should i spend so much money to go conference? - (Oct/26/2007 )

There is a conference (oversea) that I wish to attend.
My boss is willing to pay if the Univ VC, financial department and (govt) ministry approve us to use our grants's money. Now, both univ and finance department approved, but we still waiting for ministry's approval.

Now the conference commitee told us that we MUST make payment by next week. If not, they will take out our abstract and we are not allowed to present anything. The problem still stuck with ministry. We don't mind to pay first and claim from grant later (if ministry approve). but what if ministry do not approve? we couldn't claim a single cent. The registration fees, air ticket, hotel..... are very expensive. I'm not a rich student and try to struggle paying my school fees. Attending the conference is a luxury if i couldn't get to claim. But there is still possibility of getting ministry's approval. should I take the risk?

Some of my friends are going, as the conference related to their work and they only started their pHD project. But for me, I'm nearly at the end of my project. Unless I'll be remaining in the same research group for the next few years. I don't know if it is worth it for me to go.

I feel sad to think about it..........

There is a conference (oversea) that I wish to attend.
My boss is willing to pay if the Univ VC, financial department and (govt) ministry approve us to use our grants's money. Now, both univ and finance department approved, but we still waiting for ministry's approval.

Now the conference commitee told us that we MUST make payment by next week. If not, they will take out our abstract and we are not allowed to present anything. The problem still stuck with ministry. We don't mind to pay first and claim from grant later (if ministry approve). but what if ministry do not approve? we couldn't claim a single cent. The registration fees, air ticket, hotel..... are very expensive. I'm not a rich student and try to struggle paying my school fees. Attending the conference is a luxury if i couldn't get to claim. But there is still possibility of getting ministry's approval. should I take the risk?

Some of my friends are going, as the conference related to their work and they only started their pHD project. But for me, I'm nearly at the end of my project. Unless I'll be remaining in the same research group for the next few years. I don't know if it is worth it for me to go.

I feel sad to think about it..........

then again, you are near the end of your PhD and you may be able to make connections which will help determine your next step.

I am also a student from Malaysia...Malaysia Ministry is somehow hard to predict. But I think if you can expose yourself to experts is better for your future? I am also from not wealthy family and struggling to get scholarship or sponsorship anywhere to proceed to my study. But if it's worth..then just go ahead.. and IF you think it's not worth for you..THEN just keep it aside and move on.. there are still so many bright ways ahead..
only to remember.. Opputurnity knocks once...

Have you thought about applying for a travel grant from the meeting orgnizers?

What are you going to gain from attending this conference? What type of conference is it, and what will the speakers talk about?

I think do some research on what kind of conference is it. Will it be beneficial for you in term of future prospect as well as the speaker. If it is like an international conference, I will say go for it. Some of the people here are right, you never know who you will meet. But if you don't go, then you wouldn't know what will happen.

Take the risk. However, if you are really financially incompetent, then think twice.

Hi, guys....

the conference is about my project... and all the participants are researcher fr all around the world that involve in this research... it is a good exposure for those who need some update in this field.

However, i just got to know that the Ministry has approve our application of using grant money to pay for the conference and the expenses... it is a good news for me!!!

Any friends from Thailand here..... I'm coming to Bangkok on 20th Nov.....

hey guys, I'm now at Khon Kaen, Thailand....

Going back to Bangkok on 24th. wish to stay there for few days. However, all hotel fully booked...
I might end up sleeping on street!!!!!!!!!!
Arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhh..............