LETTERS: A recent study showed that more than 70 per cent of Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia school leavers do not intend to further their studies.
This could be linked to financial constraints or the meagre salary they would get once they started working.
Their concerns are valid, but some choose not to pursue higher education for other reasons.
They, instead, attempt to gain their 15 minutes of fame on social media, thinking that they can monetise it for life.
Their obsession with social media is fascinating. Some look to gain fame on social media, even at the expense of their mental health and self-esteem.
There's so much more to life than social media. Fame will last only for so long.
Nobody is denying that money matters, but is it sustainable for youth to abandon higher education to work in entry-level jobs, joining the gig economy or doing labour work?
Youths must realise that they can be successful and do better in more than one thing in life.
They should strive for other rewards in life, apart from wealth and popularity.
Most importantly, they need to have self-esteem and know that they have the potential to achieve greater things.
MOHAMAD SYAFIQ YA SHAK
Universiti Teknologi Mara, Perak
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times
