Note: Applications for the StudyNext Smartphone Sabbatical Challenge are closed.
It’s becoming more widely recognised that smartphones can cause harm. Since they started making their way into the hands of the general public, depression and anxiety rates have skyrocketed, increasing by more than 50 per cent. Some experts even refer to smartphones as ‘experience blockers,’ and considering Malaysians are the third most-addicted to their smartphones in the world, it’s an indicator that they are missing out on numerous life experiences.
At StudyNext, we believe that—while smartphones can be great learning tools—there’s so much more to learn through experiencing our physical world and being present in the moment with our surroundings. With that, we’re looking for someone to take a Smartphone Sabbatical and leave their smartphone behind for a full week.
Our chosen candidate will lock up their smartphone for seven days and live their life without social media and other apps at their fingertips. They’ll still have access to a phone so they can communicate with their loved ones—but it will be nothing more than a basic flip phone with no apps or internet access, otherwise known as a ‘dumbphone.’
If they can hack it the entire time without breaking out their smartphone, the candidate will receive RM10,000! That’s more than enough to buy a brand new smartphone once the challenge is done, unless they decide to get rid of their smartphone altogether and join the dumphone boom that’s taking place. In any case, that’s an extra RM10,000 to spend on whatever they like, such as school, travel, shopping, or perhaps more new experiences inspired by your detox.
Who we’re looking for
We are looking for someone who wants to disconnect from their smartphone. Whether they feel addicted to checking apps every few minutes and want to slow down, or they already spend little time on their smartphone and are ready to go back to the basics, our ideal candidate is someone who is willing and ready to digitally disconnect and, in turn, plug into the real world. They’re prepared to completely detox from their smartphone, experience the world around them for seven days and share their thoughts about the week. Their application will give us a glimpse into their current day-to-day experience with their smartphone and why they want to detach from it temporarily. Most importantly, they’ll approach their application with enthusiasm, showing us that they’re both ready and excited to take on the challenge.
Additional requirements:
- At least 18 years of age
- Must be a citizen or permanent resident of Malaysia
What you’ll be doing
During this Smartphone Sabbatical, the chosen candidate will detach themselves from the apps and constant notifications of their smartphone. Their goal is to be more present in the world around them rather than scrolling through TikTok for hours on end or checking their email every time they get a notification. They will have to put their smartphone in a lockbox and use a dumbphone (i.e. a flip phone) for seven days, after which they’ll share their experience.
What they do with their time throughout the week is up to them, they’ll just have to do it without a smartphone. That means no more checking Instagram while waiting in line at the supermarket, messaging friends via WhatsApp, or looking up directions on Google Maps. It sounds simple, but it may prove to be a real challenge when you’ve grown accustomed to having information so easily accessible.
Once the candidate has completed the challenge of using only a dumbphone for the week, they’ll share thoughts and insights with a representative from StudyNext, detailing what they did throughout the challenge, what was difficult, what was easy and how they feel overall after their smartphone sabbatical.
What you’ll get
The person chosen to take this Smartphone Sabbatical will receive RM10,000 for completing the smartphone sabbatical. In addition, they’ll also receive:
- A dumbphone
- A lockbox to put their smartphone in for the week
- Two books of their choosing (shipped from Amazon)
- RM500 to spend on activities throughout the week
Are you interested in being considered to take our Smartphone Sabbatical and getting paid for it? Then fill out the application here.
FAQ
How do I know if my application was received?
Please check your email for your submission confirmation. If you don’t see it, check your spam folder.
How do I submit or attach additional information?
We do not accept additional attachments outside of the video option on the submission form. We apologise for any inconvenience.
How will I know if I have been selected?
The successful applicant will be notified by email and/or letter within 14 business days of the closing date. If the selected applicant cannot be contacted or does not claim the smartphone sabbatical pack within five days of notification, we reserve the right to select a replacement applicant to participate in the Smartphone Sabbatical.
The submission form isn’t working. What should I do?
Fill in all of the required fields.
- Write at least 300 characters (40-80 words) on why you’re the perfect fit for this job. Emojis are acceptable, but please omit emojis from your answer if you continue to face technical issues.
- Please only enter numbers into the phone number field; e.g. 8010001919 instead of 801-000-1919.
- Try refreshing your screen if the application form doesn’t load.
- If you are on a mobile device, consider using a laptop or computer to access the application form.
- If you continue to encounter problems, please reach out via email at studynextmalaysia@gmail.com.
Where is the form and how do I apply?
To apply, please fill out the submission form.
When is the deadline?
The deadline to submit your application is 11:59pm 12 July, 2024.
I live outside of Malaysia. Can I still apply?
Unfortunately, our challenge is open to residents of Malaysia only.
Can I submit on behalf of a minor?
Sadly, no. A parent or guardian cannot submit an application for a minor. All applicants must be at least 18 years old.
I’m a member of the media and would like to speak to a StudyNext representative. Who should I contact?
If you’re a journalist looking for more information, please email studynextmalaysia@gmail.com.
Terms and conditions
The StudyNext Smartphone Sabbatical Challenge – Terms and Conditions
StudyNext. The StudyNext Smartphone Sabbatical Challenge (Challenge) is being organised and run by Keypath Education Malaysia Sdn Bhd, trading as ‘StudyNext’ (StudyNext).
Terms of Challenge. All applications for, and participation in, the Challenge will be subject to these Terms and Conditions (Terms), the terms of StudyNext’s Privacy Policy and such other terms as are notified by StudyNext from time to time at its sole discretion. A failure to comply with any of the terms of the Challenge may lead to disqualification by StudyNext.
Eligibility. Applicants for participation in the Challenge must be:
- individual citizens of Malaysia or legal residents of Malaysia; aged 18 years and over; and
- currently using a smartphone as their primary device
- StudyNext reserves the right to request evidence confirming an applicant’s eligibility
Employees of StudyNext or its related entities, advertising agencies, contractors and suppliers, their spouses, partners or members of their immediate family are not eligible for participation in the Challenge.
Applications. Applicants will be required to submit:
- A video submission telling us about yourself and why you're perfect for the job (not required, but highly encouraged)
- A written application using this Google Form
There is no entry fee to apply for the Challenge.
Joint applications and applications on behalf of another person will not be accepted.
Timeline. Applications for participation in the Challenge will open at 12:01am on 12 June 2024, and close at 11:59pm on 12 July 2024. Applications received after 12:00am on 13 July 2024 will not be considered.
The successful applicant chosen by the StudyNext panel to participate in the Challenge will be notified by StudyNext on or before 12 August 2024.
Selection Panel. A panel of StudyNext representatives will select the application that, in the opinion of the panel, best satisfies the Challenge entry requirements and selection criteria, including but not limited to originality and creativity.
The decision of the StudyNext panel is final and binding. No correspondence or appeal will be entered into. StudyNext reserves the right to reject any application which is incomplete or does not comply with these Terms without further notice to the applicant.
Successful Applicant. The successful applicant’s information will be validated by the StudyNext panel to ensure compliance with these Terms. In the event that the successful applicant cannot be contacted or does not successfully complete the verification within 5 days of notification, that applicant may be disqualified by StudyNext and another applicant may be substituted by the panel, based on the selection criteria.
Challenge. The successful applicant who is selected to participate in the Challenge will be sent:
- 1 lockbox
- 1 dumbphone
- 2 books of their choosing
- RM500 to spend on activities with family and friends
- A before and after survey
The above items are provided on an ‘as is’ basis, and are not transferable, refundable or exchangeable in any other form for whatever reason. StudyNext reserves the right to substitute any item above with an item of similar value, at any time. StudyNext will not be liable for non-receipt of the items above or damages caused during the delivery process.
The successful applicant will be required to secure their smartphone in the lockbox for a period of 7 days, and use only the dumbphone provided during this time. On confirmation of successful completion of the Challenge, StudyNext will pay the successful applicant RM10,000.
The successful applicant may be required to contribute content to the StudyNext website and social media accounts. This will be subject to consent from the successful applicant and approval by StudyNext. The successful applicant must not post any content in relation to the Challenge, on social media or elsewhere, without the prior approval of StudyNext.
The successful applicant hereby assigns to StudyNext all rights in any photos, videos, information and other material received by StudyNext from the successful applicant, in their application as well as during and after the Challenge, for advertising, marketing and communication purposes, including use on StudyNext’s website and social media pages, without further compensation to the successful applicant, or any other person or entity.
The successful applicant must not grant any interviews or discuss with any member of the press or other media the applicant’s participation in the Challenge, without first notifying and obtaining the prior written consent of StudyNext.
Warranty. By submitting an application, each applicant warrants that:
- the information provided in the application is true, complete and not misleading;
- the applicant is aged 18 years or older as at 12 June 2024, being the date the Challenge opens; the applicant agrees to be bound by these Terms;
- the applicant consents to the use and disclosure by StudyNext of their name, photograph, likeness and the content of their application and before and after survey if the applicant is selected to participate in the Challenge;
- all content or material submitted by the applicant to StudyNext is the applicant’s own original work;
- no content or material submitted by the applicant to StudyNext infringes on the rights of a third party, including intellectual property rights;
- each individual who features in any content or material submitted by an applicant to StudyNext has given consent for their image to be used in connection with the Challenge and in accordance with these Terms. Where any content or material submitted by an applicant to StudyNext features an individual who is aged less than 18 years, the applicant warrants that it has the consent of the parent or guardian of that individual; and
- no content or material submitted by the applicant to StudyNext will contain any defamatory or libellous statements, illegal material or material that may contravene the laws of Malaysia, or material likely to tarnish StudyNext’s image or reputation.
Disclaimer. The successful applicant expressly acknowledges and agrees that StudyNext, its related entities and their respective officers, employees and agents will not be liable for any claim, liability, damages, cost, loss or expense whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with the successful applicant’s participation in the Challenge.
Taxation. The successful applicant is responsible for any and all taxes payable as a result of the successful applicant’s participation in the Challenge, if applicable. Any tax filing obligations or tax payments due as a result of the successful applicant’s participation in the Challenge remain the sole responsibility of the successful applicant. It is the responsibility of each applicant to seek independent advice on the possible implications their participation in the Challenge (if selected) may have on their own financial situation.
No liability. StudyNext reserves the right, without any liability on its part whatsoever, to cancel, postpone, suspend or in any other way terminate the Challenge at any time without prior notice, due to events beyond its reasonable control. StudyNext will not be liable for any lost, incomplete or corrupted applications, or applications that are not received by StudyNext due to a technical error or otherwise.
Personal Data. All personal data collected by StudyNext in relation to the Challenge will be handled in accordance with StudyNext’s Privacy Policy. Applicants accept and agree that any personal data provided to StudyNext in accordance with these Terms may be transferred to StudyNext’s computer systems worldwide including in North America and Australia, for the purposes of administering the Challenge. Any questions relating to StudyNext’s collection, use and disclosure of personal data, should be directed to cst@keypathedu.com.
No Partnership. The successful applicant acknowledges that the Challenge does not create any agency, partnership, joint venture, or employee-employer relationship between the successful applicant and StudyNext.
Other terms. In the event of any inconsistency between these Terms and any advertising, publicity and other materials relating to or in connection with the Challenge, these Terms will prevail.
Governing Law. These Terms will be governed by the laws of Malaysia, and applicants submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Malaysia with respect to any dispute arising out of or in connection with the Challenge. If any provision of these Terms becomes or is declared in whole or in part to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever, that provision will be severed to the extent of the illegality, invalidity or unenforceability, and the validity and enforceability of the remainder of the Terms will not be affected.