Running Head: CHARACTER ASSESSMENT OF GIFTED AND TALENTED LEARNERS: AN 7 th International Conference on Language, Education, and Innovation 20 th – 21 st May, 2017 4 7 ICLEI 2017-004 Abu Yazid Abu Bakar Character Assessment of Gifted and Talented Learners: An Initial Study Abu Yazid Abu Bakar*, Salleh Amat Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia *Corresponding Author: yazid3338@ukm.edu.my ABSTRACT This initial study is conducted with purpose to assess the character of Malaysian gifted and talented learners. The main objective of the study is to gather baseline data that could be used to develop self-profile of this population of learners, which could be utilized to predict their future success and holistic wellbeing. Specifically, the research examines the respondents’ character in the cognitive, emotional, physical, leadership, spiritual, and citizenship domains. A total number of 194 students from Pusat PERMATApintar™ Negara, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia – a ‘living laboratory’ school established in 2011 to spearhead the gifted and talented education paradigm of the nation – were purposively sampled as the research’s respondents. A set of questionnaires consisted of 72 items (5-point Likert scale) was administered to the respondents in a duration of 60 minutes. Data was descriptively analysed using the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 21.0. Overall findings show that the respondents possessed satisfactory character traits in all domains (overall mean value was 3.86, and independent mean value was ranging from 3.63 to 4.13). The findings of this research works provide useful information that could help Pusat PERMATApintar™ Negara and other stakeholders of Malaysian gifted and talented education, in developing effective character building programme as well as the support system (in terms of psychoeducational programmes and counselling services) to holistically mould the students’ personality and wellbeing. Keywords: Character assessment, case study, gifted and talented, Malaysian education Introduction The strength in self-esteem would become the catalyst in generating a nation’s quality generation. Youth personality of today would shape the future of the country. Malaysia require a generation of successors who possess excellent self-esteem to ensure the nation’s development agenda would continue to grow. Self-esteem in general refers to unique and special quality in individuals in many aspects and it includes; overall values, ritual, language, culture, religion and many others. The special characteristics are authentic and it becomes the foundation in nurturing character, personality and functions as the identity of a person or a nation, in which the traits are reflected in the form of knowledge, behaviour, emotion, values and belief (Mohd Yusof Othman et al., 2012). Individual’s self-esteem involves one’s character, good. Authentic and honest behaviour, manifested through one’s way of thinking, action and self-projection (Teo Kok Seong, 2013). These behaviours are demonstrated in excellent work culture (quality and meticulous), humble or respectful, obedient, good personality, helpful, and high integrity. Self-esteem is not something to find and be found, but must be developed through social interaction of each individual. Thus, self-esteem can be conceptualised as personal values outlined by one’s belief, faith, character, language, culture and patriotism reflected through consistent behaviour. In short, an individual with self-esteem