When My Son Asked Me If I’m Rich
Last month, I was invited to speak at the 2025 JCI South Key Press Conference on “Activating Youth, Accelerating Johor.” It was a great platform to represent the corporate sector and share how we can build a stronger future through purpose-driven work.
But the real conversation began later that night, at home, when my son looked at me and asked, “Dad, are you rich?”
That simple question made me pause, and my answer surprised even me.
I told him, yes, I am wealthy. But not in the way the world usually defines it:
- I’m wealthy in health. I wake up pain-free, clear-minded, and grateful.
- I’m wealthy in relationships. I have friends who know the real me and still choose to walk beside me.
- I’m wealthy in family. You, your siblings, and your mum are why I lead, grow, and give my best.
- And I’m wealthy in purpose. I know what I am building. I know who I serve. And I know why I do it.
If "rich" only means money, you will spend your whole life chasing it and still feel poor. But when wealth includes purpose, love, and legacy, you live full, not just earn more.
At Stellar, Character Is the Currency
In today’s world, skills get you in the door. But character keeps you there. That’s why at Stellar Education Group, we built the STARS framework.
- Self-Awareness means knowing yourself before chasing applause.
- Teachability means growth belongs to those who keep learning.
- Attitude still matters more than skill when it comes to trust.
- Relationships are the edge that makes us human in an AI-driven world.
- Significance reminds us that success is what you achieve, but legacy is how you help others rise.
Even our Sports Day now focuses not just on winning medals, but on helping every child feel seen and supported. Because we believe you do not need to stand on a podium to know your worth.
What Science Says About Real Fulfilment
We live in a world of validation metrics likes, shares, certificates. But research tells us that what truly lasts is not dopamine from external rewards, but oxytocin from real connection.
The Harvard Study of Adult Development, which followed individuals for over 80 years, found that the single biggest predictor of lifelong well-being was not wealth or fame, but strong, meaningful relationships.
The opposite of wealth is not poverty, it is purposelessness.
Let’s Build Value That Outlives Us
The World Economic Forum reports that nearly half the global workforce will need reskilling by 2027. But the most in-demand skills are not just technical. They include emotional intelligence, resilience, and values-based leadership.
Here in Malaysia, a recent report from ET HRSEA indicates that 73% of Malaysian respondents fear job losses due to AI. And yet, those who engage in meaningful, purpose-driven projects like those led by JCI South Key often report a stronger sense of confidence, clarity, and future-readiness.
Platforms like the Greenpreneur Festival, JOM ESG Seminar, and The Last Straw Johor are not just about events. They are about people, and they prove that youth are not just participants. They are multipliers.
Three Questions to Reflect On
- Have you earned a certification not just for your résumé, but for your character?
- Would your team agree on your top three values and would they say you live them?
- Are you building something that will outlive you, or just outcompete others?
Because the richest people are not always the ones with the biggest accounts. They are the ones who build value that lasts.
Value first. Wealth follows.
Daniel Loh (daniel@stellar.edu.my) 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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