SUBANG JAYA: The Government wants to identify more successful Malaysians to serve as role models for the younger generation, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
The life stories of Malaysians who have made it in life through hard work and after overcoming many obstacles would inspire the young to strive for success, he said.
“The common ingredients in their recipe for success include strength of character and their passion to succeed,” said Najib at the launch of the 1MYIKON television programme.
The 13-episode programme, which is set to air later this month on RTM, showcases Malaysian icons in various fields such as business, sports and politics.
The icons include former Finance Minister Tun Daim Zainuddin, former International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, shoe designer Datuk Jimmy Choo, AirAsia group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Berjaya Corp Bhd founder Tan Sri Vincent Tan, film producer Datuk Yusof Haslam and track queen Datuk Marina Chin.
Exposing the country’s younger generation to these success stories, said Najib, would prepare them to become future leaders.
“Hopefully through programmes like this, more Malaysians can be inspired to follow the paths set out by our trailblazers,” he said, adding that Malaysia should be seen as a land of opportunity for those willing to work hard.
“Regardless of our socio-economic background, success awaits so long as we have the will but if we do not, then we will squander opportunities even when they are handed to us,” said Najib.
Fernandes said the programme enabled Malaysians to believe that they could achieve what they wanted.
“Hopefully, we can inspire kids to want to go out there and succeed in life when they grow up,” he said.
Choo said that success in life required the practice of proper values – hard work, humility, always trying and not taking no for an answer.
The programme is produced by Marhaen Productions Sdn Bhd, whose chairman is former Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
-thestar
