I was thinking about this man, Mr Koon Yew Yin from Ipoh few days ago while I was reading a book. He left me with a very bad impression in 2006/7 during his CNY lunch gathering, a quick get-together with all the students who took up his scholarship.
He wanted to inspire me to become an accountant at that time. Pharmacist is a boring job - counting tablets and could not even earn as much as an accountant. I am sure he still thinks that way.
He believed that it all come down to the money in the end, telling me that almost every CEO out there used to be an accountant. I still remember his words of wisdom : no one is stupid enough not to befriend money. You can't be happy if you have no money.
He too believes that teenagers at the age of 18 are unable to make sound decision about their futures and thus, guardians should be the one guiding them and show them the (read the ONLY) correct way aka accounting.
I can tell you that a lot of his guests invited by him disagree with him. Some are even telling me sarcastically that the whole world would be so boring if everyone is an accountant.
I am sure Mr. Koon would tell them: "So what? I have the money and I can do what I want in life. Imagine retiring at age of 40 or even earlier and look at the way I enjoyed my life, I bet you doesn't have the fat bank I have."
Well, did I took his advice? Yes and no. No, because I am not doing accounting right now and yes, I applied for accounting and even placed it higher than the microbiology government decided to offer me in the end.
Mr Koon is no doubt rich and far-sighted. Just Google his name and you will find many articles written by him; Google me and you will find nothing.
Nevertheless, I still salute him for being who he is, giving out scholarships worth a million by yearly basis and it is not bonded. You take the money and you can forget him. He doesn't care either as long as you helped other in the future. You can do better and more charity acts when you are rich.
He could be real mean and 自我 ( I don't know the correct translation but strong sense of selfness should be pretty close to it). I see Donald trump in him. I bet he doesn't have many close friends but people still stick around him because of his money. Money is the king.
I used to think that he offers full scholarships.
Recommended readings
A question of privilege? – Koon Yew Yin
The Great Malaysian brain drain – Koon Yew Yin
RM20K x 50 Scholarships Offer - Koon Yew Yin
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