Relaxation Does Not Mean Complacency – Stay Prepared

After the COVID-19 pandemic, the hidden wounds of the world have gradually been exposed. The global economy, human thinking, and political directions have all become increasingly extreme. Such polarisation is not easy for the younger generation to accept or adapt to. Society today is also becoming more complex, and many university graduates find it difficult to cope with real-life challenges. Perhaps this is a test placed upon humanity. While we cannot avoid social change, we must learn to face reality with a healthy and balanced mindset.

We have no power to stop the Earth from spinning, but the side effects of this rapid rotation are becoming more visible than ever. Inflation, rapid technological advancement, and the decline of moral values are among the most obvious consequences. These developments have caused students who rely solely on memorising textbooks to feel confused when they step into real society. Therefore, family education and school curriculum today must teach students how to be inclusive, adaptable, and realistic in facing the world. If a nation aspires to become a developed country, the Ministry of Education must design curricula that are closer to real social conditions. Today’s students are, after all, the future pillars of society.

Many young people today struggle to face reality. The word “stress” is constantly on their lips, repeated day after day. This reflects a lack of sufficient guidance from family education, while teachers and schools often focus too much on academic results and overlook the development of social and life skills. Even achieving full marks or straight As does not guarantee that one can easily adapt to society. These circumstances have led some young people to give up on their careers and lose the motivation to improve themselves. This is also one of the reasons why society appears increasingly “loose”.

To address these issues, we must understand the real world through proper planning and structured thinking. First, both students and teachers should learn to question themselves: Are the lessons taught today sufficient to face society? Are there gaps in knowledge or skills that need to be filled? In many ordinary families, parents often lack awareness of nurturing their children’s emotional intelligence and judgement. This weakness has allowed scam syndicates to grow in Malaysia, treating the country as an ideal environment for exploitation.

A certain degree of relaxation is necessary in a modern society that respects human rights, but excessive looseness must be avoided. The fighting spirit of today’s youth may not match the perseverance and hard work of the younger generation in the 1950s and 1960s. Nevertheless, I believe we must not abandon the value of diligence and resilience. Survival skills and common sense are also subject to “inflation”. With the rise of AI today, and even more advanced AI in the future, many human skills will gradually be replaced.

The recent widely discussed fire incident in Hong Kong made me realise that many elderly people there struggle to live independently, yet residents are required by the government to pay between HKD160,000 to HKD180,000 for mandatory building renovations. In my view, this is a heavy burden for ordinary citizens. In comparison, it is reassuring that the Malaysian government does not impose such housing obligations. Malaysia continues to uphold permanent or 99-year land titles and does not mandate rebuilding after 30 years. This is one of the strengths of Malaysia’s governance.

Young people today must actively strive for self-improvement and frequently ask themselves, “Why need you?” Discovering own value is essential, but moral principles must never be ignored. Ethics must always be placed above personal interests. If these two principles are upheld, one can more easily blend into society with a healthy state of mind. Every individual and every citizen has a mission and a sense of responsibility. Do not allow dark clouds to block the white ones. If Malaysian youth can uphold these values, they will be better equipped to lead the nation towards a future that is both developed and dignified. 

Malaysia’s current emphasis on human rights policies has indeed brought comfort to the people, but this does not mean that society can afford to become overly complacent. As Malaysians, we must cultivate healthy thinking and commit to lifelong learning in order to face future technological developments. We must remember that while we cannot stop the progress of technology, we must also ensure that we are not the ones left behind. With consistent and balanced effort, we can move towards a better future, and Malaysia’s tomorrow will surely be brighter.

Translated from original article source: