‘ Mastering English key to my success’
> Berjaya founder attributes first ‘great break’ to command of language
PETALING JAYA: Learn and master English to get that extra advantage in life, said Berjaya Corporation Berhad founder and executive chairman Tan Sri Vincent Tan Chee Yioun.
In stressing that English is an international language, he said it had helped him climb the ladder in his career, despite not having any higher education.
“I came from a poor family, and I never had the education I wanted. I left school after Form Five, aged 17.
“Which is why having a good command of English is of utmost importance, even if you do not have a great education opportunity.
“I would not have achieved what I have achieved today if it had not been for English,” he said during the launch of the Ozanam Education Programme recently.
Tan recalled how he convinced those in the McDonald’s fast food franchise to expand to Malaysia. It would not have happened if he could not speak English, he said, adding that the move was his first “great break” in life.
The philanthropist said coming from a humble background, education had always been close to his heart, and one would not succeed without hard work and giving back to others.
He said regardless of faith, everyone should lend a hand to help those in need, saying that religion should not matter when helping out.
“From a very young age, although I was struggling, I would give in any way I can. I always tried to help. Over the years, that had given me a lot of blessings,” he said.
Ozanam Education Programme head Angela Francis said the programme, which provides free education to various marginalised communities, focuses on three subjects – English, Mathematics and basic computer literacy.
The programme, designed by charity group Yayasan Ozanam, has 10 centres nationwide catering to some 350 students, aged between four and 17.
Yayasan Ozanam is a registered charitable foundation incorporated by the National Society of St Vincent de Paul Malaysia in 1998.