With every generation that passes, studies have shown that there is always a shift in mindset.
And the next one to step forward is Generation Z.
If you’re from this era, you probably can probably differentiate how your mindset differs from Millennials due to certain events happening that shape your experiences as well as the difference in upbringing due to the advancement of resources.
But when you’re put in today’s life scenarios, how do you respond? Would you say you’d do the same as those who came from the generations before you?
A series of videos following a common theme were uploaded online recently, and they highlight three inspiring stories that show us what our potential could be if we gave ourselves that chance. Inspiration aside, it also brings up a series of questions the younger generation should be truthfully asking themselves.
1) “Every problem requires a solution. What am I gonna do about it?”
The world isn’t perfect, it’s riddled with a lot of issues the bigger the human population grows. But as the generations get younger, there is a stronger urge in humanity to open up their eyes and solve the vast problems we have out there.
In the “Serving Hope short”, Kim, the CEO of PichaEats (previously known as The Picha Project), shared that after volunteering at a refugee learning centre with her three co-founders, they saw the problems experienced by refugees in Malaysia.
From carrying large amounts of debt to not being able to send their children to school, refugees struggle a lot. So Kim and her co-founders decided to start a sustainable business to help out.
They started an online business where refugees could cook their traditional dishes and customers could go on PichaEats’ website to make orders.
As of early 2019, PichaEats is now working with 15 refugee families and have provided 90,000 meals to date.
2) “People keep telling me age is a factor. How can I prove to them that my age doesn’t limit me?”
The younger generation tends to think that it’s crucial to learn important skills at a young age before it’s too late.
But as Pak Su showed in his short, “A Helping Hand”, it’s never the case.
Coming from a teaching background, Pak Su had no experience whatsoever in 3D printing. But with the help of the internet, he was able to pick up electronic engineering skills that led him to now using 3D printing to help disabled children.
Being self-taught, it’s impressive that he has now built over 50 prosthetic arms for children throughout Malaysia. He is now also collaborating with ADTEC Taiping in an effort to create better 3D-printed prosthetic arms.
3) “Passion and career can’t become one. How can I marry the two and make it work for me?”
Traditional folks will always believe passion and career should be separated, especially if you consider gaming as a hobby.
But for Kathireswaran Sugumaran (or known by his gaming alias InFamous9), he’s managed to convince his parents that his love for games can put food on the table.
In his short “Dreaming Big”, Kathires first believed that he would never be able to make a living by playing FIFA. But after giving it a try and seeing his potential, he decided to pursue it and joined the esports team, FrostFire.
Despite his parents initially being against his desire to pursue a career in esports, Kathires persevered and is now handled by a pro management and getting a stable income along the way.
Through this, he’s been able to pay his tuition fees and give money to his parents
He is currently the reigning Malaysia Cyber Games FIFA champion and is aiming to bring back his first international title to Malaysia.
4) “Money is the only way to help others. What can I do to not be limited by my wallet?”
Of course money is always a beneficial resource, but it’s not the only thing that matters.
Pak Su himself mentioned that he doesn’t do his 3D-printed arms for money or expecting any returns. As a teacher, he’s always had a soft spot for children so just knowing that he’s able to help them a little in living their lives is enough for him.
He believes that resources can come from others who share the same vision and are able to spare their extra funds.
To the younger generation, you should know that where you may lack in funds, you can provide in skills or talent instead.
5) “Successful ideas are ones that follow trends. How can I stand out from the crowd?”
As the saying goes, trends come and go, but good sustainable ideas are here to stay. It doesn’t mean that just because your idea may not fit the definition of what a “sexy” concept is, it won’t be successful.
When PichaEats first decided to with refugees, it was a little hard to gain attention because the topic is not talked about largely.
Kim shared that instead of focusing on just refugees, she believed that food is the key because it can tell stories. The refugees are able to share their own tales and cultural background from the dishes they cook. This is what draws customers to their service.
6) “It’s hard to rely on others. Who should I trust and lean on for the right kind of advice?”
A study has shown that 71% of generation Z believe the phrase “If you want it done right, then do it yourself.”
Most of the younger generation prefer working solo, but at times, it can be difficult. When he lost a match during the Golden Goal, Kathires admitted to feeling really down.
Luckily for him, as with any other football team, he had a sports psychologist who helped remind him that he has a way of not losing himself when faced with hurdles.
He learned to rely a lot on his sports psychologist, and used the encouragement received to better himself. Sometimes we all just need a nudge from someone to put us back on track and make sure we do our best.
-//-
The message behind these stories is clear: if there is a will, there is a way.
Life has now blessed us with so many resources that are easily accessible (thanks to the internet), so the younger generation can really learn a lot and push their limits further.
With technology at its advanced stage now, Maxis’ Fibrenation Stories campaign brings up a good point. The internet can really bring up thousands of possibilities, and we as the younger generation that will be stepping into the workforce and becoming the new leaders can start taking advantage of this more.
If you’d like to see the full stories behind these three chosen ones, we’ve attached the short videos from Maxis here:
- For more information on Maxis Fibrenation, you can click on their official website here.
This article was written in collaboration with Maxis.
