Disclaimer: In Real Life is a platform for everyday people to share their experiences and voices. All articles are personal stories and do not necessarily echo In Real Life’s sentiments.
The world we live in currently is super competitive and fast-paced, with every one of us striving to achieve greatness and financial freedom.
This article spotlights 5 homegrown Malaysians who managed to hit the ground running at an impressively young age, in hopes that it inspires more locals out there to pursue their utmost potential.
1. Melvin Poh
Founder of Empirics Asia
Pursue something that makes you happy relentlessly
“Our lives are finite. Yet we often delude ourselves otherwise and believe we have all the time in the world. We end up in mediocre careers, stalled from pursuing our dreams and ultimately, sell ourselves short. As the years go by, we realise we are unhappy with a life never truly lived. Yet we don’t realise that it is exactly because our time is precious that we naturally must make our living a success.
“Success is finding something you love to pursue in your life. Ask yourself what it is that makes you happy, that interests you, that keeps you up; what would you do with your time if you knew you could not fail. Pursue that thing relentlessly. Make it your life’s work and purpose.
“Obstacles may exist, people may judge, things may be hard but by embracing your passion to live, you may come to find that the destination may not matter as much as the experience of actually pursuing a successful living. And beautifully, more often than not, you may end up just becoming successful in every regard.”
2. Afiq Nazari
CEO & MD of several holding companies focused on food security and healthcare
Valuing the people who work for you
“To me it’s all about valuing your people or your network. Listen to what they have to say, respect their views, and work together as a team.
“It’s like building a squad where everyone’s got each other’s back, leading to better chances of winning together. Always engage with the right question in mind; how can I give values to him?”
3. Chris Hong
Co-founder and CEO of INFLUASIA
Learn everything yourself because no one else has as much vested interest in the business than you yourself.
“Always remember that no one else is going to help you, so you have to take the initiative to do everything with 120% commitment.
“Embrace the journey to success with a spirit of independence and unwavering dedication. Understand that your path is uniquely yours, and while others may offer guidance, the responsibility to act and persevere lies solely with you. Commit wholeheartedly to your goals, recognizing that your personal efforts and determination are the key drivers of your success. True achievement stems from self-reliance and a committed approach to every endeavor.”
4. Annice Lyn
Photojournalist and Co-Founder of Women Photographers Malaysia
Get your fundamentals right: Attitude, behavior and character
“When pursuing success, set your intentions right; recognition is great, but it shouldn’t be the goal. Don’t aim to be a “juara kampung”; learn to excel even when you’re the last on the world stage.
“From afar, people admire talent, but up close, what counts most is character. Impress with your skills, but earn trust by standing for something greater. As you navigate the long haul, ensure your basic fundamental values and ABCs are right: Attitude, Behavior, and Character. Work hard towards them in all you do. The rest will fall into place.”
5. Kevin Wu
CEO of Palatine Hill
Don’t give up and face hurdles head-on
“In the world of business, sticking it out through thick and thin is the real key to success. Facing challenges head-on and not giving up when things get tough is crucial. Learn from mistakes, adapt, and keep pushing forward.
“Success isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon, demanding patience and persistence. Celebrate the small victories—they add up. Stay laser-focused on your goals, be flexible in your approach, and enjoy the journey. Success isn’t just a destination; it’s a result of consistent effort and unwavering commitment. Keep it simple, stay resilient, and success will follow.”
What tips for success helped you grow?
Submit your story to this Google form or email us at hello@inreallife.my and you may be featured on In Real Life Malaysia.
Read also: 5 Malaysian Motivational Speakers To Learn From
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