take. But look on the bright side � after 182 days it will be like Christmas all over again with a nice amount of money being refunded to you. For those candidates who are already resident in Malaysia and have fulfilled the residency requirement, your tax rate will be the normal rate. (No second Christmas for you!!)'

1 February 2011
'3. Deduct 26% for income tax
4. No allowances are being credited for January.
We were never warned that we wouldn't receive our allowances for this month. It wasn't in our contract and many people were not happy about it! The surprises were never ending. Later, we were even taxed on our allowances.
6 July 2011 the Project Manager clearly said on here, 'The problem is that the tax people are very quick to take, but a bit slow in paying back.'
As you can see, they shifted from their original promise to reimburse us to leaving the task up to us to get our reimbursements back from the 'tax people.' And now in May of 2012 there is an undisclosed number of people receiving their rebates with no reference as to the amounts they've been reimbursed.

As the law tends to change with the wind in Malaysia, I would like to inform people that the tax situation could get even worse. See here:
'http://www.lawyerment.com/library/kb/Tax/Personal_Tax/1338.htm
�Non-resident Individual
Generally, a nonresident individual is liable to tax at the rate of 30% and he is not entitled to any personal relief.�

http://www.vlc.com.my/malaysia_tax_system.html#Individual%20Taxation

So my questions would be:

How much of my income and allowances will be deducted for taxes? Will it be 26%, 28% or as high as 30% (with penalties and interest)?

I'm sure that SMR elt would hate to see their mentors being charged penalties and interest, so why not be on the safe side and deduct the full 30%?

But wait! Let's say you don't stay for the full 182 days. Given this information:
�An employee on a short-term visit to Malaysia enjoys tax exemption in respect of his income from an employment exercised in Malaysia when his presence does not exceed 60 days in a calendar year.�

Is it possible that you could be tax exempt of you didn't stay for the full 60 days? And if SMR deducted the taxes, who would be responsible for the reimbursement? It's something you have to find out and GET IT IN WRITING!

FYI, I was deducted over 26.6%!

[Expat101]

I noticed that SMR Elt is hiring again and if you are considering an offer from them, you should not only consider the tax issue, but others serious issues as well.

At the beginning of this project, we were given at least 4,000RM as a settling-in allowance as this was in our contracts. However, a settling in allowance is obviously not being offered to new mentors. Don't expect anyone to feel sorry for you because you didn't get it and they did.

By the way, it's very expensive to settle in in Malaysia (especially KL) and you'll definitely need at least 4,000RM for the rental deposit and first month's rent. I know mentors assigned to KL who had to settle for studio apartments near their clusters and they were paying over 2,000RM per month. Bear in mind that our housing allowance was only about 800RM and this will not even get you a run-down shoe box in most parts of KL. Be careful about where you are assigned!

At orientation, we were told, 'there are no traffic jams in KL' and that we should look for housing well outside of the city limits. Of course there are plenty of traffic jams in KL and long commutes can be pretty treacherous as well as expensive for petrol and auto check-ups every 1000km. The check-ups are expensive, especially if you do a lot of driving. The 'RM350 as a gasoline and car maintenance allowance' may not even come close to covering your actual expenses.

The worst part about the cars has to be the 'insurance.' When we were given our cars, we were never given any insurance cards or told what was covered. Later, we learned that �Staff members are responsible for paying the excess on any car insurance claims for accidents that may occur.' So that means if you have any accidents (and many people did) regardless of whether or not it's your fault you pay for the damage 100%! Why? Because the insurance doesn't cover accidents! What's the point, right? Drive carefully and have someone watch your car in the parking lot! Hit and runs are not uncommon in Malaysia!

[Expat101]

Okay, you've read everything here so far and you're still considering the offer from SMR, then keep reading!
Our contract said this:
�Your airfare will be reimbursed on your arrival.�
In fact, it was not reimbursed upon arrival and they didn't tell us when it would be reimbursed. It wasn't until about two weeks later after we were already sent out into the field to look for housing that we got our reimbursements. Many were worried about this (until we got paid).

And this:
'SMR will provide each trainer with a handphone which may be used to access the internet�
In fact, we were given the cheapest Samsung handphone on the market and there was no possible way to access the internet from them. The quality was oftentimes so bad, you couldn't properly hear people on the other end. We were given aircards to use with our laptops, but if you were in a remote area, they didn't work at all.

If being employed on a proper working visa is important to you, please be advised that we were NOT working on proper work visas.

The SMR Project Manager told us:
�We are currently researching all the ins and outs of the immigration requirements and whilst many of you will just simply come on a tourist visa that we will convert on arrival�

'There have been a number of enquiries regarding the immigration letter from the Malaysian Government which allows you to enter the country on a single ticket and obtain a tourist visa. L___ has already sent individual copies of the letter to many of you, particularly those from outside of the British Commonwealth who may have difficulties with visas and travel to Malaysia. All of you will receive from L___ a scanned copy of this letter that you can print out and bring with you.

Please do NOT produce this document unless you are asked to do so by the immigration authorities. If when you present your passport at the immigration department they wave you through and stamp a tourist visa in your passport, then say thank you and walk out. I repeat, do NOT show this letter, unless you are questioned and asked why you only have a single ticket and what is your purpose for coming to Malaysia. We are not trying to be secretive or trying to bypass the system, but if you just present this copy of the letter directly to the immigration officer, they may be extremely curious and delay your entry as they investigate the origin of the letter.'

You should know that we had our passports and our driver's licenses taken from us on the first day of orientation. Most of us didn't get these documents back until months after we began the project. So we were driving around without a passport or a DL or proof of insurance AND we were working illegally on tourist visas. Our only saving grace was this magic letter from SMR.

[Expat101]

If having good and 'full' medical insurance is important to you, you need to know a few things. Firstly, the insurer is AIA and the plan is very spotty at best. I would be happy to send you an attachment to show how low the percentages of coverage they provide (e.g. 25% for fractures to the 'Arm, Elbow, Wrist or Ribs'). Secondly, 'PRE EXISTING conditions are not covered,' so don't even think about coming if you have one.

It's interesting that SMR claims this on their new advertisement for more mentors, 'We regret that we are unable to employ applicants who are aged over 60. This is purely because we are not able to arrange medical insurance for foreigners above this age.�

It said this on our insurance handbook from AIA:
'Age Eligibility :- 16 years old to 64 years old ( renewal up to age 70 )'

There were people employed on this project who were several years past the age of 60. Did SMR change their insurer?

When we signed up for our policies, we were firmly told to put SMR on the form as the beneficiaries on the life insurance. In other words, if you die, SMR gets to collect and not your family. We all thought it was 'dodgy.' What kind of employer demands something like this?!

[Expat101]

Some comments from mentors on the project (to give you an idea of what the 'whingers' have to say):

�Anyone else have an entire school not show up to the workshop?
Nothing to do with needing a letter. Not to mention the 'cough cough' sick people and the ones who excused themselves because they were busy, tired etc�

�Back to the coal face today- Time to get a little more "persuasive" with the few dissenters. Iron fist in a velvet glove.�
'Getting big time feed back from teachers that "the brass" come to observe, and have only negative things to say. Maybe that is why they welcome me, because if I have something negative to say, I always firdst highlight what was good (when there is something), before making suggestions about improvement. Seems the "brass" only attack the parts they see as bad and say noting about what went well. Teachers ask me if we are going to "educate" the brass about the power of a little praise. Off the record, the "brass" tell me how proud they are of their teachers, but admit they never tell them so. Maybe a two way education exercise for us?�


�Question "floating around". Why don't mentors spend 40 hrs a week in schools as thats what they are paid for?"- Sure-when the teachers all go away or to other duties about mid day, we could just sit there and twiddle our thumbs until 8 hours is up each day-and we could get the maid to do the research, write workshops, collate and get materials ready for teachers, etc. Suits me! Wouldn't have forms forms forms to worry about, and we could sit around in the canteen for hours at a time too.�

�JUst given feedback to a teacher who barely speaks English (she is a non-optionist). I don't think she understood a word I was saying (and I barely understood a word she was saying), but it was an awful lesson. An hour spent making three bookmarks with not one word of English spoken by the students, not new vocabulary...No English. I tried to explain that Language Arts is still about using English, but I don't think she got it. Any tips for this kind of situation?

�working with a temporary teacher today who started in January and hasnt been paid yet. She says she might get something after 3 or 4 months, and this is common practice. She is struggling to cope with Year 1 classes of 40 and also to pay bills. She says she doesn't get any travel allowance to attend workshops and cant afford a taxi. What can you say to that?�

�I have a group of non-optionist teachers in a large, overcrowded urban national school who say that they are so stressed they want to resign. Unfortunately, they see me as only adding to their stress, (can you imagine?) and are emploring me to "observe" them not more than once every three weeks, in order to help reduce their stress levels. Discipline in the school is poor, weak classes unruly, and little (if anything) seems to get taught in Years 1 and 2 English classrooms. Now there's a challenge......

You should know what the realities of the project are BEFORE getting yourself involved.

[Kim Ill Mick]

As suggested by SMR ELT on this forum, I contacted 3 different mentors for comment-mentors currently working on this project, as I was concerned we are seeing only one side of the story.
Sadly, that one side was well represented with the three I did contact-tales of rip-offs, cheating, deception and poor treatment and broken promises.

Apparently there was recently a somewhat "secret" meeting with JPN and PPD (area and regional Education Officers). Secret- as no mentors were allowed to attend despite some of them being invited by their PPD or JPN officers.
SMR reported a huge success at that conference, but as it was secret, they did not report some of the challenges they were put through.

It seems at that "conference" various generous payments for non-existent travel were paid out to these government officers. Dare we call this a "bribe" to curry positive favour towards SMRs inadequacies and poor performance to date?

Sadly, it seems the "whingers" have the floor in this case, and SMR ELTs suggestion was quite a "write your own death warrant" invitation.
Please, oh please SMR, don't try to tell me that these were the only SMR employees who must be disappointed with their lot. It just won't wash any more.-Sorry, but I side with the "whingers".

Maybe you would like to comment about the ridiculous Language Aptitude Test you folk stole from the British Council and are trying to sell to your mentors as a "home grown" product.
What happened to originality? Or truth for that matter? Whats wrong with saying "this thing from somewhere else seems to fit just what we need".
Seems some of your staunch supporters are finally turning their backs SMR. Makes one wonder who is at fault-Time to wake up and see the problem is with SMR-not with the mentors- Lets see-120 to start- 70 leave- Thats 190 not happy, less maybe 10 who seem too stupid to know-so 180 people you have p..sed off in such a short time.

If YOU are considering joining this cowboy outfit, maybe you should consider other options that are at least honest.

[KayuJati]

[Expat101]

KayuJati said, 'I wouldn't make this issue into a conspiracy just yet.' No, it's not a 'conspiracy' that there are mentors and team leaders working on this project (or have worked on this project), who started in January of 2011 when they were past the age of 60. At that time, SMR seemed to have no problems getting them work permits and health insurance. So, what changed? It's not a question of conspiracy, but just in inquiry. If there's been no change to their insurance provider, it just shows a lack of transparency on the part of SMR and something to be wary of when signing a contract with them. If they did change their insurance provider, did they dismiss their 'old' mentors and 'team leaders' for dubious reasons? Or did they keep them employed, but failed to provide them insurance? If this is the case, then how can they advertise as they do? These are just questions.

[KayuJati]

[SMR ELT]

To be frank, I am really quite surprised at the venom and total negativity, particularly of expat101. If it is such a bad job and the company is so terrible, why are you still working with them? I sometimes wonder if the person you are describing is really me, because I didn't knowI had the ability to be so devious and underhand as you describe, and yet I seem to be able to manifest this side of my character daily. Maybe there is a dark side to me!!!! There are obviiously issues that people have and there have been numerous incidents that many mentors have no idea actually what happened, and for the sake of not wishing to embarrass people I prefer to keep it that way.

For potential applicants to the job I can only suggest you make your own decisions regarding the working conditions. Speak to me on Skype, talk with current mentors, but please do not base your decision solely on the rantings of a disgruntled individual who seems to be totally at odds with the world.

[Kim Ill Mick]

SMR said "I didn't know I had the ability to be so devious and underhand".
I guess its so automatic that you didnt know.
And
"there have been numerous incidents that many mentors have no idea actually what happened"- Yes- that was something that two of the three mentors I contacted said- The management practice seems to be very much to isolate mentors and intimidate them so the others dont know what is happening to their colleagues. Isnt it good that a few brave souls have decided to speak out, and highlight this malicious business practice?
And
"talk with current mentors" I have- and the results I got were rather negative- Maybe another enquirer will score a mentor or two who is NOT negative. Good luck.
And
"rantings of a disgruntled individual who seems to be totally at odds with the world."
Thats a rather narrow view of the opinions of one of your employees-as previously stated by you that there will always be whingers etc, so anyone with an opinion that you dont agree with must be "a disgruntled individual who seems to be totally at odds with the world"
From postings here it seems there are an unusually high proportions of "disgruntled individuals who seem totally at odds with the world".

I think I am very pleased I have never been tempted to join the ranks of the SMR cheer squad, as I would probably be one of the "disgrunteled individiuals at odds with the world". I value my sanity more than that, and I suggest those considering joinig the cheer squad- keep your sanity and give it a miss.