“No matter what, you must get a degree — or you’ll never survive in life.” That’s something many of us grew up hearing from our parents. For years, Malaysians were told that a university degree was the golden ticket to success. Get your degree before work that was the plan. Anything else? “Problematic .” Some parents even look down on people who work without a degree, as if it’s some kind of life failure.
But in 2025, that mindset is starting to shift — especially among Gen Z.
From freelancers and content creators to entrepreneurs and coders, more Malaysian youth are proving that success isn’t only defined by scrolls and certificates. Today, it’s possible to build a career based on skills, creativity, and digital hustle — even without ever stepping into a lecture hall.
So… is a degree still necessary? Or are we just stuck in a mindset from the past?
While the answer is there are still plenty of great jobs out there that don’t require a university degree — just look at influencers and content creators. Whether or not you need a degree to succeed really depends on the kind of career you’re aiming for.
Take Malaysian YouTuber, actor, and singer Tomato Odd (@TomatoOdd) as an example. He’s carved out a unique identity online by creating content that ranges from personal vlogs and festive celebrations to major life moments and humorous skits.
While the answer is there are still plenty of great jobs out there that don’t require a university degree — just look at influencers and content creators. Whether or not you need a degree to succeed really depends on the kind of career you’re aiming for.
Take Malaysian YouTuber, actor, and singer Tomato Odd (@TomatoOdd) as an example. He’s carved out a unique identity online by creating content that ranges from personal vlogs and festive celebrations to major life moments and humorous skits.
So, does it prove degree is still needed in life ?
In today’s world, a degree is no longer the only way to success — and for many, it’s not even the best one. The reality are the skills, adaptability, and self-motivation often matter more than a certificate.
That doesn’t mean university is useless. For certain careers like medicine, law, or engineering, it’s still needed. But for others — especially in the digital economy experience, passion, and a strong personal brand can open just as many doors.
At the end of the day, the real question Malaysian youth are asking in 2025 isn’t “Should I get a degree?” It’s “What kind of life do I want to build — and what’s the smartest way to get there?”
And that’s a future worth thinking about.
Yue Leng Chong (yldkssyq@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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